For the ladies...

[Sunnydaydreams]

For the past 2 days, I've gotten cramps that hurt so bad I can't move w/o stabbing pains. I feel like an ovary or somethings going to pop out! I can't take OTC pain killers like Mydol b/c of drug interactions. Does anyone know of an herbal remedy? Thanks!

Peace & Love

[Herbmama]

lets see...

For a tea I would recomend mixing one or two of these:
valerian
kava kava
passion flower
blue vervain
california poppy
chamomile

And mixing them with either:

Black cohosh (don't use this if you have a history of high blood pressure)
Vitex (Aka Monks Chaste berry)

Also quite a few herbal companies make great compound tinctures that contain a mix of the afore mentioned herbs. Take a look around your local health food store or co-op.

Also be sure to increase your calcium and iron intakes in the week or so leading up to your moon time.
Also try laying a hot towel (fresh out of the dryer) over your womb.

[delta9]

lets see...

For a tea I would recomend mixing one or two of these:
valerian
kava kava
passion flower
blue vervain
california poppy
chamomile

And mixing them with either:

Valerian and chamomile traditionally used for menstrual cramps, but how much kava kava are you trying to get her to dose, and what is the MAOI for? Are you sure it doesn't potentiate the kava much? I have read that using an MAOI with kava kava is not a good idea, though they specifically said prescription MAOIs, so I am not sure if the natural ones are not included there.

[Herbmama]

7nValerian and chamomile traditionally used for menstrual cramps, but how much kava kava are you trying to get her to dose, and what is the MAOI for? Are you sure it doesn't potentiate the kava much? I have read that using an MAOI with kava kava is not a good idea, though they specifically said prescription MAOIs, so I am not sure if the natural ones are not included there.

Cup of kava tea, or 2mls of kava tincture a couple of times a day should be enough (if not more than enough).
As for the MAOI, are you reffering to the Passiflora? It does have a clinically measurable MAOI action, however in practical use it is beyond miniscle. Kava and passionflower have a nice synergy. I've used them in compound a lot over the years.

NOW...let me say I am a BAD BAD BAD herbalist because I just spouted off a few herbs and didn't even BOTHER to ask what kind of meds Sunnydaydreams is on!

Bad herbalist! ::swats herself on the nose with a rolled up newspaper:: :o

[delta9]

Well, it's not as useful as an MAOI as, say, syrian rue, but it still does have harmaline and other things which act as an MAOI... As such I'd rather suggest taking the kava out of the mix, just better safe than sorry - and the valerian, chamomile, and passion flower all help with menstrual related things on their own - the kava is just overkill and possibly dangerous with a little too much passion flower (are you trying to lose these symptoms or get high?).

[Herbmama]

Well, it's not as useful as an MAOI as, say, syrian rue, but it still does have harmaline and other things which act as an MAOI... As such I'd rather suggest taking the kava out of the mix, just better safe than sorry - and the valerian, chamomile, and passion flower all help with menstrual related things on their own - the kava is just overkill and possibly dangerous with a little too much passion flower (are you trying to lose these symptoms or get high?).

eh, I've found chamomile and passion flower to be lacking when you’re trying to treat intense menstrual cramps. Valerian is more effective, but personal I've always preferred kava or cal poppy. I've found them to the most efficient muscle relaxers.

[delta9]

I've not found any of them to do anything, being a guy ;)

However, I do have a fair amount of knowledge about ethnobotanicals... Kava is a "drug" and it gets you "high". There are warnings about using Kava with an MAOI. It is not clear whether these warnings mean it will potentiate the effects or what (by your synergise comment, I assume it is potentiated somewhat), but, me, personally, I would just not take drugs in combinations that I was unsure of... but at the low dose we're talking about here (2ml) I don't think we have to worry about that.

Do be careful drinking alcohol when you are "on" kava, though, as they work on the same receptors in the brain, so alcohol and kava will potentiate each other (that is, even a little bit of kava and a little bit of alcohol, you could end up more inebriated than you meant to get).

[~*~daisyhemp~*~]

honestly, a cup of hot jasmine green tea helps me and a hot towel...

[Sunnydaydreams]

I'm taking Depakote & which mixed w/ ibuprofin can cause unusual bruising b/c of reduced platlet count. That's why I can't take mydol. I've read one of the side effects of Depakote is painful menstration :(

I've been using a hot compress for about 2 days when the cramps get bad. Once I see my doctor I will ask about the Valerian root b/c not only does it help cramps, it also helps you get to sleep! Kills two birds w/ one stone ;)

Peace & Love