Herbs For PMS Symptoms
Many women today suffer from PMS symptoms and feel there is nothing more that they can do, but trying out herbal remedies is definitely worth it as studies* have shown that certain herbs can be effective at easing PMS symptoms.
PMS can trigger symptoms that often occur within the two weeks before the start of your cycle. These symptoms can include breast tenderness, bloating, fluid retention, tiredness, and migraines. Some women also complain that their hormonal imbalances can cause emotional PMS symptoms such as mood swings, stress, anxiety, and even depression.
how your hormones should measure during your cycle(approximately):
1. Weeks 1—2 (after your period): In the first two weeks of your cycle you should have higher oestrogen levels. By the middle of your cycle, oestrogen levels have often increased greatly before dropping quickly again.
2. Weeks 3—4 (after ovulation): In the second two weeks of your cycle, after ovulation occurs and your body releases an egg, your progesterone levels should be higher (getting your uterus ready for possible implantation).
However a lot of women, can have high levels of oestrogen throughout their menstrual cycle and not enough progesterone which causes a progesterone deficit in the second half of their cycle. This is called ‘oestrogen dominance’ and it is very common in women, especially in women approaching the menopause.
If you feel you have a hormonal imbalance, and would like to know what your hormone levels are doing then you should consider taking a Dutch Package available on the website.
How can Herbs Help with PMS?
While simple exercise and eating a healthy diet can help to balance hormones, many women also look for help to relieve their PMS symptoms from all natural remedies. Using certain herbs can support both the symptoms of PMS as well as oestrogen dominance. Below are some recommended herbs for common PMS hormonal issues.
Great for Anxiety, Stress and Low Mood
Ashwagandha: The Ashwagandha plant is a small shrub native to India and North Africa and is an important medicinal herb used in Ayurveda. Ashwagandha has been used for over 3000 years to relieve stress and anxiety - and boost energy levels. My Just Ashwagandha also provides immune-boosting and thyroid-balancing properties and can be taken daily.
Lavender: Studies** have shown that Lavender has a long-standing association with alleviating symptoms of mild anxiety such as stress, depressive thoughts and tension. Lavender can also produce calmness, try at least 10 minutes inhalation of essential oil for effectiveness. The positive effects can be felt soon after inhalation as it is absorbed quickly.
Clary Sage: This contains hormone-like substances that help to balance the production and levels of oestrogen in your body. The essential oil extracted from this flowering herb is regularly used in aromatherapy to help calm, relax and generate a sense of wellbeing.
Great for Bloating, Stomach Cramps and Breast Tenderness
Lemon Balm: Lemon balm was used as far back as the Middle Ages to calm anxiety and stress, aid sleep, improve appetite, and ease discomfort from indigestion as well as reduce menstrual cramps. Continued use is recommended as it helps to reduce PMS symptoms over time, so the best results come from consuming this herb consistently throughout your cycle in the form of herbal supplements and teas.
Chasteberry: is a herbal remedy prepared from the berries of the Mediterranean tree Vitex agnus-castus. Vitex is an effective medication for breast tenderness, bloating, irregular periods and premenstrual mood symptoms. You can now purchase Vitex through Pippa Campbell Health - to order a bottle of Vitex, please contact us here.
Dandelion: This herb is a natural diuretic. If you are experiencing PMS symptoms related to fluid retention such as bloating, dandelion may be a helpful addition. It is commonly used as a tea.
Peony: Peony is a female hormone modulator, regulating signals between the brain and the ovaries to encourage healthy menstrual cycles. This herb also contains anti-inflammatory, spasmolytic, and analgesic properties – which means that peony is beneficial in decreasing PMS related symptoms such as menstrual cramps and breast tenderness. To order a bottle of White Peony, please contact us here.
We would always recommend that the usage of herbs should be under the guidance of one of our practitioners. During a consultation, your practitioner will assess what symptoms you are experiencing in detail and carry out a full case history to understand what herbs will be best suited to you. Please follow this link to book a consultation with one of our practitioners.
* https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24410911/
** https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3674979/