Natural Cramp Relief

by Leslie Aronson — July 20, 2008

Many of us suffer from cramps every month, and though we often just pop some kind of anti-inflammatory and soldier on, there are alternatives to consider, especially if you don't like the idea of putting potentially harmful chemicals in your body for several days every month. Tradition remedies, such as gingerroot and the appropriately named cramp bark, can be effective in relieving this monthly pain. You should keep in mind, however, that herbal remedies don't act as instantaneously as conventional medicine, and it may take a few months for the full effects to be satisfactorily noticed:

• Tea: Add 5-6 TBsp fresh or dried ginger to 1 quart water; cover and simmer for 10 minutes. Add honey and lemon to flavor. Sip hot throughout the day.
• Tincture: Mix 1 oz. each of black cohosh, cramp bark, wild yam, and ginger. Take 1 tsp in a small amount of warm water as needed.
• Poultice: In a small bowl, add enough boiling water to 7 TBsp of dried ginger powder to make a thick paste. Spread the paste on a cotton dish towel and fold in half; this is your poultice. Place it directly over the pelvis; if it's too hot, put another towel underneath. Place a hot water bottle over the poultice for 20 to 30 minutes. Take deep rhythmic breaths, releasing tension to exhale.

(The above remedies are from Body + Soul .)