User:Pf19872014/sandbox

Menstruation
Menstruation is the periodic discharge of blood and mucosal tissue from the inner lining of the uterus through the vagina. The first period is what is known as a menarche. Menarche is a milestone in a woman's life as it denotes the start of reproductive capacity. During the menstruation cycle of a female, they might encounter different cycle experiences. Alternative to prescribed medications there have been herbs that have been used to offset pain, heavy bleeding and late cycles.

Herbal Menstruation Remedies
Menstruation related ailments can be relieved by using herbal remedies which derive from "a plant or plant part or an extract or mixture of these used to prevent, alleviate, or cure disease". These can be found in fresh, dried, tinctures(liquid), oils or powder forms in grocery stores, health food stores, gardens and by herbalists. It is important to remember that before using any type of herbal remedy that you are not pregnant as some herbs are abortifacient which will cause miscarriages or abortions, and that you have spoken to you healthcare practitioner. These remedies can be used as an infusion(tea) or a pessary(vaginal insert).

Painful Cycles - Dysmenorrhea
Are painful cramps that happen just before or during the menstrual cycle which occur in the "uterus or the pelvic organs". Dysmenorrhea can be categorized into two types: the first being primary dysmenorrhea, which is pain resulting from the onset of menstruation that usually last 3 days into the cycle and are not brought on with "no identifiable pelvic pathology". Secondary dysmenorrhea is caused by cysts, endometriosis, fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease, sexually transmitted infections, that usually prolong past the first 3 days of the cycle, which cause inflammation, shedding and breaking of tissue. Herbs that have been found to help have strong anti-inflammatory and antispasmodics properties.

Anti-Inflammatory
An anti-inflammatory is a substance which reduces inflammation. Inflammation is a self-protection mechanism aiming at removing harmful stimuli, including damaged cells, irritants, or pathogens, and beginning the wound repair process.
 * Herbs that that have anti-inflammatory qualities include evening primrose oil, ginger, vitamin C, and Jamaican dogwood.

Antispasmodics
Antispasmodics are herbal agents that prevent or relieve excessive contractions (spasms) or the voluntary or involuntary muscles in any part of the body.
 * Herbs that have antispasmodic qualities "include black cohosh, valerian, wild yam, yarrow, chamomile, and feverfew".

Heavy Cycles - Menorrhagia
"Menorrhagia is defined as excessive uterine bleeding occurring at regular intervals or prolonged uterine bleeding lasting more than seven days". Or "it can also be bleeding that is very heavy". Herbs and herbal remedies that contain omega 3/6 fatty acids, antioxidants and astringents help with the constriction of blood vessels, blood circulation and subside heavy uterine bleeding.

Omega 3/6 Fatty Acids  "Any of several polyunsaturated fatty acids found in leafy green vegetables, vegetable oils, and cold-water fish.
 * Herbs containing omega 3/6 fatty acids include: evening primrose oil, flaxseed, celery seed, chia seed, hemp.

Antioxidants  "A substance that inhibits oxidation or reactions promoted by oxygen, peroxides, or free radicals".
 * Herbs containing antioxidant qualities include: sage, rosehips, thyme.

Astringents  "Any of a group of substances that cause the contraction or shrinkage of tissues and that dry up secretions".
 * Herbs containing astringent qualities include: sheppard's purse, yarrow, red raspberry leaf.

Delayed Cycles
A menstrual cycle can be delayed for an array of reasons. The most common in fertile females is pregnancy. Other reasons may include illness, medication, stress, weight gain/loss, fatigue, drug use, abortions, sexually transmitted infections, vaginal infections, contraceptives, eating disorders, hormone imbalance, sleep disorders. The average menstrual cycle is 28 days, although "menstrual flow might occur every 21 to 35 days". There are herbs called emmengagues that will help the onset of a delayed menstrual cycle.

Emmenagogue
Emmenagogues are herbs which start the circulation of blood flow in the uterus and pelvic area that will induce menstruation if you have a delayed cycle which is not due to pregnancy. These have been used to restore the menses, to "clean out" the womb, and to restore vitality after pregnancy. Since these herbs are uterine stimulating it is important that your cycle is not delayed due to pregnancy as it may cause complications in keeping the pregnancy. Also since some emmenagogue are found in our daily consumption it is also important to avoid these all together or have them in small doses and in moderation to avoid pregnancy complications.

These include Parsley, Ginger, Yarrow, Feverfew, Rosemary and Sage.
 * Mild Emmenagogues

Parsley, Queen Anne's Lace Seeds, Black Cohosh, Mugwort, Juniper. Several of these herbs are also listed as abortifacients, Pennyroyal, Angelica, Savin, Rue, Tansy, Asafetida, Blue Cohosh, and Vitamin C, celery seed, birthwort.
 * Medium Strength Emmenagogues
 * Strong Emmenagogues

== Helpful Hints ==

Beside herbal products to help alleviate menstrual symptoms there are things that can be done to ease discomfort.
 * Exercise
 * Avoid Caffeine, Alcohol, Sugar, Deep Fried Foods 
 * Increase Water Consumption
 * Hot Water Bottle Across the Pelvic Area
 * Beet Root Juice