Home remedies for menstrual cramps - the top all natural approaches that have been proven to work!

The bottom line is, if you're a woman, you experience menstrual cramps some time in your life. They can be uncomfortable, frustrating, and sometimes very very painful! And yes, there are over the counter medications, as well as some prescription medications that can be effective in treating menstrual cramps and other types of muscle spasms, however, there are the typical side effects associated with most western style pharmacuticals. In some cases, the side effects can become extreme, to the tune of internal bleeding and damaged livers. Also, many places in the world do not have regular access to manufactured medications. So what, if any, home remedies for menstrual cramps exist? And what's the proof that they do what they are supposed to? And finally, what, if any, dangers are there in taking these natural treatments?

We did the research, and found there are several with proof that they work... of all the ones we looked at, we found 3 that are exceptional in their ability to stop pain and cramps in their tracks. Here they are:

#3 - Raspberries for menstrual cramps:
Well...almost. The raspberry plant has an extrordinary leaf that contains a component, OPC, that has been tested and proven to relieve menstrual cramps. In one study, a group of women took two doses of 100mg each of the compound OPC, and 50% - 66% found relief from cramps and PMS symptoms. If the dose was spread up over 4 times a day, then up to 80% found relief. Now, this study was done with pure OPC supplements, however, a fresh raspberry leaf tea will probably work in a similar manner. Just make sure the raspberry leaves are not processed...but in as close to their original, natural state as possible. No instant teas!

#2 - Ginger for menstrual cramps:
The number 2 on our list is ginger. Ginger has long been used as a spice in foods, and the jury is in...this herb is proven to help reduce menstrual cramps! A study was conducted on 150 women, and published in "The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine" that found 250mg of a ginger rhizome powder capsule is just as effective at easing menstrual cramps as 250 mg of mefenamic acid, or 400 mg of ibuprofen. This study was conducted over 6 months, and the ginger was just as good as the others, however, side effects were less than the other 2 forms of medication.

#1 - Black Haw for menstrual cramps:
Topping out the list at number 1... Black Haw. This is an ancient herb that much of Germany, as well as other nations, use as their PRIMARY medication for menstrual cramp relief. In fact, according to an article at MotherNature.com, black haw contains 4 natural compounds that work to relieve cramping and related pains. The british journal "Nature" found black haw contains scopoletin, which has been proven to relax uterine muscles. Furthermore, it contains salicin, which is an all natural form of aspirin, but without the intestinal irratation issues. However, caution should be used, because black haw should NOT be used by anyone pregnant, because the salicin can still cause a terrible birth defect known as Reyes Syndrome. However, Black Haw is proven to contain at least 2 compounds that work to stop menstrual cramps, and should be considered a top possible candidate for home remedies for menstrual cramps.

Be particularly sure to consult a doctor before using any of these herbs. This information is for educational purposes only, and not to be taken without professional consultation. Harmful side effect are possible.