Healing Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) Naturally

Pre-menstrual syndrome or PMS is both physical and emotional symptoms associated with a woman’s menstrual cycle. Symptoms can include mood swings, food cravings, tender abdomen and breasts or fatigue. Irritability and minor depression can also be symptoms of PMS that can bothersome. It is estimated that about 75% of all women have some form of PMS. Symptoms usually crest in a woman’s late 20’s and early 30’s, but PMS can continue right up into menopause.

PMS symptoms like tender breasts and food cravings are apt to return in a predictable pattern, but the emotional changes differ from month to month. One month the emotional changes might be particularly intense, and yet other months you may not notice them at all.

Whatever PMS symptoms you have, you don’t have to let these problems control your life. Herbal treatments and some lifestyle changes can help you reduce and manage your symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.

Black Haw (Viburnum prunifolium) has been used for thousands of years to treat menstrual cramps. It was used by the Native Americans to treat gynecological situations, including menstrual cramps, childbirth recovery, and the treating menopause. One of the principal herbal components to Black Haw is salicin. Salicin is the chemical relative of aspirin.

Chamomile is a member of the Daisy family of herbs. Those who are allergic to Daisies should not take Chamomile.

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is nature’s Valium. Valerian is useful for insomnia and as a sedative for nervous tension, excitability, and stress. It is the herbal alternative to the family of benzodiazepine drugs.

Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) is an herbal nervine. As with Valerian, it is used for calming nervous tension. It is much milder than Valerian. It can be helpful to take chamomile tea for upset stomach during PMS. Chamomile is an anti-inflammatory, and Chamomile Oil can be rubbed on tender breasts. Chamomile Oil is usually mixed with other anti-inflammatory herbs.

Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis) is widely used in Chinese herbal medicine as a treatment for fatigue. It is also a uterine tonic and hormone regulator.

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinalis) is thought of more as a weed, but herbalists use it for it’s diuretic effects. A diuretic helps the body to eliminate excess water. Dandelion, while acting as a diuretic, still retains the potassium in your body that over the counter diuretics deplete.

Be sure to ask your doctor or health care provider when starting any herbal regimen. Herbs are natural, but have powerful medicinal effects. Herbs can react and interfere with medicines you may already be taking.