Herbal Remedies for Heavy Periods
Many women suffer from heavier than normal menstrual periods, also known as menorrhagia. Menorrhagia can be very uncomfortable and affect daily activities while it is occurring. If you feel like you are constantly changing your sanitary napkins or tampons and experiencing leakages even with heavy protection, you may be suffering from menorrhagia. There are a variety of herbal remedies for heavy periods that you might want to try. Before taking any herbs or supplements, however, ask your doctor first.
One thing you’re going to need is an iron supplement. You may experience an iron deficiency because of your excessive bleeding. While menstruating, you may want to take a Vitamin A supplement to help compensate for the extra blood loss. Vitamins like C and E might also be beneficial to boost vitality and encourage better health. Even other vitamins like B Vitamins and zinc may benefit women with heavier than normal periods. Your best bet might be to take a multivitamin or even a prenatal vitamin to ensure you’re getting the proper balance of nutrients. Many multivitamins can cause mild stomach discomfort, so be sure to take vitamins with food.
There are a variety of herbs that are often used to treat menorrhagia as well. Black horehound is a traditional herbal remedy for heavy periods. Cinnamon and shepherd’s purse are two more herbs that can be used for the purposes of menstrual discomfort and heavy bleeding. Astringent herbs like witch hazel, oak, cranesbill and periwinkle are thought to reduce various types of discharge including that associated with menstruation. These herbs have not been tested in the thorough manner as synthetic pharmaceuticals have, however. You will find they come in various forms like capsule, pill, tincture, loose herb, tea and oil.
Because herbs can interact with various medications and foods, it is important to seek knowledgeable medical advice before taking any herbs or vitamins. If your doctor doesn’t have experience with herbal remedies, consider consulting an herbalist or naturopath for advice. Naturopaths, for example, are trained to combine nutrition, herbal remedies and other natural therapies to encourage health and vitality. An herbalist or naturopath should be able to recommend the best herbal remedies for heavy periods that they think will work best for you.
