COMBINATION OF AYURVEDA AND MEDICINAL CANNABIS FOR MENSTRUAL CRAMPS

Being on your period is no fun anyway, but it is especially so if you suffer from menstrual cramps. The uterus contracts painfully and this can last for a few days. Regular painkillers and NSAIDs can help, but natural remedies such as ayurveda and medicinal cannabis also seem to be useful for menstrual cramps. Read more about them below.

Every month: Menstrual cramps or dysmenorrhoea

Girls and women have to deal with their periods every month. Not only is this somewhat uncomfortable (blood loss, mood swings, using pads or tampons), but it can also be painful. In the lower abdomen, the uterus contracts, causing a nagging pain. This can start as early as the days before your period starts and can last for several days. Factors such as stress, diet and hormonal balance can affect the severity of symptoms.

Menstrual cramps are also known as dysmenorrhoea. The uterus produces substances (prostaglandins), which cause the uterus to contract. The pain this causes can be compared to a tightly inflated blood pressure gauge. This pressure can reach 175 mm mercury pressure.

Fortunately, we can use painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. There are also drugs that counteract the action of prostaglandins, which can inhibit cramps. These are NSAIDs. Another possibility is the use of hormones, such as the contraceptive pill or an IUD. These are usually used to prevent you from getting pregnant, but are also effective against menstrual cramps.

But what if you prefer natural remedies? Regular painkillers and the use of hormones can cause side effects, so you would rather not use them for long periods. There have been studies on the effectiveness of ayurveda and medicinal cannabis for menstrual cramps. These remedies may also be an option.

Research on ayurveda and medicinal cannabis for menstrual cramps

The results of a Phase 1 clinical trial of ayurveda and medicinal cannabis are known. Initial research results indicate that these drugs are safe and potentially effective in treating menstrual cramps. In fact, a patent application has already been filed.

The research was conducted at the Amrita School of Ayurveda in India. It involves an Ayurvedic remedy called Formulation Femme. It contains various ayurvedic herbs and medicinal cannabis. It is specially formulated to contain less than 1 mg of THC per dose. This ensures that no mind-altering effects are around the corner. This is also important in relation to legislation in certain countries, where cannabis use is not legal. Furthermore, the drug contained Ashwagandha and bamboo silica, among others. The drug was developed by the Indian company HempStreet Medicare and this company also funded the research, which of course may well lead to a conflict of interest.

Ayurveda is a traditional medicine from India, in which herbs are used to treat mental and physical illnesses. The study involved 27 participants, 26 of whom also completed the study. Half had previously used NSAIDs to control their menstrual cramps, while four had tried Ayurvedic remedies.

During the study, four participants received the formula in one tablet twice a day for three days in the first cycle. Thereafter, the protocol was revised and all patients received one tablet three times a day for four days during all cycles. Data were collected at baseline, during the intervention cycles and at follow-up using the WaLIDD scale (Weighted Assessment of Lower Abdominal Pain, Impact on Daily Life, Dysmenorrhea, and Disability) and the Verbal Multidimensional Scoring System (VMSS). These are scoring systems to determine how much pain and discomfort a person has from menstruation.

Results of the study

At the start of the study, participants reported suffering from severe menstrual cramps, which had a significant impact on their ability to carry out their daily activities. The Ayurvedic remedy Formulation Femme was found to cause statistically relevant reductions in WaLIDD and VMSS scores. This meant consistent improvement in symptoms, such as notable pain relief, and the women were better able to carry out their daily activities.

None of the participants required additional pain medication during the study, and 21 were also able to remain pain-free without medication during follow-up. The researchers say that these results reflect well how promising the drug is and that it can be an effective and safe solution for dysmenorrhoea.

A basis for further research on ayurveda and medicinal cannabis

This first study provides a great foundation for further research on ayurveda and medicinal cannabis for menstrual cramps. The formula represents a valuable step in research into alternative remedies for complaints during menstruation.

Further research is of course needed, with a larger group of participants and a randomised and controlled design of the study. This could also involve additional lifestyle interventions.

More research has been done on the effectiveness of cannabis in menstrual complaints, though. A study in Nature Partner Journal: Women's Health examined the effects of a CBD-based suppository on pain and discomfort during menstruation. The study found that in the group that received CBD, women experienced less frequent and less intense menstrual discomfort. They needed fewer regular painkillers, compared to the group that received the regular painkillers.

Results from such studies are encouraging. However, it should be pointed out that these studies were conducted on only small groups of participants. Larger, controlled studies are needed to draw definitive conclusions. Also, there could have been conflicts of interest in the Formulation Femme study, due to the fact that it was funded by the manufacturers who made the drug themselves. This could possibly have influenced the researchers.

If you suffer from menstrual cramps yourself and are looking for an effective remedy, seek advice from your GP. The latter can help you further and find a suitable remedy. Ayurvedic herbal remedies, although naturally based, can also cause side effects. It is also important to consider interactions with other medications. These remedies are not suitable for everyone.

This article is not intended as medical advice.

Sources

1. PubMed (NCBI)

• Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
• Here you can search for peer-reviewed studies on cannabis, ayurveda and menstrual cramps. For example, search for:
  • "Medical cannabis for dysmenorrhea".
  • "Ayurveda and menstrual pain relief"
  • "CBD and menstrual cramps"

2. ScienceDirect

• Link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/
• Scientific articles on natural medicine, including the effects of herbs and cannabis on menstrual pain.
• Search terms such as:
  • "Effect of cannabinoids on menstrual cramps".
  • "Ayurvedic treatments for menstrual pain"

Legal Status of Medicinal Cannabis

The legality of medicinal cannabis varies worldwide and can vary greatly from region to region. In some countries, it is completely legal on doctor's prescription, while elsewhere it is allowed only in limited clinical trials. Regulations can also change depending on local laws and medical guidelines.

Always check the current legislation in your country or region before using medicinal cannabis.