8 Natural Remedies for PMS that
Actually Work
WRITTEN BY SAMANTHA DAVIS, CEO AND OWNER
THIS ARTICLE IS COPYWRITTEN FOR NIGELLASATIVACENTER.COM ONLY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
THIS ARTICLE IS COPYWRITTEN FOR NIGELLASATIVACENTER.COM ONLY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Do you experience bloating, abdominal cramps, acne breakouts, mood swings, food cravings, and fatigue every time that your period approaches? You’re not alone. Millions of other women share your agony every month.
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and its associated symptoms affect about 80% of the women around of the world. Around 5% of these women experience severe symptoms which are debilitating enough to affect the quality of their lives, a condition known as Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). This article is all about natural remedies to overcome symptoms of PMS. Read on! So What Is PMS? Premenstrual syndrome is a cluster of symptoms that affect women around 4-10 days before the onset of menstruation every month due to a surge in the level of the female hormone estrogen in the body. |
The symptoms vary a great deal from one woman to another and generally tend to resolve around the start of bleeding. The signs and symptoms of PMS include
- Abdominal cramps
- Bloating
- Nausea
- Acne
- Breast tenderness
- Mood swings
- Depression
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Weight gain due to fluid retention
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Generalized body aches
- Fatigue
Let Mother Nature Take Control
Detailed below are some natural remedies to combat signs and symptoms of PMS.
In order to cure your PMS symptoms and get on with your life you must do a few things:
Understand sometimes and especially if you have severe PMS or PMDD then you may need help from a doctor or a pain medicine until your body gets balanced. The cause of PMS is normally hormone inbalance.
I never had menopause or hormonal problems because I took black seed oil daily. Black Seed oil deals with the whole body, not just the symptoms and the same with magnesium oil. In my opinion the things that are the most important are Perfect Press Black Seed Oil, Transdermal Magnesium oil and Saffron tea. I am a big advocate of the use of saffron.
Below there are multiple supplements that can help you and depending on your symptoms and needs, you can choose.
For a great detox, use dandelion leaf and hibiscus teas as a natural diuretic.
- Have a healthy diet - plant based is best.
- Get some mild exercise - rebounding or walking is best.
- Take your supplements - list below
- Deal with your stress. Stress will make it worse.
Understand sometimes and especially if you have severe PMS or PMDD then you may need help from a doctor or a pain medicine until your body gets balanced. The cause of PMS is normally hormone inbalance.
I never had menopause or hormonal problems because I took black seed oil daily. Black Seed oil deals with the whole body, not just the symptoms and the same with magnesium oil. In my opinion the things that are the most important are Perfect Press Black Seed Oil, Transdermal Magnesium oil and Saffron tea. I am a big advocate of the use of saffron.
Below there are multiple supplements that can help you and depending on your symptoms and needs, you can choose.
For a great detox, use dandelion leaf and hibiscus teas as a natural diuretic.
Some basic supplementation must be included in your diet
Supplements needed like magnesium, calcium, Vitamin D3 and Omega 3s. It is important to understand that healing the entire body is important to the overall healing you may need. Why do you have more pain or symptoms than others? It may be as simple as a bottle of magnesium or a few Vitamin D3 tablets. I for one was having severe back pains and I found out the my D3 was low and deficient. By adding in the right dosage I lead a normal life now. Dosage for Vitamin D3 is 2000iu if you are not deficient and 5000iu if you are.
As for magnesium, there is much research showing how magnesium is wonderful for menstrual symptoms and pain and bloating. There is no test for magnesium deficiency as only 1% is in the blood. You can only go by the signs. Some of the main signs are thirst and hunger. The best expert on magnesium is Dr. Marcus Sircus and he wrote this wonderful and thorough article on Greenmedinfo on the many things that can be caused by a magnesium deficiency. If you are having PMS, magnesium transdermal and internally is a must.
We recommend Ease Magnesium spray (transdermal) and magnesium glycinate to take internally as it is best for PMS symptoms and it is very calming. If you sign up with autoship on Black Seed Oil, Activation Products will give you one free bottle of magnesium spray monthly.
I also suggest taking the magnesium oil and diluting it in half with water and place in a spray bottle. 3 times a week after a hot shower, get out and towel off and spray the magnesium oil all over your body except your private parts. Wonderful and refreshing.
Dr. Norman Shealy's statements, "Every known illness is associated with a magnesium deficiency" and that, "magnesium is the most critical mineral required for electrical stability of every cell in the body. A magnesium deficiency may be responsible for more diseases than any other nutrient."
Supplements needed like magnesium, calcium, Vitamin D3 and Omega 3s. It is important to understand that healing the entire body is important to the overall healing you may need. Why do you have more pain or symptoms than others? It may be as simple as a bottle of magnesium or a few Vitamin D3 tablets. I for one was having severe back pains and I found out the my D3 was low and deficient. By adding in the right dosage I lead a normal life now. Dosage for Vitamin D3 is 2000iu if you are not deficient and 5000iu if you are.
As for magnesium, there is much research showing how magnesium is wonderful for menstrual symptoms and pain and bloating. There is no test for magnesium deficiency as only 1% is in the blood. You can only go by the signs. Some of the main signs are thirst and hunger. The best expert on magnesium is Dr. Marcus Sircus and he wrote this wonderful and thorough article on Greenmedinfo on the many things that can be caused by a magnesium deficiency. If you are having PMS, magnesium transdermal and internally is a must.
We recommend Ease Magnesium spray (transdermal) and magnesium glycinate to take internally as it is best for PMS symptoms and it is very calming. If you sign up with autoship on Black Seed Oil, Activation Products will give you one free bottle of magnesium spray monthly.
I also suggest taking the magnesium oil and diluting it in half with water and place in a spray bottle. 3 times a week after a hot shower, get out and towel off and spray the magnesium oil all over your body except your private parts. Wonderful and refreshing.
Dr. Norman Shealy's statements, "Every known illness is associated with a magnesium deficiency" and that, "magnesium is the most critical mineral required for electrical stability of every cell in the body. A magnesium deficiency may be responsible for more diseases than any other nutrient."
SUGGESTED NATURAL REMEDIES
1. Black Seed Oil Topically Applied
In studies both black seed oil and diclofenac gels were used to treat breast soreness, or mastalgia, along with a placebo gel. 159 women were tested and both black seed oil and diclofenac gels helped reduce the pain but the black seed oil was shown to have the highest results.
In another article on this website black seed oil was shown to be more effective than Tylenol and has analgesic affects. Diclofenac taken internally has now been proven to cause heart disease in some cases and should be taken with caution. While a person might say this is topical application, note that the skin is
In studies both black seed oil and diclofenac gels were used to treat breast soreness, or mastalgia, along with a placebo gel. 159 women were tested and both black seed oil and diclofenac gels helped reduce the pain but the black seed oil was shown to have the highest results.
In another article on this website black seed oil was shown to be more effective than Tylenol and has analgesic affects. Diclofenac taken internally has now been proven to cause heart disease in some cases and should be taken with caution. While a person might say this is topical application, note that the skin is
the largest organ of the body. Diclofenac is also known as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and also known as Votrex or Voltarene.
How to take: Take black seed oil topically as needed and internally. Suggested dosage is 1 - 2 teaspoons daily with honey. After applying the oil topically, use a heating pad to relieve the pain.
How to take: Take black seed oil topically as needed and internally. Suggested dosage is 1 - 2 teaspoons daily with honey. After applying the oil topically, use a heating pad to relieve the pain.
2. St. John’s Wort
St John's Wort is a natural herb which is being used since ages for relieving the symptoms of PMS. St John's Wort is known to have exceptional anti-spasmodic, anti-depression, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic potential (1) which helps overcome pain, abdominal discomfort, and mood swings related with PMS.
How to use it: St. John’s Wort is marketed in a variety of forms like capsules, tablets, extracts, oils and other topical formulations. It is advised to use around 900mg of St. John’s Wort on a daily basis. The ideal way to take it is to add around 300mg of the herb thrice daily as a part of snacks for optimum results.
St John's Wort is a natural herb which is being used since ages for relieving the symptoms of PMS. St John's Wort is known to have exceptional anti-spasmodic, anti-depression, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic potential (1) which helps overcome pain, abdominal discomfort, and mood swings related with PMS.
How to use it: St. John’s Wort is marketed in a variety of forms like capsules, tablets, extracts, oils and other topical formulations. It is advised to use around 900mg of St. John’s Wort on a daily basis. The ideal way to take it is to add around 300mg of the herb thrice daily as a part of snacks for optimum results.
3. Evening Primrose Oil
The oil obtained from the seeds of evening primrose plant is an effective remedial measure for the treatment of PMS. Topical formulations are more beneficial for treating PMS symptoms as compared to oral form. Randomized clinical studies show evening primrose oil to be of value for controlling PMS symptoms (2) by regulating the levels of female hormones in the body. How to use it: Alternative health experts recommend using up to 1500mg of evening primrose oil before period to ease the symptoms. EPO capsules come in varying dosage strengths, and the dose can be varied depending upon the severity of the symptoms. The recommended dose of evening primrose oil is 1-8 capsules a day, at a dose of 500 milligrams per capsule. |
4. Chasteberry
Chasteberry, also known as Vitex is a herb native to the Mediterranean region which is commonly used by women, especially in Europe, to ease the physical symptoms associated with PMS. A randomized controlled clinical trial established the efficacy of chasteberry extracts for alleviating irritability, mood swings, anger, headaches, and breast tenderness during PMS3 by bringing the rampant hormone levels under control. It has been proposed that chasteberry extracts exert their beneficial effects by modulating the release of prolactin from the pituitary gland4. |
Dr. Jeffrey Gladd, an integrative physician, says, “Most PMS symptoms stem from some degree of estrogen dominance, where a woman has more estrogen relative to progesterone at this key time of the cycle. Vitex is thought to help support a woman’s progesterone level, making it the ideal supplement to consider all month long or just during the second two weeks of the cycle.”
How to use it: Women are recommended to use 30-40 drops of chasteberry extracts 2-3 times a day for maximal benefits.
How to use it: Women are recommended to use 30-40 drops of chasteberry extracts 2-3 times a day for maximal benefits.
5. Black Cohosh
Black cohosh is a medicinal herb which is being used since centuries for treating acute and chronic pain. Its role in treating PMS symptoms and dysmenorrhea in women has also been widely recognized.
Research attributes the beneficial effects of black cohosh to the synergistic action of isoflavones and other aromatic compounds present in it5. It is a miracle worker which helps ease menstrual cramps and abdominal pain.
How to use it: Black cohosh extracts are commonly available in the form of capsules in various strengths. It is advised to take 20-80mg of black cohosh extracts 2-3 times a day depending on the severity of the symptoms of PMS.
Black cohosh is a medicinal herb which is being used since centuries for treating acute and chronic pain. Its role in treating PMS symptoms and dysmenorrhea in women has also been widely recognized.
Research attributes the beneficial effects of black cohosh to the synergistic action of isoflavones and other aromatic compounds present in it5. It is a miracle worker which helps ease menstrual cramps and abdominal pain.
How to use it: Black cohosh extracts are commonly available in the form of capsules in various strengths. It is advised to take 20-80mg of black cohosh extracts 2-3 times a day depending on the severity of the symptoms of PMS.
6. Dang Gui
Dang gui, also known as dong quai or "female ginseng," dang gui is a part of the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and has been used for centuries for the management of stress and anxiety. Dang gui is also commonly used for the treatment of PMS symptoms, especially mood swings and irritability.
The efficacy of dang gui has also been substantiated via clinical trials6. Dang gui exerts anti-spasmodic and relaxing effects on the body due to its vasodilating abilities which are attributed to the presence of coumarins in it.
How to use it: Dang gui extracts are available as tinctures and capsules. Pure extracts can be used in a dose of 3-15 mg per day whereas, in combination, preparations of 75 mg to 500 mg can be used up to 6 times a day.
Dang gui, also known as dong quai or "female ginseng," dang gui is a part of the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and has been used for centuries for the management of stress and anxiety. Dang gui is also commonly used for the treatment of PMS symptoms, especially mood swings and irritability.
The efficacy of dang gui has also been substantiated via clinical trials6. Dang gui exerts anti-spasmodic and relaxing effects on the body due to its vasodilating abilities which are attributed to the presence of coumarins in it.
How to use it: Dang gui extracts are available as tinctures and capsules. Pure extracts can be used in a dose of 3-15 mg per day whereas, in combination, preparations of 75 mg to 500 mg can be used up to 6 times a day.
7. Saffron
Saffron is a medicinal plant and is commonly used for treating PMS symptoms in women. A randomized and double‐blind clinical trial carried out in 2008 in women aged 20–45 years with regular menstrual cycles experiencing moderate to severe PMS symptoms, showed saffron to be effective in alleviating PMS symptoms, particularly depression and mood swings (7).
How to use it: Saffron extracts are available as supplements or in powdered form. Up to 200mg of saffron can be used as a single dose. Long-term use of saffron has been recommended to be limited to 15mg twice daily. Doses above 1200mg can cause undesired side effects such as nausea and vomiting.
I love to make saffron tea. So easy to just add in a few strands of Persian Saffron. Bring the water to boil and remove immediately and add in a few strands and steep for around five minutes and drink.
Saffron is a medicinal plant and is commonly used for treating PMS symptoms in women. A randomized and double‐blind clinical trial carried out in 2008 in women aged 20–45 years with regular menstrual cycles experiencing moderate to severe PMS symptoms, showed saffron to be effective in alleviating PMS symptoms, particularly depression and mood swings (7).
How to use it: Saffron extracts are available as supplements or in powdered form. Up to 200mg of saffron can be used as a single dose. Long-term use of saffron has been recommended to be limited to 15mg twice daily. Doses above 1200mg can cause undesired side effects such as nausea and vomiting.
I love to make saffron tea. So easy to just add in a few strands of Persian Saffron. Bring the water to boil and remove immediately and add in a few strands and steep for around five minutes and drink.
8. Ginger
Ginger has been clinically proven to be effective in reducing the severity of mood, physical and behavioral symptoms associated with PMS (8). It has been used as an alternative therapy by women since ages to overcome monthly discomfort of PMS. How to use it: Ginger can be brewed into a tea for easy consumption. Alternatively, it can be used in the form of powder or in the form of supplemental tablets. |
Don’t forget to live healthy
- Remaining active helps boost the happy neurotransmitter dopamine in your brain circuits and helps improve mood. You can lay off heavy workouts while you’re PMS-ing. Even walking can help.
- Stay away from unhealthy carbs. Incorporate fresh fruits and green leafy veggies in your daily diet to get your daily fill of vitamins and nutrients. Healthy eating has a significant role in alleviating PMS symptoms.
- Avoid alcohol and heavily caffeinated drinks as they can worsen the cramps due to their neuro-stimulating effects.
- Last of all, stay happy. Engage in activities that help you relax, like gardening or reading. Remember, nothing is more important than a sound mind in a sound body especially during those days of the month.
References
1. Hinton DA, Greene JJ, inventors; PMS Mood Food Inc, assignee. Dietary supplements and food products for treating symptoms of PMS. United States patent US 6,174,542. 2001 Jan 16.
2. Fallah LT, Najafi A, Fathizadeh N, Khaledian Z. The effect of evening primrose oil on premenstrual syn. Scientific Journal of Hamadan Nursing & Midwifery Faculty. 2008 May 15;16(1):35-45.
3. Huddleston M, Jackson EA. Is an extract of the fruit of agnuscastus (chaste tree or chasteberry) effective for prevention of symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS)?. Journal of Family Practice. 2001 Apr 1;50(4):298-.
4. Gardiner P. Chasteberry (Vitexagnuscastus). Longwood Herbal Task Force: http://www. mcp. edu/herbal/default. htm. 2000.
5. MAYO JL. Black cohosh and chasteberry: herbs valued by women for centuries. target. 1998;19:22-6.
6. Jing Z, Yang X, Ismail KM, Chen XY, Wu T. Chinese herbal medicine for premenstrual syndrome. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2009(1).
7. Agha‐Hosseini M, Kashani L, Aleyaseen A, Ghoreishi A, Rahmanpour HA, Zarrinara AR, Akhondzadeh S. Crocus sativus L.(saffron) in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome: a double‐blind, randomised and placebo‐controlled trial. BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics &Gynaecology. 2008 Mar 1;115(4):515-9.
8. Khayat S, Kheirkhah M, BehboodiMoghadam Z, Fanaei H, Kasaeian A, Javadimehr M. Effect of treatment with ginger on the severity of premenstrual syndrome symptoms. ISRN obstetrics and gynecology. 2014 May 4;2014.
1. Hinton DA, Greene JJ, inventors; PMS Mood Food Inc, assignee. Dietary supplements and food products for treating symptoms of PMS. United States patent US 6,174,542. 2001 Jan 16.
2. Fallah LT, Najafi A, Fathizadeh N, Khaledian Z. The effect of evening primrose oil on premenstrual syn. Scientific Journal of Hamadan Nursing & Midwifery Faculty. 2008 May 15;16(1):35-45.
3. Huddleston M, Jackson EA. Is an extract of the fruit of agnuscastus (chaste tree or chasteberry) effective for prevention of symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS)?. Journal of Family Practice. 2001 Apr 1;50(4):298-.
4. Gardiner P. Chasteberry (Vitexagnuscastus). Longwood Herbal Task Force: http://www. mcp. edu/herbal/default. htm. 2000.
5. MAYO JL. Black cohosh and chasteberry: herbs valued by women for centuries. target. 1998;19:22-6.
6. Jing Z, Yang X, Ismail KM, Chen XY, Wu T. Chinese herbal medicine for premenstrual syndrome. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2009(1).
7. Agha‐Hosseini M, Kashani L, Aleyaseen A, Ghoreishi A, Rahmanpour HA, Zarrinara AR, Akhondzadeh S. Crocus sativus L.(saffron) in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome: a double‐blind, randomised and placebo‐controlled trial. BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics &Gynaecology. 2008 Mar 1;115(4):515-9.
8. Khayat S, Kheirkhah M, BehboodiMoghadam Z, Fanaei H, Kasaeian A, Javadimehr M. Effect of treatment with ginger on the severity of premenstrual syndrome symptoms. ISRN obstetrics and gynecology. 2014 May 4;2014.