PMS Symptoms Every Month?  There is an herb for that!

herbal-tea

 

I originally provided this article for a reporter wanting information on supplements and holistic remedies for PMS symptoms.  However, she did not use the information I provided as she wanted it from an OBGYN. 

I’m not sure what kind of information those readers are going to receive since a traditional doctor typically knows very little, if any, information on herbs and supplements for hormonal issues (or for many other health issues for that matter). In my personal experience the only solution offered was birth control and synthetic hormones.

 It’s ironic that since I am not a doctor I cannot give any medical advice (obviously) but a doctor who has typically zero training in herbs and supplements (and nutrition) can give all the information they want on these topics.  Sadly, they often provide incorrect information. 

Herbal Solutions for your PMS

Start with one herb at a time to see how your body responds (we all respond to herbs differently).  Start with the PMS symptom that is giving you the greatest difficulty and address that one first. 

There are other herbal options for PMS but this list is a great place to start and you should be able to find most of these in your local health food store.  It is best if you avoid store brands from generic chain stores as research has shown that these products often do not contain what they claim to contain. 

To balance hormones and prevent mood swings:

woman-holding-face-in-hands

  • Shatavari root/2 droppers 2-3 times per day. This herb is considered an adaptogen.
  • Kudzu root: also, to balance hormones. Good for PMS acne and mood swings. Take 2 droppers 2-3 times per day
  • Maca root: hormone balancer and helpful for menopausal symptoms. Use one heaping teaspoon and up to one tablespoon 1-3 timed daily. You can add this to your morning smoothie. 

Hormonal Acne:

woman-with-acne

  • Burdock root: start slow with this herb! Start with one dropper and don’t double dose until 4-7 days later. Doing so too soon may increase your acne!
  • Dandelion root: this is a gentle liver stimulant. Take 1-2 caps 2 times per day.

Heavy Bleeding

stinging-nettle-leaf

  • Shepherds purse: 1 dropper 1-3 times per day or
  • Yarrow leaf or nettle leaf (1 dropper 4-6 times per day)

Bloating

dandelions

  • Dandelion leaf is the “go to” herb for in this case. Use one dropper 1-3 times per day

Cramping

 

  • Cramp bark: 1 dropper 3-6 times per day
  • Add in magnesium supplementation and dark leafy greens as cramps may be caused by magnesium deficiency.

Don’t forget!

Jan 15th, Sunday 2-3:30 @ Castle Rock, CO Philip S. Miller Library

Start the new year off right and sustain your goals this year!  I will show you how. 

RSVP to trufoodsnutrition@yahoo.com as space is limited.

Sources

Balch, P.  (2012) Prescription for Herbal Healing, 2nd Edition. NY: Avery

Blankenship.V.  (2016) Holistic Healing for Women’s Health.  Sage Herbal Foundations Program. Colorado Springs, CO. 

Cech, R. (2016) Making Plant Medicine. Oregon: Herbal Reads

Hoffman, D. (2003) Medical Herbalism. VT: Healing Arts Press

Mars, B. (2007) The Desktop Guide to Herbal Medicine. CA: Basic Health Publications

 

If you are sick and tired of feeling sick, tired, fatigued, depressed, anxious and more and have given up hope then Karen’s simple, effective, individualized and sustainable approach may be what you need. 

Karen Brennan, MSW, CNC, Board Certified in Holistic Nutrition is the author of Tru Foods Depression Free Nutrition Guide; How Food Supplements and herbs can be used to lift your mood and owner of Tru Foods Nutrition Services, LLC. 

For more information visit  www.trufoodsnutrition.com

Get her Food Swap Guide here to get started on your health journey today! Want more information, then like her fb page here

As a nutrition professional, Karen does not treat, cure nor diagnose. This information is for educational purposes only.