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

A typical interval often lasts 3 to 7 days. It might not look like a very long time. However once you get down, you could 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 aid from menstrual cramps. Utilizing a heating pad or consuming a sizzling cup of tea are a few of the well-liked methods to handle the ache. Licorice root for menstruation is an alternative 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, often known as 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 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, in accordance with a 2024 analysis printed within the Journal of Endometriosis and Uterine Problems. “Girls 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 may help alleviate menstrual cramps,” says Dr Jain. A 2019 examine printed within the Iranian Journal Of Pharmaceutical Analysis confirmed that licorice root might be a more sensible choice than Ibuprofen within the therapy of interval cramps. Right here’s how licorice root for menstruation may go:

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 reducing prostaglandin ranges, licorice may help cut back the severity of cramps,” says the skilled.

2. Relaxes uterine muscle groups

Licorice root for menstruation can work because of its antispasmodic properties. They may help chill out your muscle groups, together with these of your uterus. “This could alleviate the ache brought on by intense contractions throughout menstruation,” says the skilled.

3. Balances hormones

Licorice has elements similar to flavonoids, chalcones, and isoflavonoids. These elements have estrogen-like exercise, in accordance with 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 actually help the adrenal glands and cut back stress,” says the skilled. A major affiliation was discovered between stress and interval cramps throughout a 2004 examine printed within the Occupational And Environmental Drugs journal. “Stress can amplify menstrual cramps, so licorice’s calming impact might not directly cut back interval ache,” says Dr Jain.

Methods to 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 day by day throughout your interval for aid,” 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 out there in capsule or pill kind at medical shops. Observe the dosage really helpful on the product label or verify with a physician earlier than utilizing licorice root for menstruation. “Sometimes, 1 to 2 capsules day by day throughout menstruation are really helpful,” 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 day by day for mixed anti-inflammatory and digestive advantages,” says the skilled.

What are the unwanted 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 might result in untimely start, in accordance with the US Nationwide Heart for Complementary and Integrative Well being.

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

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

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