If you are like most women, you wish your monthly cycle was a little more comfortable. More than likely, you have tried a variety of at-home remedies and perhaps even medications to make you feel better. One natural therapy we are often asked about for female reproductive system health is homeopathy. However, when women ask us about or tell us they use homeopathic remedies, we find they are actually referring to herbs and herbal supplements. While some homeopathic remedies are made from plants, this complementary and alternative healing (CAM) therapy is not the same as herbalism or nutritional therapy.
Before I share how homeopathic remedies may help with common female reproductive system complaints, first let’s learn a little bit about homeopathy…
A Brief History of Homeopathy
Homeopathy or homeopathic medicine is a CAM therapy by which FDCA regulated homeopathic remedies are prescribed by homeopathists under three basic principles: like cures like, minimum dose and the remedies are always individualized. Unlike herbal and nutritional therapies, homeopathy is one of very few CAM therapies that treats symptoms rather than the root of the issue or imbalance. Conversely, through symptom control, homeopathy boosts the body’s ability to heal itself.
Homeopathy was first described by Hippocrates over 2,500 years ago, but was actually founded roughly 200 years ago by German Physician Samuel Hahnemann and has been practiced in the United States since the early 19th century.
A Closer Look – The Three Basic Principles Under Which Homeopathy is Practiced
1. Like Cures Like – The word homeopathy is Greek and means “similar suffering.” This is the central philosophy of homeopathy – a substance that can produce symptoms in a healthy person can, in turn, cure those symptoms in a sick person.
- An easy to understand example of what Like Cures Like means…
Think of a red onion, or better yet, pull one out and cut it apart. For many, the scent of the onion and its oils cause their eyes to tear up, even burn, their nose to run and even a tickle in their throat. In homeopathy a minute dose of onion, or Allium Cepa, may be given to someone who presents with these symptoms when sick – itchy, watery eyes, runny nose or even a tickle in their throat (think colds, allergies and hay fever).
2. Minimum Dosing – means that all homeopathic remedies are given in minute doses based on the notion that the lower the dose, the more effective the remedy. Homeopathic remedies are made from plants, minerals and animals. The homeopathic approach to healing is based on the Arndt-Schultz Law that small doses encourage life activity and do the least amount of harm to the body to encourage gentle healing (quite different than prescription medications).
3. Individualized – means that homeopathic treatment is tailored to each individual no matter if they have the same symptoms. Homeopathists consider the whole individual when crafting treatment plans.
Homeopathy for Common Menstrual Cycle Complaints
Women experience a wide variety of symptoms during the menstrual cycle and many tend to be bothersome. There may be homeopathic remedies to consider for some of the symptoms, especially those accompanying menstruation.
Common Menstrual Cycle Problems:
Menstrual Cramps
- Magnesia Phosphorica, aka Mag Phos (known as Homeopathic Aspirin): radiating cramps made better by warmth, for muscle relaxation
- Colocynthis: for cramps with a piercing or puncturing sensation relieved by pressure or bending over
- Cimicifuga Racemosa: for cramps radiating into the thighs improved by lying down
- Pulsatilla: for intermittent pains that feel like they are radiating downward
- Caulophyllum Thalictroides
Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
- Belladonna
- Sabina
- Cimicifuga Racemosa
Nausea – before and during period
- Ipecac
Mood Swings
- Sepia
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
- Viburnum Opulus: relieves irritability, pain and pressure
- Caulophyllum Thalictroides: relieves sensation of soreness, spasms, tension and back pains before period
- Cocculus Indicus: relieves cramping
- Gelsemium Sempervirens: relieves sensation of heaviness, dizziness, headache and cramp
- Folliculinum: with pain prior to the onset of menstruation, amenorrhea, and insufficient menstruation
Hot Flashes
- Glonoinum: sudden hot flashes, even from sunstroke and headache
- Lachesis Mutus: associated with menopause
Sleeplessness
- Hyoscyamus Niger: restless sleep associated with nervousness
- Nux Moschata: restless sleep
- Passiflora Incarnata: associated with worries and exhaustion
- Stramonium: with intermittent awakening
- Coffea Cruda: with mental hyperactivity
Yeast Imbalances
- Borax: thick vaginal discharge
- Candida Albicans: relieves symptoms of Candida (yeast) infection
- Hydrastis Canadensis: for treatment of vaginal discharge
Closing Thoughts
It is important when considering homeopathic remedies to consult a homeopathist for guidance because there are thousands of remedies that can be used in any number of combinations, and there are a number of different dilutions or potencies of each remedy. Also work with your healthcare provider, natural or medical, to understand and support the underlying issue that may be leading to any menstrual cycle irregularity and symptom you have.
Note: If your symptoms persist for more than a week or 7 days or worsen, contact a licensed healthcare professional immediately. If you are pregnant or nursing, seek the advice of a licensed healthcare professional before using homeopathic remedies.
- ABC Homeopathy. http://www.abchomeopathy.com
- Boericke, W. Boericke’s New Manual of Homeopathic Materia Medica with Repertory. 3rd. Revised Ed. (2014) B. Jain Publishers Ltd. India.
- Helios Homeopathic Pharmacy. A Basic Materia Medica in the Homeopathy Basic 36 Remedies Double Helix Kit. Kent, England.
- Hyland’s Homeopathy. www.hylands.com
- Mahler, M. Hyland’s Homeopathy 101 Training (June 2011).National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine at the National Institutes of Health. Homeopathy: An Introduction. http://nccam.nih.gov/health/homeopathy.
- The Free Dictionary. The Medical Dictionary. Arndt-Schultz Law. http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Arndt-Schulz+law
Elizabeth Willett is the Senior Herbalist with the Natural Fertility Company and head educator at NaturalFertilityInfo.com. She holds a Master of Arts degree in Holistic Health Studies with a specialization is herbalism from St. Catherine University in St. Paul, MN.
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