Click Here to find out how to Cure Premenstrual Tension Naturally

Most women know what PMS is all about. After all, it is the butt of many jokes. Men don’t understand it as PMS is sort of like a rite of passage among the “sisterhood” of females and unfortunately for many, this rite of passage is traveled many times! There are some traditional remedies that do alleviate PMS symptoms but what if you need something to enhance the results of these traditional methods?

Traditional PMS Treatments

Over the counter medications, especially NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) help reduce cramping and the aches and pains of a period and ovulation. Doctors sometimes prescribe a birth control pill like Yasmin which not only helps to regulate the estrogen in your body to reduce the PMS symptoms like cramping and breast tenderness but also acts as a diuretic to reduce water retention as well.

Traditional treatments only go so far though. If you have regular PMS but perhaps not as severe as PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder), an intense form of PMS, you might need a bit of a boost herbally to help. Here are some popular herbs used for PMS symptoms:

1. Chamomile – This flowery herb is not only an antioxidant; it is also an anti-inflammatory, a tension tamer and a muscle relaxant. Chamomile is best consumed in tea form.

2. Peppermint – This herb has a cool, soothing effect and is best consumed by tea although lotions and creams may work for application outside the body. Peppermint reduces menstrual cramping, soothes tension and anxious nerves, and lowers gas and bloating and even headache pain.

3. Black cohosh – Found in supplement as well as tincture form, this herb has been used for years for overall female health. PMS-wise, it reduces the overall tension and stress of the syndrome and helps balance out hormones for fewer symptom incidences.

4. Raspberry leaf – This leafy herb can be best found in teas and is good at relaxing the female organs, especially when it comes to cramps.

5. Dong quai – This herb has been around for a while and not only has mild laxative effects but it is also an anti-spasmodic. Basically, if constipation is a problem during PMS, dong quai can help as well as reduce cramping. This herb can be found in supplements and teas for the most part.

6. Fennel – This herb is often used for cooking, at least the seeds are. Fennel not only reduces cramping as part of its anti-spasmodic properties, it also is an analgesic, meaning it reduces pain. The diuretic properties help reduce bloating and fluid retention that leads to weight gain.

7. Lemon balm – A popular ingredient in teas and even skin lotions and creams, this herb helps relieve emotional issues associated with PMS like depression, irritability and anxiety. Somehow, lemon balm also helps regulate your menstrual cycle as well.

A number of other herbal remedies exist that can help with PMS symptoms. If you are feeling adventurous, head to your whole foods store or natural herbal store; browse through the aisles. People for centuries have used herbs for healing and restorative effects and so can you.

Natural Remedies That Can Be Taken For Premenstrual Syndrome

There are several physical and emotional symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) that women can experience 5 to 11 days before their period starts each month. These symptoms follow a predictable pattern each month but can vary in intensity. A woman may experience several symptoms each month.

Natural remedies to PMS are effective and safer than using drugs either over-the-counter or prescription. Research has uncovered a possible connection between hormonal imbalance, prostaglandin imbalance, and vitamin or mineral imbalances as a possible cause for PMS. Natural remedies can address these imbalances instead of just masking the symptoms of PMS.

Proper diet plays a critical role in relieving PMS symptoms. Especially women who are not able to regulate their blood sugar can have exacerbated symptoms of PMS. Sugar or food cravings can be a result of not being able to manage blood sugar levels. After a woman ovulates her body’s insulin-binding capacity changes which has an impact on the amount of sugar in her bloodstream. In order to eliminate sugar cravings it is important to keep insulin levels steady and also to avoid refined sugar in your diet. It is also important to eat normal size meals at regular time intervals. Protein is also important to eat chicken, turkey, fish and lean red meats. A deficiency in chromium can also contribute to unstable blood sugar levels. Those at risk for chromium deficiencies are those who are regular exercisers, and people who drink a lot of caffeine or those who eat a lot of sugar in their diet.

Reducing your intake of dietary fat can lower your prostaglandin and estrogen levels, which can help to relieve PMS symptoms. Good fats to consume are olive, safflower, and linseed oil. All of these good fats help in the production of prostaglandins.

If you are already having bloating, you should know that if you add salt to your diet than you may be contributing to the problem. Salt intake causes fluid retention, which contributes to weight gain, breast tenderness, swelling, and that awful bloated feeling. Having an excessive amount of salt in your diet can also create a strong reaction to the sugar, which could contribute to low blood sugar, making you feel irritable and weak.

There have been two studies one in China and one in Boston that link caffeine consumption with increased PMS symptoms. Caffeine can contribute to blood sugar level fluctuations. It can also lead to food cravings, fatigue, weakness, headaches, and irritability. Caffeine can also create a stress on your body, which also contributes to PMS symptoms.

Vitamins B6, Vitamin A, and Vitamin E can all help to relieve PMS symptoms. Calcium and magnesium supplements can help to reduce PMS symptoms such as irritability, headaches, abdominal bloating, back pain, and depression. Zinc can help women who suffer from acne.