---
title: Do Western herbal medicines help with menstrual pain and discomfort?
description: One herbal medicine, Vitex agnus-castus (chasteberry), has research showing it works. Most other herbs used by Western herbalists have not been properly teste
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/is-there-a-role-for-western-herbal-medicine-in-treating-cyclic-perimenstrual-2019/
---

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- Do Western herbal medicines help with menstrual pain and discomfort?

Study, 2019

# Do Western herbal medicines help with menstrual pain and discomfort?

One herbal medicine, Vitex agnus-castus (chasteberry), has research showing it works. Most other herbs used by Western herbalists have not been properly tested for safety or effectiveness.

 Early or limited evidence

This is a review of research, not a study of actual women

## What they did

Researchers reviewed what is known from existing studies about herbal medicines used for menstrual symptoms by Western herbalists.

## What they found

Vitex agnus-castus has clinical evidence supporting it works for menstrual symptoms. Most other medicinal herbs typically used by Western herbalists for treating menstrual symptoms are not supported by clinical trials. Many women use these herbs despite the lack of tested safety and effectiveness.

## What it means for you

Only one common herbal remedy has evidence of working. Most other herbs women use for menstrual symptoms have not been properly tested. Women deserve research into which herbs are safe and which might help.

## About the study

Original title Is there a role for Western herbal medicine in treating cyclic perimenstrual pain and discomfort? Authors Fisher CY, Adams J, Frawley JE et al. Journal The Australian & New Zealand journal of obstetrics & gynaecology Year 2019 Study design Study What was tested Review of evidence for herbal medicines Read the paper [doi.org/10.1111/ajo.12883](https://doi.org/10.1111/ajo.12883)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Dysmenorrhea and period pain](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-dysmenorrhea/)[Pain and headache](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-pain/)[Vitex agnus-castus (chasteberry)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-vitex/)[Other herbal medicine](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-herbal-other/)

Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits.

Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor.

## Related studies

Review, 2025

Do herbal remedies help with menstrual and menopausal symptoms?

Non-randomised trial, 2023

Does a supplement with Vitex, vitamin B6, and magnesium reduce PMS symptoms?

Systematic review, 2021

Does damask rose help reduce menstrual pain, headache, fatigue, anxiety, and bloating?

Randomised trial, 2006

What herbs and dietary supplements have evidence for treating premenstrual syndrome?

Survey study, 2025

Can a chatbot help monitor PMS symptoms over time?

Cohort study, 2024

Does Vitex supplement improve menstrual cycle problems and quality of life?

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