It’s not just the mood swings and headaches. Not just the pain and bloating. What’s most annoying is the inevitability of it all—this month’s symptoms repeated the next and the next after that. We usually pop a pill and are good to go; but are they safe in a long run? Even if you are sure of the pills, herbal remedies can beat anything! Herbal remedies are always the safer options considering they have little to no side effects and don’t risk complications in a long run.
Instead of hanging all the symptoms on one pill, let’s look at a few herbal remedies for PMS that you can keep around offering you relief for what you have when you have it.
STINGING NETTLES:
Nettles is a most helpful and nutritive tea. It will lift that immune system back up, remove toxins from your body, and even build up your energy again. It’ll relieve PMS symptoms, lessen profuse menstruation, and replenish lost vitamins and minerals. To make nettle tea, steep 2-3 tablespoons of herb in cold water overnight and filter it in the morning to consume.
LEMON BALM:
The leaves of lemon balm (essence, scent) offers peace and a sense of calmness while elevating a depressed mood. And you won’t feel druggy, either, so you can get on with what you need to do. It also cools the body down, which is helpful if you tend to feel overheated during PMS. You can crush the leaves and smell it during PMS.
VALERIAN:
Valerian is one fantastic herb for getting you down off the ledge. This nerve tonic will pull you out of distress, restlessness, and downright hysteria. It’s also a wonderful pain reliever, so it knocks the menstrual cramps and headaches right out. Four to six ounces of the tea up to two times daily will settle things down but do not take it longer than a few days at a time.
RASPBERRY LEAF:
Raspberry offers overall uterine health. It strengthens the uterus and relieves cramps, including that awful heavy and achy feeling during your period. One cup of tea three times daily during PMS (or all month long, if you like) can be of great help.
MOTHERWORT:
If you’re feeling a lot of anxiety and tension before your period, Motherwort will bring relief! It’ll also rid you of the headache, cramps, and those terrible cravings for chocolate and corn chips. Take one cup of tea up to three times a day until symptoms have passed.
Some Helpful Tips:
- Eat less salt throughout the month, but especially in the week before your period. With more salt comes increased fluid retention, hence more bloating. Processed foods such as canned soups and packaged snacks are especially high in sodium, so avoid them whenever possible.
- Also cut back on alcohol and caffeine, both of which can contribute to PMS.
- Eat lots of fibre. High-fibre foods help to escort surplus estrogen out of your body. Load up on whole grains like barley, oats, and whole-grain breads; vegetables; and beans.
- Drink more water. When you do, more “extra” salt leaves in your urine, and that helps stop swelling and bloating. Go for eight 250-mLr glasses a day.
- Cut out sugary snacks. Cravings for sweets trend upward when you have PMS, but candy and cookies send your blood sugar levels spiking. When you have a blood sugar crash later on, you’ll feel tired and irritable. If you limit your sugar supply, you’ll set the stage for a steadier mood.