How to Make Dominican Herbal Medicine to Relieve Menstrual Cramps
Menstrual cramps are a natural part of many women’s lives, but that doesn’t mean they have to be unbearable. Long before painkillers lined pharmacy shelves, our grandmothers turned to the earth for healing. As a Dominican woman and Muslimah embracing both my heritage and my faith, I’ve found so much value in the natural remedies passed down by my ancestors. These practices rooted in Dominican herbal medicine for menstrual cramps, weren’t just about healing the body. They were about connecting with creation, slowing down, and caring for yourself with intention.
In this blog post, I’ll show you how to make a simple, traditional Dominican herbal remedy for relieving menstrual cramps along with the cultural wisdom and Islamic reflections that make this remedy so meaningful.
Dominican Herbal Medicine for Menstrual Cramps
In many Dominican households, the knowledge of healing didn’t come from textbooks, it was passed down from mother to daughter, generation after generation. Whether it was for a stomachache, menstrual cramps, or just to bring warmth on a rainy day, our abuelas would reach for what they had on hand: anise seeds, guava leaves, cinnamon bark, albahaca (basil) natural remedies with time-tested power.
They may not have held medical degrees, but they carried ancestral wisdom rooted in observation, intuition, and deep respect for the natural world. These women trusted the signs of the body and understood the blessings Allah placed in the earth for healing.
Dominican folk medicine, known as medicina criolla, is deeply rooted in the blending of Indigenous Taino, African, and Spanish influences. Many of the herbs used in these traditions have now been studied and validated by modern science, showing anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and calming properties.
In this tradition, we view menstrual pain (dolores menstruales) as the body’s way of asking for warmth, rest, and balance. The remedy I’ll share below directly supports that need—it warms the womb, relaxes the muscles, and soothes the nervous system.
The Islamic View of Dominican Herbal Medicine for Menstrual Cramps
In Islam, we are taught that while we take steps toward healing, seeking remedies, drinking teas, eating nourishing foods, it is ultimately Allah who heals. This is beautifully expressed in the words of Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him), who says in the Qur’an:
“And when I am ill, it is He who cures me.”
—Surah Ash-Shu’ara (26:80)
These words are part of a heartfelt monologue in which Prophet Ibrahim declares his trust in Allah for everything, from giving life and guidance to providing food and health. This verse reminds us that all healing comes from the Creator, not from the herbs themselves.
So when we prepare a cup of healing tea or rest during our cycle, we do it with the understanding that these are means, but it is Allah, Ash-Shafi (The Healer), who brings the cure. That mindset turns even a simple act of self-care into an act of worship.
Dominican Herbal Medicine Recipe for Menstrual Cramps
This tea is simple, natural, and deeply soothing. I call it Té de la Luna or Moon Tea for those quiet moments when you just want comfort.
🌿 Ingredients
- 1 tsp dried anise seeds (for gas and cramp relief)
- 1 tsp cinnamon bark or stick (anti-inflammatory and warming)
- 4–6 fresh guava leaves or 1 tbsp dried (for cramp reduction and uterine support)
- 1 tsp dried basil (albahaca) (muscle relaxant and calming effect)
- 1 small slice fresh ginger (anti-inflammatory and soothing)
- 2 cups water
- Optional: raw honey to taste
🍵 Instructions
- In a small pot, bring the water to a boil.
- Add all herbs and ginger.
- Lower the heat, cover, and let simmer for 10–15 minutes.
- Strain the tea into a mug.
- Add honey if desired, and sip slowly.
Drink this tea 1–2 times a day during your period, especially when cramping or bloating is most intense. Enjoy this tea as it is warm, ideally with your feet up and a heating pad or hot water bottle near your lower belly.
Why These Dominican Herbs Work
Let’s break down each ingredient in this tea:
- Anise: Known for its antispasmodic properties. It relaxes the uterus and eases bloating and gas.
- Cinnamon: Helps improve blood circulation, which can ease pain and reduce inflammation.
- Guava Leaves: Rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. In Dominican households, they’re often boiled to treat pain and even diarrhea.
- Basil (Albahaca): A gentle muscle relaxant. In herbal medicine, it’s used to calm the nervous system and relieve digestive upset.
- Ginger: A natural anti-inflammatory powerhouse. It helps relieve pain, nausea, and cramping.
This is the kind of medicine that nourishes more than just your uterus, it brings peace to your entire body.
Rest and Reflection
Making this tea can become part of a menstrual routine, a time to slow down, reflect, and connect with your body and our Creator. Here are some gentle practices to pair with this tea:
- Dua for Healing: Say “Allahumma rabban-nas, adhhib al-ba’sa, ishfi anta ash-shafi, la shifa’a illa shifa’uk, shifa’an la yughadiru saqaman” (O Allah, Lord of mankind, remove the harm and heal. You are the Healer. There is no healing except Your healing, a healing that leaves no illness behind).
- Restorative stretching: Light stretching can help release pelvic tension.
- Journaling: Reflect on your emotions during this time. Many women experience deep intuition and self-awareness during their cycle.
- Quiet dhikr: Repeating names of Allah like Ash-Shafi (The Healer) or Al-Latif (The Subtle, Gentle One) can be comforting and spiritually uplifting.
A Note on Safety and Sensitivity
While these herbs are generally safe, always check with a healthcare provider if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or on medication. If your cramps are unusually intense or interfere with your daily life, it’s important to rule out conditions like endometriosis or fibroids.
Also, if you live in a region where fresh guava leaves aren’t available, you can find dried guava leaves at Latin American or Caribbean herbal shops, or even online. Anise seeds and dried basil are usually easy to find in the spice aisle.
Carrying On Our Traditions With Intention
As modern Muslim women, we often navigate many worlds like faith, culture, womanhood all at once. Returning to traditional herbal practices isn’t just a nostalgic act; it’s a way to reclaim holistic wellness. It’s a reminder that Allah has placed healing in the natural world, and that our foremothers, whether African, Taino, or Spanish, were deeply wise in how they used it.
Let this tea be more than a drink, let it be a way of honoring your womb, your roots, and your rhythm.
What About You?
Have you ever tried traditional remedies for your menstrual cycle? Do you have a family recipe you grew up with? I’d love to hear your stories on Patreon!
