Using licorice root for menstruation will give you relief from period cramps

A typical interval often lasts 3 to 7 days. It could not look like a very long time. However once you get down, you could expertise ache, particularly within the stomach. No marvel why many ladies don’t wait for his or her interval to recover from and search for cures to get reduction from menstrual cramps. Utilizing a heating pad or ingesting a sizzling cup of tea are a number of the common methods to handle the ache. Licorice root for menstruation is another choice. Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a herb identified for its anti-inflammatory properties. It may be utilized in other ways for interval ache.

What are menstrual cramps?

Menstrual cramps, also called dysmenorrhea, are ache or discomfort felt within the decrease stomach that happens earlier than or during times. “They’re brought on by uterine contractions because the physique expels the uterine lining when a girl menstruates,” says obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Chetna Jain. It’s estimated that greater than 50 % of girls who’re menstruating throughout the globe expertise interval cramps, based on a 2024 analysis printed within the Journal of Endometriosis and Uterine Problems. “Ladies expertise throbbing or cramping ache within the decrease stomach that tends to radiate to the decrease again or thighs,” says the skilled. Some ladies may really feel very drained or have complications whereas they’re down.

Licorice root for menstruation: Know the way it helps to alleviate interval ache

“Licorice has anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and hormone-balancing properties, which can assist alleviate menstrual cramps,” says Dr Jain. A 2019 research printed within the Iranian Journal Of Pharmaceutical Analysis confirmed that licorice root could possibly be a better option than Ibuprofen within the remedy of interval cramps. Right here’s how licorice root for menstruation may go:

1. Reduces irritation

Licorice incorporates glycyrrhizin, a compound that inhibits the manufacturing of prostaglandins, that are hormone-like substances that trigger irritation and uterine contractions. “By decreasing prostaglandin ranges, licorice can assist cut back the severity of cramps,” says the skilled.

2. Relaxes uterine muscle tissue

Licorice root for menstruation can work resulting from its antispasmodic properties. They can assist loosen up your muscle tissue, together with these of your uterus. “This will alleviate the ache brought on by intense contractions throughout menstruation,” says the skilled.

3. Balances hormones

Licorice has elements comparable to flavonoids, chalcones, and isoflavonoids. These elements have estrogen-like exercise, based on analysis printed within the Vitamin Journal in 2022. This helps regulate hormonal fluctuations that may exacerbate interval ache, significantly in ladies with irregular intervals or hormonal imbalances.

4. Reduces stress

“Licorice acts as an adaptogen, so it could possibly assist the adrenal glands and cut back stress,” says the skilled. A major affiliation was discovered between stress and interval cramps throughout a 2004 research printed within the Occupational And Environmental Drugs journal. “Stress can amplify menstrual cramps, so licorice’s calming impact could not directly cut back interval ache,” says Dr Jain.

How you can use licorice root for menstruation?

You should use licorice root for menstruation in numerous types:

1. Licorice root tea

Substances:

• 1 teaspoon of dried licorice root
• 1 cup of water

Directions:

• Boil water, and add the dried licorice root to it.
• Let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
• Pressure and drink heat.

“Eat 1 to 2 cups of this tea every day throughout your interval for reduction,” suggests the skilled.

2. Licorice powder combination

Substances:

• ½ teaspoon of licorice powder
• 1 teaspoon of honey
• 1 glass of heat water

Directions:

• Combine licorice powder with honey in a glass of heat water and watch for it to get dissolved.
• Drink the combination within the morning or night.

3. Licorice capsules or dietary supplements

Licorice is on the market in capsule or pill kind at medical shops. Comply with the dosage really useful on the product label or test with a physician earlier than utilizing licorice root for menstruation. “Sometimes, 1 to 2 capsules every day throughout menstruation are really useful,” says the skilled.

4. Topical licorice cream

• Use licorice-infused lotions or balms in your decrease stomach.
• Therapeutic massage gently to alleviate cramping ache.

5. Licorice and ginger mix

Substances:

• 1 teaspoon of dried licorice root
• ½ teaspoon of grated ginger
• 1 cup of water

Directions:

• Boil water, add licorice root and ginger to it.
• Simmer for five to 7 minutes, then pressure and drink.

“Eat 1 to 2 cups of this mix every day for mixed anti-inflammatory and digestive advantages,” says the skilled.

What are the unwanted side effects of utilizing licorice root for menstruation?

Individuals prefer to have licorice even when they aren’t down. Heavy consumption of licorice root throughout being pregnant could result in untimely delivery, based on the US Nationwide Heart for Complementary and Integrative Well being.

Utilizing licorice root for menstruation also can trigger unwanted side effects, particularly with extended use or in excessive doses.

• Hypertension and low potassium ranges resulting from glycyrrhizin.
• Swelling brought on by water retention.
• Could disrupt hormone ranges with long-term use.
• Licorice can intervene with diuretics, corticosteroids, or blood strain medicines.

Licorice root for menstruation works greatest when paired with different supportive measures. You possibly can go for warmth remedy, mild train, and hydration, to handle interval cramps other than counting on licorice root.