Why Is Ginger Sometimes Used for Menstrual Troubles?
Research shows that compounds found in ginger may help inhibit the body's production of prostaglandins (a class of pro-inflammatory chemicals involved in triggering the muscle contractions that help the uterus shed its lining).
Because the onset of menstrual cramps appears to be linked to excessive production of prostaglandins, it's thought that consuming ginger in dietary supplement or tea form can help reduce menstrual pain.
Research on Ginger and Menstrual Problems
Several studies published in recent years suggest that ginger may be helpful for relief of dysmenorrhea (the medical term for menstrual pain).
These studies include a clinical trial published in Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics in 2014, in which 122 female students with moderate to severe menstrual pain were randomly split into two groups. For two menstrual periods, one group received 250 mg of ginger extract every six hours, while the other group received 250 mg of mefenamic acid (a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug often used to treat menstrual cramps) every eight hours. Results revealed that ginger and mefenamic acid were equally effective as pain-reducing agents.
In an earlier clinical trial (published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine in 2009), researchers assigned 150 women with menstrual pain to treatment with ginger extract, mefenamic acid, or ibuprofen for one menstrual period.
At the end of treatment, pain severity had decreased in all groups. What's more, there was no difference between the groups in pain relief or satisfaction with treatment.
In addition, there's some evidence that ginger may help control heavy menstrual bleeding. In a clinical trial published in Phytotherapy Research in 2015, for instance, 92 women struggling with heavy menstrual bleeding were treated with either ginger or a placebo for three menstrual periods. At the end of the study, researchers found that levels of menstrual blood loss dramatically declined among study participants who received ginger.
Since heavy menstrual bleeding can lead to complications like iron-deficiency anemia—and because it can signal underlying health problems such as uterine fibroids and cervical polyps—it's important to talk to your doctor if you're experiencing excessive bleeding.
Side Effects
Ginger is likely safe for most people, according to the National Institutes of Health. However, it may cause a number of mild side effects, including diarrhea and heartburn.
Alternatives to Ginger for Menstrual Cramp Relief
Self-care strategies such as massaging or applying a heating pad to your lower abdomen; limiting your intake of salt, sugar, alcohol, and caffeine; practicing stress-management techniques; and exercising regularly can help protect against menstrual pain.
In addition, taking dietary supplements containing vitamin B6, calcium, and/or magnesium may help fight menstrual problems. Some research shows that increasing your intake of omega-3 fatty acids or using herbs like dong quai and red raspberry leaf may also help soothe menstrual pain to some degree.
For further relief of menstrual pain, try using aromatherapy. There's some evidence that massaging with a blend of essential oils of lavender, clary sage, and marjoram may help ease menstrual cramps.
Beyond Menstrual Pain: More Uses for Ginger
Not only a possible solution for menstrual complaints, ginger has also been found to quell post-surgery nausea, relieve osteoarthritis pain, and aid in the prevention of morning sickness.
Read Also: Herbs to Relieve Menstrual Cramps
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