Many women suffer from PMS and PMDD symptoms, however, there are plenty of herbal remedies for PMS readily available. Here are a few herbal remedies and supplements that have provided relief to others.
Milk Thistle
Holistic doctors such as Naturopaths will always look at the underlying cause of any ailments. In many cases they discover that a person’s liver health plays a role in the body’s inability to overcome the condition.
In the case of PMDD, it may be that the liver is lacking the ability to metabolize a woman’s hormones which may lead to several PMDD symptoms. If the liver is not functioning efficiently it cannot detoxify the bloodstream efficiently either.
When this happens, the accumulation of toxins occur, which will can then exacerbate several symptoms of PMS and PMDD.
Milk thistle is a plant that contains several components collectively known as silymarin that can help protect the liver against damage caused by free radicals. Silymarin helps prevent toxins from entering the liver and neutralizes the toxins that have already penetrated the liver.
Milk thistle increases the levels of glutathione in the liver, which is another important antioxidant that has liver protective benefits.
Chasteberry Fruit Extract
Preliminary results from several studies reveal that chasteberry can relieve some PMDD symptoms such as breast tenderness, irritability and headaches. Research has shown that women who have used chasteberry have experienced up to a 50% reduction in their symptoms.
Chasteberry contains active compounds that help suppress the release of certain hormones such as prolactin. High levels of prolactin is linked to cyclic breast tenderness and many other symptoms of PMS and PMDD.
The fruit extract of chasteberry balances hormones released from the pituitary gland. This gland is the part of the brain responsible for regulating overall hormone function. Studies have shown that more than 5,000 women confirmed its effectiveness in treating many PMS and PMDD symptoms.
Aside from being effecting in the relieving PMS, Chasteberry is an effective fertility herb. So either rejoice or be prepared.
Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea contains certain properties that are effective in treating muscle spasms, thereby reducing the pain caused by menstrual cramps. This tea is also used by many as part of a relaxation regimen. Drinking a cup of chamomile tea can rapidly reduce, if not eliminate irritability and mood swings as it calms the mind and body.
Chamomile tea does not contain caffeine so PMS and PMDD sufferers can drink this tea as a replacement for their caffeinated beverages.
Reishi Mushroom
A 10-25 mg decoction of reishi mushroom can be taken daily in divided doses. This can help boost the immune system while it helps regulate blood sugar levels. Reishi mushroom can counteract feelings of fatigue and weakness.
In addition, this mushroom can have calming and relaxing effects that are useful for combating difficulty sleeping, feelings of nervousness and irritability.
Take this decoction in the morning and in the evening to experience relief from the many symptoms of PMS and PMDD. You may also opt for the capsule form of red reishi extract or its dried tea form depending on your preference.
Dong Quai
This is also called “female ginseng” because of its ability to attenuate several gynecological problems. This herb works incredibly well for treating cramps. Dong Quai quickly provides relief from cramps in as little as thirty minutes after taking the herb, and relief may last for up to four hours.
Black Cohosh
Another wonderful herb for women who are battling against irritability and sleeplessness. However, taking this herb for more than a year can harm the liver so this herb must not be used without the advice of a qualified herbalist.
St John’s Wort
This is a popular herb due to its potent medicinal properties. This herb is so powerful it can help ease more than fifteen symptoms of PMDD and PMS. Some of the symptoms that are subdued by St. John’s Wort include fatigue, anxiety, depression, irritability, breast tenderness, aches and insomnia.
Agnus Castus
Agnus Castus is one of the best herbs for PMS as it is a hormone precursor. It can be taken in tea form or capsule form which are available at your health food store.
Parsley or Dandelion Tea
To ease bloating and puffiness, diuretics such as Parsley or Dandelion tea can be effective. Diuretics are best taken during the last week of one’s menstrual cycle for an effective result.
Crampbark
This herb is aptly named and is a wonderful herb for helping ease the tummy. A cup of Chamomile tea, Peppermint tea or Ginger tea can also be helpful for relieving spasm, cramping and gas.
Valerian or Skullcap
These two herbs are excellent for helping to calm extreme nervous excitability, especially during restless nights.
Herbal remedies are effective in providing PMS and PMDD relief, although the right precautions must be taken when using these herbs. It’s important to consult your physician or herbalist.
Deika King, TND, MH, CCT, PSc.D
Traditional Doctor of Naturopathy Houston
832-422-7271
