A-Z menstrual relief Articles

Scientifically known as Centaurea benedicta, Blessed thistle or St. Benedict's thistle, is a plant in the Asteraceae family, native to the Mediterranean region, from Portugal north to southern France and east to Iran.

Medicinal Uses For Blessed Thistle

Blessed thistle contains chemicals called tannins, which might help with diarrhea, cough, and swelling. People use this herb for indigestion, infections, wounds, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Increase Milk Supply For Nursing Mothers

This herb is primarily used to increase the milk supply of nursing mothers. It is believed to do this by acting on the brain to stimulate the release of prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk production.

Soothe Indigestion

It also acts as a digestive bitter. Blessed thistle is a bitter herb, which, when chewed, increases saliva which can then also cause the release of digestive juices in your stomach which support proper digestion of your meals. Therefore it is used for stimulating the appetite and soothing indigestion.

Blessed Thistle Supplement Varieties

Most of these supplements are made as encapsulated dried herb, a tincture of the same plant parts or loose dried herb. In order to help with digestion, bitter herbs must be tasted, like when you take in a tincture or tea. Encapsulated herbs are swallowed, thus bypassing the taste buds, and will not stimulate digestion.

Cautions & Considerations

This supplement should be used according to labelling dosage and directions. Since Blessed thistle belongs to the ragweed plant family, it should not be used by anyone who is allergic to ragweed.

Crampbark is a well-known quick and effective treatment for menstrual cramping, but did you know you can use it for all different kinds of cramping? It is a muscle relaxant that can also be used for intestinal cramping, leg muscle cramping and urinary tract cramping. It is a good idea to keep this versatile herb on hand in your medicine cabinet to treat symptomatic cramping.

Exploring The History & Roots of Crampbark

Viburnum opulus, more commonly known as crampbark, is an ornamental shrub with medicinal properties. Just as its name implies, the bark of this plant is used to treat all sorts of cramps. 

Key Medicinal Properties Found in Crampbark

This herb is a uterine antispasmodic herb that relaxes the muscular part of the uterus. The bark and root bark contain the active components scopoletin and viopudial, which work to relax smooth muscle. These active components have a strong relaxing effect on uterine smooth muscle but also have a relaxing effect on smooth muscle throughout the body including the intestines, and the small airways in the lungs, kidneys and bladder.

Top Health Benefits of Crampbark

Crampbark has a long history of use for menstrual cramps and usually works very quickly. It is a uterine antispasmodic that is not only great for menstrual cramping, it also has been used to halt contractions during premature labour, as well as build up uterine muscle during the last trimester of pregnancy to prepare for easier labour. However, it is important to first consult with an experienced herbalist or naturopathic doctor before using crampbark during pregnancy.

Since crampbark is a muscle relaxant, it can also be used for intestinal cramping and muscle cramps anywhere in the body including leg cramps and a stiff neck. Crampbark relaxes smooth muscle and has been used to treat the spasmodic nature of asthma and colic. It is also effective as a kidney stimulant for urinary conditions that cause pain and spasms.

Tips For Taking Crampbark Supplements

Crampbark is typically available in tincture (liquid) form, which is the most effective and bioavailable. For menstrual cramps, take 30-60 drops every hour until cramping subsides, and then take 30-60 drops every 2-3 hours. 

Reduce the dosage as symptoms decrease. It’s best to start taking crampbark 1-2 days before menstrual cramping starts but can be taken only as needed. There is no need to take this herb throughout the menstrual cycle, only use it when cramping occurs.

For other types of cramping in adults, take 30-60 drops every 2-3 hours and reduce the dosage as cramping subsides.