How To Make A Herbal Tea For PMS
PMS (pre-menstrual syndrome) has a wide variety of symptoms. You don’t have to let these symptoms control your life. Herbal treatments and some lifestyle changes can help you reduce and manage your symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.
Herbs to Help Manage PMS
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.
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. It does not give the “foggy head” side effect that Valium does.Valerian should not be taken with any sleep inducing drugs. It can cause too much sedation. Know how your body reacts to Valerian before driving, using machines or other dangerous activities.
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. Chamomile is a relative of the daisy family, and therefore should not be used by people that are allergic, or sensitive to daisies. Also, it should not be taken by person who take blood thinning medication.
Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis) is widely used in Tradition Chinese Medicine (TCM) as a treatment for fatigue. It can help stave off that tired feeling that many women get during their menstrual cycle. It also acts as a uterine tonic and and can help regulate hormones. Dong Quai is also useful during menopause.
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 some of the potassium in your body that over the counter diuretics can deplete quickly. If you are taking dandelion as a diuretic for an extended period, eat potassium rich foods such as banana, and potato.
Herbs to Include in Your PMS Tea and Dosing
To help with your PMS Symptoms, mix 6 TBS of Black Haw, 4 TBS of Valerian, 4 TBS of Chamomile, 5 TBS of Dandelion Root, and 6 TBS. of Dong Quai into an air tight container. Mix well, and use one teaspoon to one tablespoon 2 to 3 times a day. Start with the lower dose. More does not always equal better, or faster results. You can start using this tea a week or so before your period to help stave off any symptoms. Be sure to store in a dark container, or in a glass container out of light. It is best to keep the herbs away from heat, too. If you want, you can double the recipe to have more for next month.
How To Make PMS Herbal Tea
Making an herbal tea is quick, and simple. You would use one teaspoon to one tablespoon per cup (coffee cup) of hot water. If you are combining herbs, be sure to combine the herbs, and then take the dosage from that. You can use either an herbal strainer, or a tea press. Put the tea into the tea press, or non metallic container you are using. Pour hot water over the loose tea. Let stand 15-20 minutes. Strain and drink.