Recommended Chinese herbs for painful menstrual cramps

Condition analysis:
The occurrence of menstrual cramps in women is very debilitating and causes a great deal of discomfort and pain. The severity of the attack can force the menstruating woman to take to bed as long as the bleeding lasts. The normal treatment for these cramps is the consumption of antipyretics like aspirin and similar medications. The rectification of the problem is not accomplished by using these medications, even though the use of such drugs may effectively suppress the pain and discomfort. In contrast to the medications which suppress only the symptoms of the condition, many herbal therapies can offer an alternative and effective remedy not only to the symptoms but also to the treatment of the condition. These therapies have achieved a very good success rate when they are taken by women suffering from the cramps over a long period of time-full recovery has been achieved in many cases.

Instructions:
Here are a few common Chinese herbs used for painful menstrual cramps:
1. Dong Gui (Chinese Angelica  or Angelica Sinensis)
Also known as the "female ginseng," it is commonly used to regulate the menstrual cycle and relieve menstrual cramps.  It also helps to relieve menopausal symptoms, reduce PMS and anemia and to re-establish a menstrual cycle after cessation of birth control pills.  It is commonly sold as a single herb tea, bagged or loose.  It is considered a king herb or premier herb in Chinese gynecological disease because of its ability to harmonize the blood in Chinese medicine.  Dong Gui is also considered antispasmodic.  The coumarin chemicals present in this herb may help dilate blood vessels and relax the smooth muscles of the uterus, thus relieving menstrual cramping.

2. Chuan Xiong (Chuanxiong  Rhizoma)
This herb is also a key medicinal herb for treating pain.  It improves blood circulation and promotes the flow of "qi" or vital energy.  Chinese women, dating back to the Song Dynasty, used to take this Chinese herb in the form of soup.  The soup is called a Four Substance Decoction and includes three other herbs:  angelica, red peony and Chinese foxglove.  The soup and tea are still used today as a blood tonic to relieve PMS, stop menstrual pain and improve overall health, especially after giving birth.

3. Bai Shao (White Peony Root)
White Peony Root nourishes the blood and improves circulation.  It is also used for a wide variety of gynecological problems.  The peony root is considered a   liver tonic in Chinese medicine.  By strengthening the liver, it helps to increase the efficiency of protein and fat metabolism, thus inhibiting the excessive synthesis of prostaglandins that may cause an over-active uterus and endometrial pain.

4. Yi Mu Cao (Chinese Motherwort)
Leaves from this herb are used to treat menstrual problems.  They have been shown to improve blood circulation and clear blood clots that occur in menstrual disorders and after childbirth.  The leaves also promote diuresis and relieve edema.  Studies on the alkaloid leonurine showed that this substance stimulates the uterus of rabbits, cats, dogs and guinea pigs.