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

A typical interval normally lasts 3 to 7 days. It might not seem to be a very long time. However while you get down, it’s possible you’ll expertise ache, particularly within the stomach. No surprise why many ladies don’t wait for his or her interval to recover from and search for treatments to get reduction from menstrual cramps. Utilizing a heating pad or consuming a scorching cup of tea are a few of the common methods to handle the ache. Licorice root for menstruation is another choice. Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a herb recognized 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 in periods. “They’re brought on by uterine contractions because the physique expels the uterine lining when a lady menstruates,” says obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Chetna Jain. It’s estimated that greater than 50 p.c of girls who’re menstruating throughout the globe expertise interval cramps, in response to a 2024 analysis printed within the Journal of Endometriosis and Uterine Issues. “Ladies expertise throbbing or cramping ache within the decrease stomach that tends to radiate to the decrease again or thighs,” says the professional. Some girls may additionally 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 may very well be a more sensible choice than Ibuprofen within the therapy of interval cramps. Right here’s how licorice root for menstruation may fit:

1. Reduces irritation

Licorice comprises 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 scale back the severity of cramps,” says the professional.

2. Relaxes uterine muscle tissues

Licorice root for menstruation can work because of its antispasmodic properties. They can assist calm down your muscle tissues, together with these of your uterus. “This will alleviate the ache brought on by intense contractions throughout menstruation,” says the professional.

3. Balances hormones

Licorice has parts similar to flavonoids, chalcones, and isoflavonoids. These parts have estrogen-like exercise, in response to analysis printed within the Vitamin Journal in 2022. This helps regulate hormonal fluctuations that may exacerbate interval ache, notably in girls with irregular durations or hormonal imbalances.

4. Reduces stress

“Licorice acts as an adaptogen, so it might probably help the adrenal glands and scale back stress,” says the professional. A big affiliation was discovered between stress and interval cramps throughout a 2004 research printed within the Occupational And Environmental Medication journal. “Stress can amplify menstrual cramps, so licorice’s calming impact could not directly scale back interval ache,” says Dr Jain.

use licorice root for menstruation?

You should utilize licorice root for menstruation in varied 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 each day throughout your interval for reduction,” suggests the professional.

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 look ahead to 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. Observe the dosage really useful on the product label or test with a physician earlier than utilizing licorice root for menstruation. “Usually, 1 to 2 capsules each day throughout menstruation are really useful,” says the professional.

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 each day for mixed anti-inflammatory and digestive advantages,” says the professional.

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

Individuals wish to have licorice even when they don’t seem to be down. Heavy consumption of licorice root throughout being pregnant could result in untimely delivery, in response to the US Nationwide Middle for Complementary and Integrative Well being.

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

• Hypertension and low potassium ranges because of glycyrrhizin.
• Swelling brought on by water retention.
• Might disrupt hormone ranges with long-term use.
• Licorice can intrude with diuretics, corticosteroids, or blood strain medicines.

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