A term most women are familiar with, Premenstrual Syndrome, or PMS, is a condition that afflicts some women prior to their menstrual cycles. This condition is medically explained as being caused by hormonal changes that take place in a woman’s body before a menstrual cycle. These hormonal spikes and dips can manifest as a wide range of physical and psychological symptoms.
There is no determined level of severity, as each woman experiences PMS at an individual scale. While some may experience mild irritability, others may experience severe depression, fatigue and bloating.To manage this condition, you can consult your gynecologist to know what best suits you. However, there are some remedies that you can do right at home to help you deal with PMS.
Top 10 Herbal Remedies for PMS
Stinging Nettle
A traditional folk remedy, stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) can be highly effective to relieve the pain and discomfort of PMS. This herb, commonly considered a weed, is a rich source of minerals, like iron and zinc, and vitamins. It is a recommended liver tonic, as it helps revive a sluggish liver.
When the liver is sluggish, it processes estrogen slowly. This may heighten or result in Premenstrual Syndrome. A simple tea or soup made of stinging nettle takes no time at all and is an easy option to manage your PMS.
Cramp Bark
As the name suggests, Cramp Bark (Viburnum opulus) is highly effective in relieving uterine cramps during PMS or menstruation. A dainty and beautiful shrub-like plant, Cramp Bark (Viburnum opulus) is native to Europe and Asia and is commonly grown as an ornamental plant. You can plant one in your apartment or backyard and keep this wonderful remedy at hand for those difficult days. You can make a simple tincture or decoction from Cramp Bark, by peeling it from the root and drying it.
Raspberry
Another handy plant to have near you is raspberry. Be it red or black raspberry, you can make an infusion, or tea, from its leaves and consume it during PMS or menstruation. The raspberry leaf contains beneficial minerals, like magnesium, potassium and iron, and vitamins that help strengthen the uterus and pelvic muscles in the female body.
Red Clover
One of nature’s wholesome remedies for menstrual disorders, red clover (Trifolium pretense) contains good quantities of phytoestrogens that can relieve PMS symptoms. It contains natural proportions of estrogens that make it a much better option than estrogen-packed chemical medication. You can make a simple tea of dried red clover leaves and have it at regular intervals throughout the day, till your condition improves.
Black Cohosh
A beautiful perennial plant, common in eastern North America, black cohosh (Actaea racemosa) is another highly effective natural remedy for Premenstrual Syndrome and menstrual problems. It contains essential phytoestrogens that can help relieve cramps and combat mood swings. This natural anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic herb relaxes uterine muscles, and so helps you be at ease when you have cramps. Make a simple infusion of black cohosh and have it as needed.
St. John’s Wort
A common herb, St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is another simple remedy to help with the psychological symptoms of PMS. This herb is known to be effective in relieving depression and is commonly prescribed to treat depression disorders. You can make a simple tea of this easy-to-get herb and drink those blues away.
Chaste Tree Berry
Also known as Vitex, Chaste Tree Berry (Vitex agnus-castus) is known to be one of the most effective in relieving PMS symptoms. You can consume the fruit of this plant, which helps in ensuring the progesterone levels remain high, or you can get the whole herb as a liquid tincture. One of the main reasons why Chaste Tree Berry is so good for PMS is that it works on the body’s pituitary gland and hypothalamus, which are key hormone regulating centers.
Ginger
Good for your stomach as well as your ovaries, ginger or ginger root (Zingiber officinale) has been traditionally used as medicine for PMS for centuries. It has a strong flavor and can be made into a soothing tea or had in a powdered form. This spice is known to be anti-spasmodic and it also helps with nausea.
Valerian Root
Known for its fragrant flowers, Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is as medicinal as it is cosmetic. For centuries, Valerian root has been used in folk remedies to help with pain, anxiety and sleep disorders. It is also known to be an effective treatment for cramps and other PMS-related symptoms. You can make a simple tea from the root and have it in the comfort of your home, as required.
Wild Yam
A small tuberous vine that is native to North America and China, wild yam (Dioscorea villosa) is another wild-growing herb that’s used as treatment for PMS and menstruation disorders. It contains the phytoestrogen diosgenin that may affect the production of progesterone. You can get the root in a powdered form, which can be had in the form of capsules, or in liquid form, which can be had as a tea.
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Caution: Please use Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.
