Menstrual cramping (also known as dysmenorrhea) is one of the most common symptoms women have during their periods. Around 80% of women will experience cramps at some point in their lives. Many women experience cramps right before or on the first day of their period, and they can last for several days.

Cramps are a mild annoyance for some women. But for about 5% - 10% of women who get cramping, the pain is debilitating enough that it disrupts their normal schedule. How can you find relief from menstrual cramps? First let’s look at why you get them in the first place.

Why Do Cramps Happen?

During your menstrual period, your uterus will contract to release the uterine lining. Hormone-like substances (called prostaglandins) that are involved in pain and inflammation trigger the contractions. When you have higher levels of prostaglandins, you’re more likely to have menstrual cramping.

You can lower your level of prostaglandins naturally by reducing your body’s inflammation. Avoiding inflammatory foods, reducing stress, and adding in anti-inflammatory herbs like catnip.

What is Catnip?

It is a perennial plant that is in the mint family. It is also known as catnep or catmint, and it is thought to have been named as such because of the fondness that cats have for this plant.

Catnip is indigenous to Europe. The plant was brought over to North America by early settlers and cultivated. It is now a common plant that grows easily.

Why Do Cats Love Catnip?

If you’ve seen a cat around this plant, you know the amusing effect it can have on them.

They tend to sniff, lick, chew on and roll around in catnip. They may meow spontaneously or play or seem more amorous. It’s said that catnip can cause hallucinations in cats.

But it’s not just good for cats — it also has medicinal properties that can help relieve several inflammatory conditions.

What Are the Benefits of Catnip?

Catnip is high in antioxidants called flavonoids and phenolic acid. It is also rich in plant compounds such as nepetalactone, thymol, and pinene. Antioxidants reduce inflammation and prevent cellular damage caused by free radicals.

Because of these plant compounds, catnip may promote:

• Better sleep — brewed in a tea, the plant compounds in catnip may help relax the body before bed to promote rest
• Less gas — catnip has been used to relieve muscle spasms in the intestinal tract and reduce stomach cramps
• Relief of colic — traditionally, people have given catnip to infants to relieve colic and help them sleep at night
• Toothache — the plant can be applied in a poultice to reduce swelling

How Does Catnip Help With Cramping?

Traditionally, women have used catnip to promote menstruation and to expel the placenta during birth. Because of its high levels of antioxidants, catnip can help reduce the inflammation that causes cramps to get worse.

Plant compounds like nepetalactone have a relaxing effect, relieving stress and promoting deeper sleep.

That’s why we include catnip extract in the Perfect Period formula.

Perfect Period Supports Your Body to Relieve Cramping

Perfect Period includes catnip extract in our proprietary herbal blend. Each one of our herbs is handpicked for its ability to support easier, problem-free periods. The best way to feel the difference is to start taking it on a daily basis. Because it is a natural, herbal blend, it will take your hormones a while to adjust with the added support.

We recommend taking it for at least 60 days to see all the benefits that Perfect Period can offer. You can order perfect period right here.