Period Pain: What's 'Normal', What's Not, and What Herbs Can Do About It with Rosemary Umolu

Aug 21, 2025

Rosemary Umolu, a dedicated midwife and herbalist, dives into the intricacies of period pain and women’s health. She clarifies misconceptions, exploring what constitutes normal pain versus underlying conditions like endometriosis. Expect insights on dietary changes, including the benefits of magnesium and specific herbs like cinnamon and chamomile for relief. Rosemary emphasizes the need for empowerment in understanding menstrual health and discusses her impactful 'Periods Not Pills' campaign, promoting natural alternatives to hormonal treatments.

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ANECDOTE

Personal Turning Point On Period Pain

Rosemary realised in her twenties that periods are not supposed to be painful and investigated causes like sugar and nutrient deficiencies.
That personal discovery led her to specialise in reproductive herbal medicine and help others reduce period pain.

ADVICE

Educate Teens On Non‑Hormonal Options

Teach teens alternatives to hormonal contraception and simple accessible herbs like cinnamon, chamomile and fennel.
Start by lowering sugary drinks gradually to see tangible cycle improvements.

ADVICE

Reduce Sugar And Boost Magnesium

Cut back refined sugar and eat whole foods to reduce inflammation before your period.
Improve magnesium and B‑complex intake through diet or supplements to relax uterine muscles and reduce cramps.

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Period Pain: What's 'Normal', What's Not, and What Herbs Can Do About It

In this episode of Herbcast, Marion Mackonochie talks with herbalist Rosemary Umolu, who is dedicated to supporting women through the complexities of menstruation, pregnancy, and childbirth. Together, they explore the often-overlooked topic of period pain, distinguishing between what is considered normal and what might indicate a deeper issue, such as endometriosis or fibroids.

Rosemary shares her unique journey into herbalism, highlighting her passion for using nature's remedies to alleviate period pain and other reproductive health challenges. She discusses the importance of educating young women about their menstrual health, including her impactful Periods Not Pills campaign aimed at providing alternatives to hormonal treatments.

Listeners will discover:

- The dietary changes that can significantly alleviate period pain, including the role of magnesium and the importance of reducing sugar intake.

- How specific herbs, like cinnamon and chamomile, can provide relief during menstruation and support overall reproductive health.

- Practical insights on recognising when period pain may be symptomatic of more serious conditions, and the importance of seeking help.

- Rosemary's holistic approach to women’s health, emphasising the need for self-awareness and empowerment in managing menstrual health.

About Rosemary

Rosemary Umolu is a Midwife, Herbalist and speaker passionate about supporting women through periods, pregnancy and birth. After becoming a medical herbalist, she set up House of Rosemary, helping women get rid of periods pains and common conditions such as endometriosis, PCOS and fibroids. After overcoming issues with her own periods during her twenties, she became fascinated and passionate about educating teens and women about how to have a healthy menstrual cycle. As part of her journey in women's health, she went on to become a midwife, supporting women to have a holistic pregnancy and give birth feeling confident. She offers different services helping women to take charge of their health and have a positive understanding of their body.

House of Rosemary website: https://houseofrosemary.com/

Social media: https://www.instagram.com/houseofrosemary/

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