Herbal Remedies for Premenstrual Tension

07 Jul

Posted by Dr John Anne as herbal remedies

PMS can start up to two weeks before your period and usually goes away when your period starts. It most commonly affects teenagers and women in their early 20s. Some women have symptoms of PMS each month before their period starts.

Nearly all women get some mild symptoms before their period. However, around one in 20 women have symptoms that interfere with their quality of life.

Premenstrual Tension Remedy Herbal

Traditionally, Vitex (Chaste tree, Monk?s pepper) has been used for controlling Menstrual Disorders. The part used is the vitex stem. Vitex stem acts upon the pituitary gland?specifically on the production of a hormone called luteinizing hormone (LH), which indirectly increases progesterone production and helps regulate the menstrual cycle. Vitex is taken orally in form of capsules or liquid, depending on the available product.

Tea made up of Yarrow plant is also traditionally considered very beneficial. It has anti-inflamatory properties and helps in menstrual disorders. Tea can be prepared by boiling yarrow leaves in water for 10-15 minutes. It can be taken 2-3 times in a day to get relief.

Dashamoola is an ayurvedic composition of ten roots for treatment menstrual disorders.It has an anti-inflammatory effect and is considered vey effective in bronchitis, cough, headache, weakness, drowsiness and digestive problems. It is available in different forms - tablets or liquid(wine made from these herbs).

Black cohosh: Black cohosh has been shown to positively impact the serotonin pathway and thus may have a beneficial impact for some women, especially those with vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes). Black cohosh does not affect estrogen levels or function.

St. John’s wort: This herb may help elevate serotonin levels, possibly helping premenstrual syndrome symptoms. Studies do not agree on its effectiveness. St. John’s wort should never be used if you take prescription antidepressants.

Evening primrose oil: Gamma-linoleic acid (GLA) is the active agent found in evening primrose oil. Much like mefenamic acid, GLA blocks prostaglandin synthesis, resulting in decreased breast tenderness, bloating, and weight gain. The standard dose is 3 grams per day, and it should be started less than 1 week before the onset of your period. This agent is available without a prescription at health food stores and certain pharmacies. A review of the studies on evening primrose oil, however, showed no proven effect on the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.

Burdock, Dandelion, Lemon Balm, Motherwort, *Mugwort, Nettles, Wild Yam, Black Cohosh, Black Haw, Chamomile, Chasteberry, Crampbark, Lobelia, Peppermint, *Rue, Skullcap, Tansy, *Valerian, Yarrow

Echinacea - common cold, infections, healing wounds

Flax Seed - cancer prevention, constipation, high cholesterol, menopause, periodontal disease, premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

Garlic - cancer prevention and treatment, cardiovascular disease, circulatory disorders, high cholesterol, hypertension, skin infections