Ginger – Natural Relief for Menstrual Cramps

By Clinical Consulting Team

Alana Campbell, ND, L.Ac

Severe lower abdominal pain during menstruation, or dysmenorrhea, has an estimated prevalence of up to 91% of women.¹

Dysmenorrhea can be classified into primary or secondary. Primary dysmenorrhea is pain caused by excessive uterine contractions in the absence of lesions in the pelvis, whereas secondary dysmenorrhea is menstrual pan caused by lesions from endometriosis, chronic pelvic inflammation, uterine fibroids, cervical stenosis, or structural abnormalities.²This painful and pervasive experience can have major impacts on women’s lives. Pharmaceutical analgesics are the go-to for women who experience this monthly. However, these medications have an estimated failure rate >15% and have adverse effects when used consistently.³

There is a large need for more support for women experiencing dysmenorrhea. Ginger has taken center stage as a treatment for dysmenorrhea that is safe, natural, and effective at reducing pain.

GINGER (ZINGIBER OFFICINALE)

Ginger is a powerful medicinal that belongs in the same family as turmeric, cardamom, and galangal.⁴ Native originally to southeast Asia, it has been treasured for centuries throughout the world for its culinary and medicinal uses.⁵ Ginger has a long history as a star of many herbal formulas in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine ginger is warm and stimulating. It has been traditionally used to promote blood circulation, relieve spasms, induce diaphoresis, and stimulate the digestive system.⁶