Reproductive

Menstrual Discomfort

Period pain, cramps and related discomfort. See a doctor for severe pain, very heavy bleeding, bleeding between periods, or any bleeding after menopause.

Many herbs affect hormones, and several aren't safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding or with hormone-sensitive cancers. These herbs are listed because of traditional use or research, not because they're proven treatments. Check with your doctor, midwife or pharmacist before using them, especially if you're pregnant, trying to conceive or taking hormonal medicines.

16 herbs

Each note says whether the link comes from traditional use or research, and what the research found.

Alstonia BooneiAlstonia boonei
A bark decoction is traditionally taken for period pain. Not studied in people.
AshokSaraca asoca
Used in Ayurveda for heavy periods; an open study of an Ashoka-based syrup reduced bleeding and period pain.
Black CohoshActaea racemosa
Traditionally used by Native Americans for menstrual cramps.
Caulis SpatholobusSpatholobus suberectus
Traditionally used to regulate menstruation and for other women's health problems. Not tested on its own in trials.
Devil's HorsewhipAchyranthes aspera
Traditionally used for menstrual problems in India. This use hasn't been tested in people.
Dong QuaiAngelica sinensis
A traditional Chinese remedy for period pain. Some research supports it, but formal trials are limited.
John CharlesHyptis verticillata
Traditionally used for women's health problems; lab studies suggest it affects hormones. Not tested in clinical trials.
Leaf of LifeBryophyllum pinnatum
In a small case series, 5 women with painful periods reported less pain. There are no clinical trials yet.
ManjisthaRubia cordifolia
Traditionally used for menstrual pain in India and Korea, and in Chinese formulas for painful periods. Not tested on its own in people.
MugwortArtemisia vulgaris
Traditionally used since ancient times for menstrual complaints. Avoid in pregnancy.
Raspberry LeafRubus idaeus
Recognized in Europe as a traditional remedy for minor cramps during periods.
Red Peony RootPaeonia lactiflora
A traditional Chinese herb for period pain. Not tested on its own in trials.
Shame O' LadyMimosa pudica
TRAMIL recommends it as a tea for period cramps, based on traditional use and research. See a doctor first to rule out other causes.
TurmericCurcuma longa
A 2025 review found curcumin reduced period pain in several trials; more research is needed.
YarrowAchillea millefolium
Recognised in Europe as a traditional remedy for minor period cramps.
Yerba MansaAnemopsis californica
The Costanoan used a root decoction for menstrual cramps. Not studied in people.