Natural Ways to Cope With Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) Symptoms
These natural, effective ways to cope with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) range from black cohosh to chasteberry herbal remedies. Did you know that severe premenstrual symptoms include anxiety, social withdrawal, and joint pain? Even the “not as bad” premenstrual syndrome symptoms aren’t exactly a walk in the park: crying spells, depression, and acne flare-ups.
Before the tips, a quip from Roseanne Barr:
“Women complain about PMS, but I think of it as the only time I can be myself,” says Barr.
Not every woman wants to be her “PMS self”! The following four natural remedies for premenstrual syndrome are from The Everything Health Guide to PMS: The essential guide to reducing discomfort, minimizing symptoms, and feeling your best
4 Natural Ways to Cope With Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) Symptoms
Even though herbal products may be natural and/or organic, they could still be toxic and harmful. Talk to a naturopath or medical doctor before trying any of these ways to cope with PMS. Same with any organic makeup or cosmetics – even you don’t actually eat or drink them, they could be harmful.
1. Black Cohosh to relieve mood swings and PMS cramps. “Black cohosh (Actaea racemosa), an herb native to North America, is primarily used to treat menopausal symptoms and menstrual problems, including sleep problems, mood disturbances, hot flashes, and painful menstrual cramping,” writes Scalise in The Everything Health Guide to PMS. Researchers don’t know exactly why black cohosh is effective. It’s safe for women who don’t have a personal or family history of breast cancer. Side effects may include gastrointestinal discomfort, dizziness, headaches, nausea, and vomiting (with higher doses). Click the image for more info about black cohosh.
2. Blue Cohosh to regulate your periods. Blue cohosh can regulate the menstrual cycle, ease menstrual cramps, and treat endometriosis. Native Americans use this natural herbal product to induce labor, and it can be toxic – so experts don’t recommend self-treatment. Before you try blue cohosh as a way to cope with PMS symptoms, talk to a qualified naturopath or medical doctor.
3. Wild Yam Root to balance hormones? This herbal product contains diosgenin, which may balance the hormone progesterone (though there’s no concrete evidence that proves this). Wild yam root is used to treat rheumatism, arthritis, menstrual irregularities, cramps, infertility, menopause, and endometriosis. For some women, it works to relieve PMS symptoms. For more info on premenstrual syndrome and symptoms, read How Your Period Affects Your Libido and Mood.
4. Chaste Tree Fruit or Chasteberry to reduce premenstrual bloating. “Chaste tree fruit or chasteberry (Vitus agnus-castus) is an herb approved as a PMS remedy in Germany,” writes Scalise in The Everything Health Guide to PMS. “It is thought to inhibit the secretion of prolactin, an anti-inflammatory substance that causes breast pain and tenderness. In fact, there is clinical evidence that supports the use of chasteberry for cyclical breast tenderness and fullness.” This natural remedy can reduce premenstrual bloating, constipation, irritability, depression, anger, and headaches.
If you have severe PMS symptoms, talk to a naturopath about dosage amounts for these (and any) herbal products. For more info on natural remedies, read Foods That Prevent Mood Swings and Stabilize Emotions.
Do you have any thoughts or comments on coping with premenstrual syndrome? Feel free to comment below…
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