Before you start looking for PMS remedies, the best thing to do is find out what you are dealing with first. With this knowledge in hand, you can tackle it with your choice of natural remedies for PMS.
First, you need to start recording your symptoms in a diary or journal. Get a clear understanding of what is happening in your body at specific times during the month. By doing this, you will have a schedule to plan your days, as you will know which days you are awake and which days you tend to be inactive.
Once you have this knowledge in hand, start dealing with your symptoms. There are a variety of natural remedies for PMS symptoms. For example, if hormonal acne is a problem, you can take 15 mg of zinc a day. Or, if you’re like me and suffer from migraines during your period, try feverfew. Burdock root is a good herbal remedy if bloating is a problem. Let’s look at some other remedies for PMS.
If your body lacks the necessary vitamins and minerals, this can cause your PMS symptoms to increase. These nutrients include magnesium, calcium, vitamins D and B, as well as iron and zinc. If you have severe PMS, your most likely magnesium deficiency is likely.
Have overweight? Here’s another reason to lose a few pounds. Research shows that the more overweight you are, the greater your chances of PMS.
Learn to relax. Also stress and PMS seem to go hand in hand, trying to find ways to relieve stress and calm down.
Move, move, move! Although you probably only want to lie down when you have PMS, it will only make it feel like it’s worth it. Endorphins, a brain chemical, are released when we exercise and help improve mood. Low endorphin levels are linked to PMS.
Do you have cravings or cravings before your period comes? Don’t deny yourself too much, as research shows that your body needs an extra 500 calories a day in the days before your period starts as your iron levels drop. Healthy mid-morning and mid-afternoon snacks will help you feel better.
Essential oils are also quite beneficial. GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) helps reduce cramps and breast pain. There are some oils that contain GLA, such as evening primrose oil, star flower oil, and black currant oil. I have personally used evening primrose oil and found that it makes a huge difference.
When it comes to herbal remedies for PMS, agnus castus is a popular choice. It is believed to improve PMS symptoms by more than fifty percent, so it is definitely worth a try. St. John’s wort is another herb that I have used frequently, but you should be careful if you are taking the pill as you can deduce its effectiveness.
So we’ve talked about natural remedies for PMS, but are there things we should avoid? Yes! If possible, cut down on salt, sugar, coffee, and alcohol during menstruation. Salt makes bloating worse, alcohol can make your mood even worse, caffeine can make your breasts feel tender, and sugar will make those cravings even worse.
