Some of you who are new to the magical lifestyle might wonder why a page on women's menstruation, the "great mystery" of womanhood, should appear on this site. A women's menstrum has always been considered to be a powerful substance. After all, it is the stuff of life and rebirth. A woman bleeds for a few days each month and yet survives. A woman is at her magical peak during the days she menstruates. All this considered, it is only fitting that Swampwitch dedicate some space to the moonblood.

Why call it moonblood? A woman's menstrual cycle is theoretically supposed to last for 28 days, while a cycle of the moon occurs over just more than 29 days. The word menses which is used sometimes instead of menstruation is related to the word month, which may or may not be related to the word moon. Additionally, many women in the magical arts undergo meditation and herbal regimens to keep their cycles in sync with the full and dark moons, with menstruation occuring at the full moon. Moonblood is a most accurate term.

Menstruation involves much more than the losing of a pint of blood or so each month. It is the shedding of the nutrient-rich lining of the uterus in which a fertilized egg would implant and become an embryo. The cycle begins with the moonblood, or the shedding away of the old lining. About two weeks later, as the lining grows back in the uterus, ovulation occurs. If no egg is implanted, that lining begins to break apart and eventually becomes the next menstrual cycle.

The moonblood is a great time for the female magician, but it can be hellish if she is suffering from cramping. The rest of this page is devoted to treating menstrual cramps without mind and body-altering analgesics such as ibuprofen. With a good diet and a proper regimen, most women should be able to bring their cramps under their control.

This was almost called the Raspberry Leaf Page, because so many good remedies come from the raspberry plant. Ingesting as much raspberry leaf tea as you can throughout the month should help you, but especially drink it during the moonblood. Raspberry leaf is available in convenient little capsules to take with you on the go. The juice of the berries is another excellent tonic against cramps. The most potent raspberry product, however, is raspberry tincture. Add a little of this strong-smelling liquid to teas, juices, water, or whatever pleases you.

Calcium plays a huge role in having a healthy reproductive system--not dairy calcium, but the kind you gain from green leafy vegetables and legumes. Calcium tablets are easy to find and can be used as a pain reliever during bad cramping. Put as much of this calcium in your diet as possible. Lots of Vitamin C will also help you.

Vitex, also known as chaste berry, has been world renown for its abilities to help the female reproductive system. You will need to take a daily dose of vitex over several weeks before seeing a noticeable improvement.

Warming herbs are excellent at the moonblood, especially ginger in any form. Cinnamon gives warmth and is kind to the stomach. Lemon balm feels especially soothing. Adding hot pepper or black pepper to your food may also be of help.

There is one final suggestion which while not herbal works beautifully. In the United States we have a product called Icy Hot, which is essentially a topica cream for aching muscles. A little of this kind of ointment massaged into the belly can stop cramps altogether. You will smell like menthol, but for the relief, it is worth it.

Please note that the above was brough to you by an herbalist specializing in women's materia medica and not a medical doctor. Prolonged menstrual problems may be a sign of something more serious. If these simple remedies do not work, please see your doctor.

May the moonblood be a time of power and of magic!

--Jane Boston