Cramping, Stagnation, & Slow Flow 🌿

I’m not going to lie… it took me a long time to write this post. There is just SO MUCH information to give you guys and it’s ALL SO IMPORTANT and connected! However, I really tried to just focus on cramping associated with light flow and some actionable steps you can take today to help support your body!

As most of you have expressed that you experience cramping during your cycle, today I want to look at cramping that is associated with a light flow. It’s important to of course first rule out that your light flow or period lasting less than 3 days isn’t being caused by low estrogen, hypothyroidism, or low body weight/fat. Once you’ve done that, if you’re still dealing with the symptoms mentioned below, this guide may help you support your cycle and get things flowing.

Slow, stagnant flow is a common pattern often marked by dark, brownish blood instead of the bright red flow we expect. It may feel more like spotting than a full period, with unproductive cramping* and a drawn-out cycle that lasts 7+ days. Constitutionally, these symptoms indicate cold, stagnation, and tension. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and the good news is, there are plenty of ways to support your body and improve this experience.

*While mild cramping is normal (your uterus contracts due to an increase in the inflammatory chemical, prostaglandins, to expel the uterine lining), intense pain that keeps you on the couch or brings you to tears is not.

Stagnation ⛔️
Although we are biologically very similar, when we compare ourselves to our cavemen ancestors, us modern day humans move A LOT less. Humans weren’t made to sit at a desk for 8 hours a day, under artificial lighting, then spend another hour commuting only to sit on the couch when we arrive home! While it’s important to rest when needed, a body in motion stays in motion. The less we move, the less we feel like moving. By staying active, we promote circulation, delivering fresh blood and nutrients to our organs, helping them function more effectively and clearing out what they no longer need.

Speaking of clearing out what our body doesn’t need—this is the job of the lymphatic system, which doesn’t have its own pump! So, how do we get lymph fluid moving to help “take out the trash”? The answer is movement. Activities like walking, jumping jacks, and yoga all promote lymph flow. Herbs such as Calendula, Red Clover, and Violet can also be incredibly supportive in this process.

If your lifestyle makes it hard to stay active during the day, and changing jobs or not working in an office isn’t an option, small changes can still make a big difference. If you can, try sitting on a yoga ball instead of a chair to engage your core and add some movement with fun hip circles throughout the day.

Incorporating movement into your life can be simple. Whether it’s a daily walk, dancing, or pilates, find something you enjoy! Even non-exercise activities like gardening, housework, or washing the car are beneficial and sustainable over time. Think about how active our grandmothers were, constantly on the move without needing a gym! 

Tension 💆‍♀️
This pattern is often accompanied by a lot of tension. Maybe it’s a tight pelvic floor, or that you tend to feel cold and as a result experience an overall sense of tension in your body. Sometimes, this tension mirrors our emotional state—holding on too tightly, trying to control every aspect of life—and it shows up in our cycle as a constricted, painful period. Our bodies are wise—they communicate what they need, but we have to slow down and listen to those cues.

Herbs That Can Help:

• Dong Quai – A warming herb that tones and strengthens the uterus, helps increase blood flow to the reproductive organs, and improves the quality of menstrual blood.
• Ginger – Warming and antispasmodic, ginger helps increase overall circulation, bringing fresh blood to the organs.
• Mugwort – A warming, antispasmodic herb that stimulates blood flow to the uterus and can support emotional balance during your cycle.
• Damiana – Often considered an aphrodisiac due to its ability to increase blood flow to the pelvic area.
• Cramp Bark – An antispasmodic that helps calm uterine contractions and relieves tension.
• Motherwort – Enhances overall circulation and can help bring on a delayed or stagnant period.
• Nettle – Deeply nutritive, it provides essential vitamins and minerals (like magnesium which can help with cramping) to support all of your body’s functions.
• Raspberry Leaf – A nutritive uterine tonic that supports more effective contractions.