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Page 37
| Natural and Herbal Treatments |
| Diet |
| Eat a whole foods diet, low in animal fats and hydrogenated fats and high in raw vegetable oils, raw nuts and seeds, and organic vegetables. Avoid coffee, other caffeinated drinks, chocolate, alcohol, and refined carbohydrates. These foods stress the female reproductive system and leach out minerals and essential fatty acids. Include seaweed soups and salads in the diet to support the thyroid function. Include whole grains, legumes, and fresh organic fruits and vegetables to provide plenty of fiber to keep the stools regulated as constipation will add to pelvic congestion and make cramps worse. See the Anti-estrogenic Diet, page 77. |
| Herbal Treatments |
| Black Cohosh is an excellent antispasmodic for menstrual cramps and general pelvic discomfort. Use 1 cup of decoction made from the dry root or 1/2 tsp. tincture 3 times a day. |
| Jamaican Dogwood capsules or tincture will also relax the cramping and ease discomfort. Use 1/2 tsp. of the tincture 3 to 4 times a day or 2 100 mg capsules 3 times a day. |
| Crampbark (Highbush Cranberry) may be used as a tea or a tincture to ease menstrual cramps. It relaxes the smooth muscle of the uterus and decreases spasm of the cervical neck. Use a tea made from 1 Tbsp. of the dry herb to 8 oz. of water, simmer 10 minutes covered and drink 3 to 4 times a day or as needed. If using the tincture, use 1 to 2 tsp. per dose 3 to 4 times a day or as needed. Black Haw acts very much like crampbark in re- |
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