10 Herbal Tips for Women With PMS

Mood swings, bloating, cramping, headaches and body aches are just a few of the symptoms that women who suffer from PMS may experience. The discomfort can range from inconvenient to incapacitating.

Before you reach for an over-the-counter or prescription medicine, try using one or more of these herbal remedies.

Herbal Remedies for PMS

1. Angus-castus seeds act on the pituitary glad to balance hormones. Crush one teaspoon of the seeds and add to boiling water. Steep for ten minutes. If your cycle is regular and your symptoms mild, drink the tea every morning for the second half of your cycle, from ovulation to menstruation. If you have an irregular cycle or severe symptoms, drink the tea every morning for up to three months.
2. Red raspberry leaf tea relieves bloating and cramping. It is available in tea bags at grocery stores. Drink two or three cups a day.
3. Dong quai acts as a muscle relaxant to ease cramping. It will also help correct an irregular cycle. It is available in capsule for from pharmacies and health food stores. Follow the dosage directions on the bottle
4. Rosemary essential oil also relieves cramps. Add 8 to 10 drops to a warm bath, or make a massage oil from 2-3 drops added to a sesame or almond oil. Massage into your abdomen or lower back.
5. Lavender essential oil, added to a bath or used in a massage, will relieve irritability.
6. Chamomile tea, taken two or three times a day, also helps relive irritability.
7. Evening primrose oil relieves breast sensitivity, bloating and mood swings. Is is available in capsule form or as an oil. Dosages is provided on the bottle.
8. Black Cohosh, also available in pill form, relieves body aches and depression that may accompany PMS.
9. Licorice root, which has mild estrogenic effect, helps ease irritability, bloating and breast tenderness. Available in pill form.
10. Valerian, with it antispasmodic action, relieves anxiety, tension and insomnia.

Please consult with your doctor before trying any of these herbs and natural remedies. Just because they are "natural" doesn't mean that they are harmless. Many may interfere with medication or have other undesired results.

photo by Ana Labate