Felty germander (Tecrium polium) is a perennial grows in rocky areas of Europe, Western Mediterranean, North Africa, and West Asia including Iran.
There have also been reports that it can lower cholesterol, has antibacterial activity, and can lower blood sugar.
Traditional uses of Tecrium polium include treating headache, convulsions, dysmenorrhea.
Dysmennorhea is the technical term for painful menstrual cycles that include abdominal cramps.
A natural way to reduce menstrual cramps is by ingesting Tecrium polium.
A recent clinical trial evaluated Tecrium polium for reducing pain during menstrual cycle with the results published in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice.
Here are the details of the study:
- The study design was a triple blind, randomized, placebo controlled clinical trial
- Tecrium polium was ground into a powder and placed into capsules
- The dose was 250 mg of Tecrium polium per capsule
- Human subjects took 250 mg of Tecrium polium 4 times a day (i.e. every 6 hours) for the first 3 days of menstruation
- The study lasted 3 menstrual cycles
- Average age was 21 years old
- Average age at menarche (first menstrual cycle) was 13 years old
- Duration of menstrual cycle was 6 days
Here are the results of the study:
| Average pain values | |
| First cycle | 7.20 |
| Second cycle | 3.95 |
| Third cycle | 3.43 |
| Test consequent of (Independent samples) | P = 0.001 |
Take away message: Previous research has suggested that Tecrium polium can reduce uterine spasms which provides a possible mechanism of action for reducing painful menstrual cycles. Another study suggested that it could have pain relieving qualities that may offer additional benefit. Due to blood thinning properties of some over the counter pain relievers Tecrium polium may serve as an alternative because it is not reported to have blood thinning properties. If someone is looking for a natural way to reduce menstrual cramps this may be an option to consider.
Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice. 2016 February; Volume 22: Pages 12-15.
His research on plant medicine has led to more than 45 publications and abstracts.This research has been presented at international meetings in the USA, France, Turkey, Peru, Israel, Austria, and Italy.
Categories: Menstrual Cycle, Pain, Plant Medicine, Women's Health