7 remedies for PMS
Being a woman and experiencing motherhood is a blessing and offers a unique grounding connection with mother earth and the child. Some may say it also has some pros and cons and PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome) surely stands in the latter. Around 30% of women can be affected by PMS either moderately or severely, with 5-8% experiencing bad PMS. There is no one treatment that fits all when dealing with premenstrual pain and most of the time natural remedies can truly help to ease the discomfort. In this article, we are going to share our top 7 natural remedies for PMS to help you ease the pain and stabilise the mood.
What is PMS?
PMS, Premenstrual Syndrome, means the symptoms that women experience before their periods. It includes tiredness, mood swings, muscle pain, headaches, trouble sleeping, bloating, spotty skin, greasy hair, breast tenderness, and change in appetite and sex drive, and it is believed to relate to the alteration of hormonal levels during the menstrual cycle. Most women experience PMS at some point in their life with some struggling more than others. For this reason, we would like to share with you our favourite natural remedies for PMS.
Relieve your symptoms with our top 7 natural remedies for PMS!
1. Magnesium & B6
Several studies have found that magnesium may contribute positively to reduce PMS symptoms such as mood swings, headaches, tummy cramps, insomnia, and anxiety. Vitamin B6 is believed to support our mood stability and many studies show how it may help improve psychological symptoms of PMS. The combination of magnesium and vitamin B6 has been shown to help improve PMS symptoms like bloating, tummy cramps, depression, anxiety, breast tenderness, and fatigue.
2. Take it easy!
It is possible that your body will need more rest during your premenstrual period, so make sure to listen to it and rest more. If you know at what time of the month you are more likely to experience PMS, make sure to not overbook yourself with appointments, meetings, and other commitments. Instead, take that time for yourself to treat your mind and body to something calming and grounding like a relaxing bath or a massage.
3. Maca Root
Maca is an ‘adaptogen’ herb known to help balance the hormones and mood. Being an optimal source of magnesium, vitamin B6 and C, potassium, and iron is believed to help ease PMS symptoms. You can find Maca in several oils, a mood-balancing body oil to use whenever feeling low, moody, or tired. If You find any oils contains maca root, apply it all over the body after a relaxing shower or bath focusing on the lower abdominal area.
4. Clary Sage
Not by chance, Clary Sage is called ‘gift to female’ and several studies have shown how inhaling this enlivening essential oil can help ease PMS symptoms like menstrual cramps, mood swings, and bloating.
5. Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a treatment recognised by the World Health Organisation as an effective therapy for several conditions including PMS. It is believed to help reduce tension, stimulate nerves located in muscles and other tissues, and reduce inflammation. If trying this treatment, we recommend being consistent to optimise the results.
6. Try Yoga for PMS!
‘Yoga for PMS’ is not a new yoga type, but simply different poses and breathing techniques known to help with PMS discomfort combined in a yoga flow. Of course, avoid a dynamic yoga class full of headstands and fancy poses, but go for a gentle and breath-and-stretch focus type of yoga during PMS.
7. Damask Rose
As well as Clary Sage, inhaling Damask Rose essential oil can help with PMS symptoms. In fact, this loving and soothing essential oil is believed to help in multiple ways like decreasing stress hormones, stimulating happiness, and calming the nervous system.
As each body is different, you may find some remedies more effective than others, however, maintaining a generally healthy lifestyle is key to see positive results. A healthy and balanced diet, regular physical activity, and good sleep are always at the base of the other natural remedies for PMS and well-being.