The Wonders of Cinnamon Tea and Menstrual Cramps

[MauraA]

Cinnamon has yet another wonderful attribute. I have experience intense stomach cramping on the onset of my period for as long as I can remember. The pain was so intense that I would take at least 4 Motrin just to get through my day. While seeing an acupuncturist recently, she told me that I had stagnant blood, which could be causing my cramping. She told me to try cinnamon tea. This month I purchased crushed cinnamon stick in bulk and almost daily I would simmer some in water for about 15 minutes until it turned a nice light brown. It tastes wonderful. Sometimes I add a little honey and milk and it even satisfies my craving for caffeinated beverages. I just got my period yesterday and I was amazed that I did not have any premenstrual cramping. None what so ever!

Cinnamon's unique healing abilities come from three basic types of components in the essential oils found in its bark.  These oils contain active components called cinnamaldehyde, cinnamyl acetate, and cinnamyl alcohol, plus a wide range of other volatile substances. Not only is cinnamon known for its role in blood sugar regulation, but it also has anti-microbal and anti-clotting abilities. Just by taking a smell of the fragrant spice can even boost brain function.

Cinnamon is an excellent source of manganese and a very good source of dietary fiber, calcium and iron.

Definitely worth a try if you have suffered with painful periods.

[JennaG]

Thank you so much for the suggestion.  I have tried just about everything to relieve my painful cramps.  In fact, just recently my Doctor wanted to prescribe Vicodin!  Of course I declined, but I will definitely try your cinnamon tea suggestion

[SabrinaF]

Thanks so much Maura!!  I have always had extremely painful menstrual and premenstrual cramps.  Did you find the crushed cinnamon bark at Staff of Life or New Leaf or did you order it online?  I'm so happy that you are finding relief from the monthly pain and I really appreciate you sharing this information with the rest of us!

[AbbyB]

Have you guys tried calcium for cramps? I used to have horrible cramps until a nurse practitioner at Kaiser told me to take calcium before my periods. I haven't had bad cramps since.

[JaneJ]

I always have terrible menstrual cramps that don't allow me to go about my day unless I load up on motrin or something similar.  The cinnamon and calcium ideas are definitely worth a try.  Do you drink the cinnamon tea everyday, all month?  Also, how much calcium seems to be a theraputic dose and do you just take it the week before your period?  I hate to take so much motrin but I can't function in that kind of pain and am interested in trying something less toxic.  Thanks for the ideas!

[Marlina E]

Young Living has a wonderful essential oil blend called Dragon Time.  I have used it successfully as a tummy rub to relieve cramps.

[Eva]

All the minerals of course, but especially cal/mag with D worked for me, but not without a hefty dose of EFAs.  When I found the right amounts for me and good sources (I like New Chapter Bone Strength and Flora Flax + DHA with black currant seed oil), it worked wonders for my cramps and other PMS symptoms. 
Actually, Cathy Crystal suggested that I use cramp bark tincture every 15 minutes for acute cramping, and wow, why was I using ibuprofen for so many years when the name of this herb says it all?  The key was the every 15-30 minute dose.  It worked amazingly. 
Another obvious part of my foundation for PMS/cramping prevention is regular exercise.  Haven't tried cinnamon exactly for that problem, but I guess it has been working. 
Be careful if you use magnesium for acute cramping-as you may know, too much desperation can give you some explosive diarrhea .

[LisaS]

That is so interesting I'll absolutely have to try that.  I find I get less menstrual pain when I exercise and eat a lot of greens during my cycle, otherwise I get extremely bad cramps.  I can't wait to give cinnamon a shot