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

A typical interval often lasts 3 to 7 days. It might not appear to be a very long time. However once you get down, you might 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 consuming a sizzling cup of tea are among the well-liked methods to handle the ache. Licorice root for menstruation is an alternative 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 referred to as dysmenorrhea, are ache or discomfort felt within the decrease stomach that happens earlier than or in periods. “They’re attributable to 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 ladies who’re menstruating throughout the globe expertise interval cramps, in response to a 2024 analysis revealed 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 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 revealed within the Iranian Journal Of Pharmaceutical Analysis confirmed that licorice root might be a better option than Ibuprofen within the therapy of interval cramps. Right here’s how licorice root for menstruation may fit:

1. Reduces irritation

Licorice accommodates 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 attributable to its antispasmodic properties. They can assist loosen up your muscle tissues, together with these of your uterus. “This could alleviate the ache attributable to intense contractions throughout menstruation,” says the professional.

3. Balances hormones

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

4. Reduces stress

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

How one can use licorice root for menstruation?

You should use licorice root for menstruation in numerous types:

1. Licorice root tea

Elements:

• 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 reduction,” suggests the professional.

2. Licorice powder combination

Elements:

• 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 offered in capsule or pill type at medical shops. Observe the dosage advisable on the product label or verify with a health care provider earlier than utilizing licorice root for menstruation. “Usually, 1 to 2 capsules day by day throughout menstruation are advisable,” 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

Elements:

• 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 professional.

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

Individuals wish to have licorice even when they aren’t down. Heavy consumption of licorice root throughout being pregnant might result in untimely beginning, in response to 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 attributable to glycyrrhizin.
• Swelling attributable to 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 finest 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.