Evidence supporting the use of: Phenolics (various)
For the health condition: Cramps (menstrual)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Phenolic compounds, which include a wide range of plant-derived chemicals such as flavonoids, tannins, and phenolic acids, have a long history of use in traditional medicine for alleviating menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea). Many herbal remedies traditionally used for menstrual discomfort—such as chamomile, ginger, and raspberry leaf—are rich in phenolic compounds. These phenolics are believed to contribute to the anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties of these plants, potentially easing uterine muscle contractions and reducing pain. However, while such use is well-established in traditional herbal medicine systems across various cultures, robust scientific validation specifically linking phenolic intake to reduced menstrual cramps is limited. Some in vitro and animal studies suggest that certain phenolics can inhibit prostaglandin synthesis or modulate inflammatory pathways, which are implicated in menstrual pain, but high-quality human clinical trials are scarce. Thus, while the traditional basis for using phenolics in this context is reasonably strong, the evidence from modern scientific studies is still emerging and does not yet provide a high level of confidence in efficacy.
More about phenolics (various)
More about Cramps (menstrual)
Other ingredients used for Cramps (menstrual)
black currantcalcium
turmeric
elderberry
fennel
ginger
green tea
licorice root
magnesium
motherwort
parsley
peppermint oil
pomegranate
vitamin D
wild yam
zinc
tangerine
anise
queen of the meadow
Angelica
Alchemilla
Anserina
Anemone
Agnuside
Ashoka
Blue Cohosh
Bethroot
black salt
Clary sage
Cnidium
Cramp Bark
Chuchuhuasi
Cowslip
Celosia
Pennyroyal
Other health conditions supported by phenolics (various)
Acid IndigestionAcne
Alzheimer's Disease
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Anxiety
Arthritis
Athletic and Exercise Aids
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cardiovascular Disease
Cholesterol (high)
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Cramps (menstrual)
Depression
Dermatitis
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dyspepsia
Eczema