Each month, a woman’s uterus builds up a lining that is nature’s way of “preparing the soil” should a pregnancy occur the following month. During menstruation, the uterus contracts to shed that uterine lining. For many women, the accompanying cramps are bothersome, but not especially painful. However, for others, especially young women, cramping can be severe.
Painful menstruation was occasionally treated by holding a hot compress to the abdomen, much as women use hot water bottles today. The main remedies, however, were herbal teas. “Everything from first menstruation to menopause was treated herbally, and there are many plants that do a great job in this area,” says herbalist Douglas Shar, author of Backyard Medicine Chest.
Foremost among the herbal remedies was black haw. It was so effective at relieving menstrual cramps that colonial physicians sometimes used it also to reduce the muscular contractions associated with miscarriage. An herb called squaw vine, which was sometimes combined with raspberry leaves, was also effective.
This Menstrual Cramp Relief article is taken from :
Healing Secrets of the Native Americans - Porter Shimer
