Juniper Berries for Menstrual Cramps

A 2025 study found that 1500mg of juniper berry powder 3x daily after meals significantly improved pain from menstrual cramps similar to 250mg of mefenamic acid (NSAID) 3x daily from day 1 to day 3 of menses for 2 consecutive menstrual cycles. Juniper berries are thought to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Juniper berries may cause digestive or other side effects.

Banu T, Sultana A, Begum A, Sidra, Rahman K. Efficacy and safety of abhal (Juniperus communis L). on pain intensity, uterine artery doppler flow, and quality of life in primary dysmenorrhea: A double-blind, randomized controlled trial. J Ethnopharmacol. 2025 Feb 27;342:119388. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2025.119388. Epub 2025 Jan 20. PMID: 39842749.