If you’re suffering from painful periods or PMS, there are herbs that can help. But before you start using them, make sure you’re doing the right things.
For example, maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and reducing stress are good ways to reduce the symptoms associated with menstrual cramps and PMS.
Ajwain
Ajwain, also known as bishop's weed or carom seeds, is an important ingredient in Indian cuisine. It is a common spice that enhances flavor and promotes healthy digestion.
It is also used to help with respiratory issues like asthma and bronchitis. Ajwain can be mixed with jaggery to prepare a drink that soothes nasal blockage and relieves coughing and wheezing.
This herbal supplement is rich in nutrients and vitamins, including iron, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc. It is also an excellent source of fiber and protein.
Ajwain has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties that are useful for reducing pain and swelling. Its thymol compound also helps in promoting weight loss by speeding up metabolism. It is also helpful in lowering triglycerides and cholesterol levels.
Methi
Methi (Fenugreek) seeds and leaves are an incredibly versatile herb that adds a nutty, maple-like flavor to sauces, stews, curries, vegetables, lentil dishes, and soups. It is most commonly used in Indian cooking, but it's also popular in Middle Eastern and North African cuisine.
Fenugreek is known to improve estrogen levels in women, which can help alleviate menstrual cramps and PMS. Take 2 teaspoons of fenugreek seed powder two to three times per day for at least 3 days before your period.
It has also been found to reduce the risk of blood clots. If you have a history of blood clotting disorders, talk to your doctor before taking this herb.
Methi has also been shown to be effective in managing diabetes as a result of its ability to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce glucose levels. However, human trials are still needed to confirm its effectiveness in this regard.
Chamomile
Chamomile is a herb used to manage menstrual symptoms and promote menstrual health. It can help relieve pain and bloating during the menstrual cycle, and reduce anxiety.
It is also an antispasmodic, meaning it relaxes tense muscles. It is a natural alternative to NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen, and has been shown to be more effective than ibuprofen at reducing the severity of pain during the menstrual cycle.
In addition, chamomile can help promote a healthy menstrual cycle by easing symptoms of PMS. Studies show that it may work by inhibiting the action of the Cyclooxygenase enzyme, which produces prostaglandins and leukotrienes.
In a clinical trial, chamomile was found to be just as effective as mefenamic acid (a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) at reducing menstrual cramps. Chamomile's flavonoids are said to modulate neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which can help ease the pain associated with PMS.
Peppermint
Peppermint oil is a powerful natural pain reliever and anti-spasmodic that also has anti-inflammatory properties. It also helps to clear congestion, calm headaches and promote menstrual health by promoting relaxation.
You can use a few drops of peppermint oil on a cool washcloth or apply it to the temples, chest and back of the neck. It can help soothe stomach aches, as well as alleviate nausea in people who are pregnant or have undergone chemotherapy treatment.
However, do not take it or drink peppermint tea if you have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), hiatal hernia or other conditions that cause indigestion and heartburn.
Peppermint tea can also act as a mild diuretic and improve the flow of bile in your stomach. It can reduce the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, and ease constipation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which plant has antibiotic and wound-healing properties?
People often ask about plants that have medicinal uses. Some of these include aloe vera, eucalyptus, chamomile, and lavender. If you're wondering why there aren't any plants used for cleaning and disinfecting purposes, it's because most plants have toxic qualities.
The reason why we use herbs for medicine is that they contain compounds that stimulate our immune system. This means that they help us fight infections and heal wounds.
Some plants also have anti-inflammatory properties. These include ginger, turmeric, and mint.
Herbs such as basil, fennel, marigold, and oregano are great for cleansing the body.
There are even some plants that help prevent cancer. Research shows that black raspberries may reduce the chances of developing breast cancer. The same goes for broccoli. It can help prevent colon cancer.
Should You Use Herbs and Spices for Brain Health?
Herbs and spices have been used for centuries to improve brain health. Research shows that these natural remedies may help prevent dementia and Alzheimer's. Some herbs may even boost memory.
However, no scientific evidence proves that eating an herb-rich diet can keep your mind sharp. When it comes to improving cognitive function, there are more effective ways to do it.
One study found that older adults who took 1000 mg of vitamin B6 daily had fewer mental lapses than those taking placebo pills. Another study showed that drinking coffee could increase blood flow to the brain. Other studies suggest that exercise, socialization, and sleep improve brain health.
The bottom line is that herbs and spices probably won't make much difference to your overall health. But they might give you extra energy and focus, which can come in handy during the day.
What are the side effects of basil?
Basil is an herb that originated in tropical regions of India, Africa, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina, and Chile.
The plant is easy to grow in most climates and requires little maintenance. Basil also thrives in poor soil conditions and is very drought tolerant.
As for the health benefits, more than 200 known compounds are found in basil, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, lignans, polysaccharides, essential oils, vitamins, and minerals.
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, basil contains powerful anti-inflammatory properties which may help relieve symptoms associated with arthritis, asthma, allergies, bronchitis, cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, digestive disorders, depression, eczema, insomnia, infections, migraines, osteoporosis, psoriasis, respiratory problems, stress, and ulcers.
Basil is also a culinary spice and is often added to tomato sauces, soups, salads, pasta dishes, rice dishes, dips, casseroles, pizza toppings, pesto, chicken wings, and popcorn.
However, like all herbs, basil should be consumed in moderation. Too much of anything is not good for you. For example, eating large amounts of basil could lead to stomach upset. And if you have sensitive tummies, avoid consuming basil during pregnancy.
If you are pregnant or nursing, consult your doctor before taking herbal supplements.
You should only take one type of supplement at a time. If you take other medications, make sure they do not interact with each other.
You should never use herbs while on medication unless directed by your doctor.
Some people experience allergic reactions when using herbs, especially those allergic to ragweed. Symptoms include hives, swelling around the mouth or eyes, shortness of breath, chest tightness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, dizziness, fainting, heart palpitations, blurred vision, loss of consciousness, seizures, or even death.
Some people who take certain medications may develop an allergy to basil. These drugs include:
- Antacids (like Alka Seltzer)
- Anti-anxiety medicines (Valium, Xanax, Ativan, etc.)
- Beta-blockers (like Propranolol)
- Blood thinners (like Coumadin)
- Calcium channel blockers (like Amlodipine)
- Cholesterol-lowering drugs (like Lipitor, Zocor, Mevacor, and Pravachol)
- Diabetes medicine (like Glucophage)
- Diuretics (like Lasix)
- Heartburn medicines (like Prilosec OTC)
- Hormone therapy (like Premarin, Tamoxifen, Femara)
- Insulin (like Humalog, Lantus, Novolin R)
- NSAIDs (like Aleve, Motrin, Advil, Excedrin, Tylenol, Ibuprofen)
- Oral contraceptives (like Ortho Evra, Yasmin, Loestrin, Ovrette, Yaz, and Seasonale)
- Pain relievers (like Aspirin, Celebrex, Vicodin, Percodan, Darvocet, Dilaudid, Fiorinal, Tylenol 3s, Naproxen, Motrin, Tramadol, Ultram, Voltaren
What herb is best for healing?
Herbs are a fantastic way to help heal our bodies. Herbal medicine has been used since ancient times and continues to grow today. There are thousands of herbs known to cure various ailments.
Some herbs are excellent for treating colds and flu, while others can treat anxiety, depression, arthritis, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and more.
There are also herbal remedies for skin care, hair loss, weight loss, sexual health, energy, sleep, digestion, and much more.
The list goes on and on. But one herb stands above them all regarding its ability to heal. That herb is called aloe vera.
Aloe Vera is considered to be the world's most powerful healer. For centuries it has helped people heal themselves naturally without any side effects.
It's incredible how well aloe vera works. It's even better than prescription drugs and surgery.
In addition to its natural healing properties, aloe vera is highly versatile and can be used in almost any area of life, including food, beauty products, and household cleaning supplies.
You may not realize this, but aloe vera contains hundreds of active compounds, which include vitamins A, C, E, B1, B2, B3, B6, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, sulfur, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, chloride, fluoride, iodine, selenium and more.
These nutrients are essential for human body functions such as cell growth, metabolism, immune system support, healthy bones and teeth, healthy blood pressure levels, healthy eyesight, healthy cardiovascular systems, healthy digestive systems, healthy lungs, healthy nervous system, healthy reproductive organs, healthy skin, and healthy libido.
Statistics
- For those with high cholesterol, garlic supplementation appears to reduce total and/or LDL cholesterol by about 10-15% (72Trusted Source73Trusted (healthline.com)
- The herbs market is highly competitive, with over 1,000 herb suppliers and over 15,000 herbs products available in the United States alone.
External Links
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- Antioxidant capacity of 26 spice extracts and characterization of their phenolic constituents - PubMed
- Cinnamon: A Multifaceted Medicinal Plant - PMC
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How To
What to look for in herbs?
Herbs contain natural compounds that may help treat various conditions. In addition, herbal remedies may provide relief when used along with conventional treatments.
Herbal remedies include teas, capsules, tablets, ointments, creams, lotions, oils, and topical applications. Some of these products are meant to be taken internally, while others are applied externally.
The most common uses of herbal remedies include relieving minor aches and pains, treating cold symptoms, reducing fever, controlling coughs and sore throats, easing digestion problems, soothing skin irritations, alleviating menstrual cramps, and providing general health benefits.
When buying herbs, look for the following:
- Freshly picked plants. Avoid dried herbs unless they've been stored in a cool place. If possible, buy herbs directly from farmers' markets.
- Pure extracts. These are made by extracting the active ingredients from herbs using alcohol or water. Look for 100% pure extractions.
- Certified organic herbs. Organic herbs must meet strict standards set forth by the USDA.
- Natural flavors. Many herbs have strong scents that can overwhelm other foods. Adding flavorings such as vanilla, almond, or orange helps mask their smell.
- Potency. The amount of active ingredient per unit weight varies depending on the type of herb.
- Packaging. When purchasing herbs, check the packaging to ensure that it's clean and free of chemicals.
Resources:
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