The monthly female menses is very taxing on a woman's body. Before and during the actual menstruation, the body begins to steal or leach vital nutrients from other parts of the body to assist in the unnatural menses process. This causes a host of problems literally ranging from head to toe. It is not natural to lose the vital life essence fluid on a monthly basis. The exit of blood (fluid) from the body means the exit of chi (energy) or vital life force out of the body as well.

Natural remedies to alleviate some of the discomfort associated with with the menstrual cycle include giving the female body what it needs on a consistent basis. Aside from exercising and eating properly, there are several herbs that help to cure menstrual pain and discomfort.

Red raspberry leaf is an herb that is rich in nutrients, nourishing the uterine muscles and reproductive organs. The herb has a soothing affect on the stomach and intestinal tract and helps to relieve constipation and diarrhea and constipation. Regulating menstrual flow and strengthening the uterus wall, this herb is also highly valued for it's ability to strengthen and prepare the body for child birth.

Red clover is an herbal supplement that is rich in plant chemicals known as phytoestrogens. The female body reacts to these chemicals in the same manner as it reacts to estrogen, helping to balance hormone levels and minimizing menstrual cramps.

In small dosages, an herbal tea containing Pennyroyal is known to stimulate menstrual flow by increasing and strengthening uterine contractions. However, Pennyroyal contains pulegone, a highly toxic substance and should be used with extreme caution.

Dong Quai supplements can be used to treat the fatigue that can be associated with menstruation. As a plant based source of vitamin B12, Dong Quai is affective in the prevention of anemia and nutritional deficiencies. With the additional benefits of regulating hormones and the herbs anti-inflammatory properties, Dong Quai is often used to treat menstrual disorders.

Rue is an herb with strong Emmenagogues, a substance that provokes menstruation by stimulating the muscles of the uterus. This herbal supplement is useful when menstruation is delayed due to reasons other than pregnancy such as anxiety or trauma. However, emmenagogues are also known as abortifacient herbs, so please be sure that there isn't any change of pregnancy before using an herbs that promote menstruation or strengthens uterine contractions.

Rehmannia is an herb that is useful in the treatment of irregular menstrual cycles. The herb is also used for its medicinal affects for anemia, dizziness and constipation, adding the the herbal benefits when taken to treat menstrual disorders.

Cranesbill tends to decrease discharges and is traditionally used to treat heavy bleeding during menstruation and is also helpful in deterring water retention associated with the menstrual cycle. Goldenseal root is also an effective supplement that is used to reduce heavy bleeding during menstruation.

Squawvine is used to treat painful menstruation and severe cramps. Also affective as an herbal diuretic and a remedy for muscle spasms.

Menstrual complaints are a reflection of the unnaturalness of the menstrual cycle itself. When the body is taxed, it has to strain or work harder to maintain its integrity. There is no generalized standard of time for healing from any pathology with the use of herbs. A woman who radically changes her diet, her lifestyle, her mindset, etc. is going to see quicker results than the woman who does not change her diet, lifestyle, and mindset. When healing naturally, patience is a virtue. Time is irrelevant. Your menstrual cycle will shorten and regulate itself when your body decides it's time to do such based upon all the proper things you have being doing that warrants a shortening of time and proper regulation.

Dawn Rowlett has developed this article, with excerpts from Dherbs herbalist Djehuty Ma'at-Ra.? Dherbs offers a host of valuable information and wisdom about herbs and health as well as an online store with all-natural herbal supplements. Dherbs offers an herbal supplement designed to address and reverse menstrual problems and disorders.