Botanicals for PMS

By Dominique Cameron

Originally Published in Sound Integrated Health News here on 12-17-11

     Few are strangers to the dramatic portrayals in the media of the irritable woman—she’s easily angered for what seems to be no good reason, crazy about chocolate and it’s just days before her period! You guessed right, she’s experiencing an episode of Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), and she’s definitely not alone. In fact, according to Natural Standard, “…PMS is found in women all over the world. Up to 40% of women in their reproductive years experience…symptoms.” Though there are over 150 symptoms associated with PMS, most women commonly complain of irritability, anxiety, depression, bloating, fatigue, feelings of hostility or anger, breast tenderness, and food cravings—especially for chocolate, sweet, and salty foods. Even if not suffering from PMS, it’s estimated that 70-90% of menstruating women still experience some premenstrual symptoms.

     Though the exact causes of PMS are unknown, the most unpleasant symptoms can be treated fairly easily with botanical medicine. Nervines are herbs that have the ability to relax the nervous system, and can be helpful to take the edge off when dealing with the anger, anxiety, and irritability. Two calming, gentle nervines are oatstraw (Avena sativa) and passion flower (Passiflora incarnata). For an even greater effect, sedatives such as lavender (Lavendula officinalis) bring about total body relaxation. As for the bloating that may result from PMS, carminative herbs—such as ginger (Zingiber officinalis), peppermint (Mentha piperita), and chamomile (Matricaria recutita)—can offer relief by helping the body to expel gas. Carminatives are also effective at relieving spasm and colic in the gastrointestinal system. Lastly, there are many possible reasons for the occurrence of breast tenderness during PMS, and water retention is a very likely one. Diuretic herbs stimulate urination, which counteracts the effects of water retention and can offer comfort for tender, swollen breasts. Dandelion (Taraxacum officinalis), stinging nettle (Urtica dioica), and juniper berry (Juniperus communis) are a few commonly used diuretics.

 All of these herbs are fairly easy to acquire, and have the potential to make your experience with PMS much more pleasant.So the next time PMS comes knocking at your door with all of its challenges, having a few essential herbs on hand can make a world of difference. Although PMS is complex, remember that it can be broken down and treated naturally, symptom by symptom.

*Note: Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a condition where women suffer from many of the physical symptoms of PMS, often more severely than other women. This should not be confused with PMS. This information is intended for educational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Consult with a qualified healthcare provider for specific questions regarding health conditions prior to making any therapeutic decisions.

References

1.     Elpel, T. Botany in a Day: The Patterns and Methods of Plant Identification 5th Ed. Pony, MT: Hops  Press (2010). Print.

2.     “Women's Health.” Natural Standard: The Authority on Integrative Medicine. 2011. Web. Accessed Dec 7 2011.

3.     Zieve, D. and Storck, S. “Breast – Premenstrual Tenderness and Swelling.” Group Health of Puget Sound. Medline Plus. Jun 16 2011. Web. Accessed Dec 2 2011.