I tried this Ayurvedic remedy for menstrual cramps a while back and it worked like a charm. This remedy isn’t specific to any one dosha so it’s considered universal. Roast one teaspoon of cumin seeds in an ungreased pan until they smell pungent (be careful not to burn them, it will only take a few minutes). When cooled, chew them slowly and follow with one tablespoon of aloe vera juice. That’s it, it’s that simple.
Cumin is a stimulant, antispasmodic, mildly antimicrobial, and carminitive (soothing to the gut wall, eases griping pains and reduces the production of gas in the digestive tract). Cumin also stimulates agni (digestive fire). Cumin has a relaxing effect and its antispasmodic properties are useful for reducing menstrual cramps.
Aloe Vera juice is a wonderful tonic for the spleen, liver, blood and female reproductive system. It helps to reduce Pitta. Make sure you get a good brand that’s meant for internal use- I use Lily of the desert whole leaf certified organic. Precaution: Do not use in pregnancy
The typical dose of Aloe Vera is 2 ounces in water once a day for the 10 days prior to your period. If your stools become loose, back off on the dose.
Of course, there are other reasons for menstrual cramps-diet, alignment, position of your uterus, etc.
I also find walking helps to reduce cramps. Walking for uterine health.
Back pain with your menstrual cramps? This is my favorite Restorative Exercise™ for back menstrual pain.
My ayurvedic-practitioner has me (pitta pitta pitta) on aloe Vera juice every day. It has really been a catalyst for high healing in my gut as well as my pelvis. Anything to do with bloodletting is a pitta activity and before I was pregnant, I used aloe Vera and lots and lots of stretching to get rid of any menstrual cramp. When Finn was born, I had not taken one drop of medicine, not even a Tylenol, for over a year. Aloe played Huge roll. Love aloe Vera 🙂 thanks for another great post!
That’s awesome Katy, thanks for sharing. I’m predominantly pitta and my fire is out of control right now. It’s a wake up call for me to watch my diet and start taking the aloe on a regular basis. How much aloe did you take daily?
Dr Lad recommends taking 1 tablespoon of aloe three times a day for the week before menstruation as a preventative measure.
BTW, I also did the double calf stretch when I had menstrual back pain- I held the stretch for about three to four minutes at a time and it felt so good on my back. I could feel the connective tissue opening up and fresh blood and oxygen flowing into the tight spaces.
Hi Guys,
So there’s this precaution not to take aloe vera during pregnancy. How can I use aloe vera to prevent menstrual cramps safely whilst trying to conceive? I would like to start dosing up on aloe a week before my period to prevent any cramps. Would there be any risk if I miss a period and discover I’m pregnant?
I would avoid aloe while TTC. There are plenty of other things you can do to eliminate cramps. You could receive and learn the Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy® prior to ovulation. You could also eliminate inflammatory foods. Some women have success reducing menstrual cramps by eliminating dairy.