Herbal Remedies by Symptom

Menstrual cramps - Medicinal Plants & Herbal Remedies

The Omnia Sana plant database documents 35 medicinal plants traditionally used for menstrual cramps. Each is rated by strength of evidence and linked to its full monograph and cited scientific sources.

Also known as: period pain, dysmenorrhea, dysmenorrhoea, cramps, menstrual complaint.

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FennelFoeniculum vulgare
Strong evidence

Relieves primary dysmenorrhoea (menstrual) pain - meta-analyses of RCTs find fennel reduces pain intensity versus placebo, comparable to mefenamic acid

GingerZingiber officinale
Good evidence

inferred from antispasmodic action

ChamomileMatricaria chamomilla
Good evidence

inferred from antispasmodic action

ButterburPetasites hybridus
Preliminary evidence

inferred from antispasmodic action

Cramp BarkViburnum opulus
Preliminary evidence

Antispasmodic for menstrual cramps (relaxes uterine smooth muscle)

Raspberry LeafRubus idaeus
Preliminary evidence

Astringent for menstrual cramps (traditional)

CorianderCoriandrum sativum
Preliminary evidence

inferred from antispasmodic action

CuminCuminum cyminum
Preliminary evidence

inferred from antispasmodic action

FigwortScrophularia nodosa
Preliminary evidence

inferred from antispasmodic action

Greater CelandineChelidonium majus
Preliminary evidence

inferred from antispasmodic action

Ivy LeafHedera helix
Preliminary evidence

inferred from antispasmodic action

LavenderLavandula angustifolia
Preliminary evidence

inferred from antispasmodic action

Lemon balmMelissa officinalis
Preliminary evidence

inferred from antispasmodic action

Licorice rootGlycyrrhiza glabra
Preliminary evidence

inferred from antispasmodic action

MarjoramOriganum majorana
Preliminary evidence

inferred from antispasmodic action

MeadowsweetFilipendula ulmaria
Preliminary evidence

inferred from antispasmodic action

Midland HawthornCrataegus laevigata
Preliminary evidence

inferred from antispasmodic action

PeppermintMentha × piperita
Preliminary evidence

inferred from antispasmodic action

RosemarySalvia rosmarinus
Preliminary evidence

inferred from antispasmodic action

Shepherd's PurseCapsella bursa-pastoris
Preliminary evidence

Tones the uterus and eases menstrual flow and cramps (traditional)

TansyTanacetum vulgare
Preliminary evidence

inferred from antispasmodic action

ThymeThymus vulgaris
Preliminary evidence

inferred from antispasmodic action

White cloverTrifolium repens
Preliminary evidence

inferred from antispasmodic action

Wild Cherry BarkPrunus serotina
Preliminary evidence

inferred from antispasmodic action

Wood BetonyStachys officinalis
Preliminary evidence

inferred from antispasmodic action

WormwoodArtemisia absinthium
Preliminary evidence

inferred from antispasmodic action

Educational information compiled from the Omnia Sana plant database. Not medical advice - always consult a qualified practitioner before using medicinal plants.