The symptoms of PMS in a women, till fairly recent times was attributed to those of an imaginary disease by the vast majority of people in the medical community-the initial complaints related to this problem was treated with skepticism.
PMS sufferers tend to be afflicted by problems with water retention, they often have a lot of nervousness, they tend to suffer from long term depression, from mental and emotional tensions, and various other vague symptoms such as swelling in different areas of the body, some tenderness in the tissue of the breasts, muscular cramps, pain during menstrual flow, pain in the joints, the sudden development of acne-all of these are very vague and non-specific symptoms, which made the initial identification of PMS difficult.
In addition, PMS patients often develop very intense cravings for sweets, and all of these symptomatic reactions of the body are attributed to stem from the over sensitization of the body to the presence of the sex hormones which it actively produces.
The symptoms of PMS in certain women can bring about a recurring bout of anxiety every month. This situation is very difficult to understand and tackle for many women. The presence of the symptoms associated with PMS also definitely inhibits the enjoyment of this peculiar aspect of womanhood for many women.
The special menstrual moon time or the "womanliness" of menstruating is not enjoyed as a unique event by the affected women, instead the symptoms will mark the menstrual period as being filled with stress, associated with pain, and with vague and persistent discomfort in the body.
The root of the problem with PMS may well lie in the negative images women develop about them selves and the bad images imprinted in their consciousness concerning periodic blood flow, despite the fact that there exists definite and physical causes for PMS, and other dysfunction connected to the menstrual cycle. Pain suffered previously in the reproductive organs can often be the cause for this recurring monthly pain associated to menstruation-it may also be the direct result of childhood physical abuse, which is not always remembered by the woman.
The presence of an imbalance in levels of estrogen, other hormones like prolactin, and the adrenal and thyroid hormones is the actual cause for the symptomatic manifestations of PMS in affected women. Within the human body, following their use by the relevant cycles, the potentially dangerous components of the hormone estrogen called, estradiol and estrone usually undergo conversion into stable substances in the liver to form the compound known as estriol.
The main function of the compound estriol in the body of a woman is to reduce the detrimental activity of estradiol and estrone in the blood stream. The functioning of this entire biochemical process is very strongly dependent on the health and function of the liver along with the proper functioning of other endocrine glands-the adrenal and thyroid glands in particular.
Toxic breakdown of chemicals and the degradation of all hormones are undertaken in the liver-this vital organ is need for the cleansing of the system and the eradication of metabolic or environmental toxins in the body.
A malfunctioning liver cannot perform these duties well, the liver can at times become overburdened and some inefficiencies may arise which limit its ability to handle the conversions and degradation of released hormones, especially when sex hormones are released at peak levels during the related processes of menstruation and ovulation in the women-namely during the menstrual cycle.
Congestion of the system occurs, as too many of the body's own hormones crowd the liver and the system is effectively self-poisoned by its own hormones. Potential reproductive problems can now result due to the presence of these high and unregulated hormone levels, the presence of the components of estrogen in particular can wreak great havoc within the system-this is what causes the symptoms of PMS to appear.
All of the supplements and the various herbs given here can be used in the treatment of PMS. Dietary changes greatly help in dealing with symptoms-these changes in diet must be accompanied by regular physical exercise, and a change to a healthy life style.
The dietary and other changes suggested below must be followed strictly, as these dietary intakes will promote the functioning and overall health of the liver - the diet will support the actual role of the liver and cut off the sources of external estrogen found in many foods.
Dietary intakes of the all forms of the complex carbohydrates must be increased immediately. These particular carbohydrates are abundant in all kinds of vegetables, they are found in whole grains, in beans, and in all fruits-make these foods a part of the daily diet. All women suffering from the symptoms of PMS are also advised to increase their consumption of eggs, they must include more garlic and onions in their diet, and the diet must also include beans-these specific foods are very rich in essential amino acids which containing the vital mineral sulfur.
The diet must also include foods that are rich in the antioxidants-a class of compounds which are found in all foods containing vitamins C and E and the mineral selenium. The presence of antioxidants in the body increases the rate of estrogen detoxification in the liver, aside from promoting cellular damage at the molecular level.
The consumption of fats and oily foods must be correspondingly decreased at the same time, this applies particularly to the saturated animal fats. Women must choose to use the unsaturated fatty acids, including those found in many cold-pressed vegetable oils-these must be used to cook or fry foods.
Sources of exogenous estrogen include the dairy products like milk and many other dairy foods-the consumption of these foods must be limited or halted altogether. The intake of sufficient amounts of yogurt is not a problem. The consumption of certain vegetables must also be decreased at the same time.
Women must limit the dietary intake of members of the cabbage vegetable family-including all cabbages and Brussels sprouts, the cauliflower and broccoli. These are potential sources for exogenous estrogens and while their use is considered to be an excellent option in promoting general health, they can also act as thyroid antagonists and for this reason, their use must be limited. Diets must also exclude all sugar, all white flour based meals, and all refined foods.
The diet must also exclude the compounds known as methyl-xanthines, include the alkaloid caffeine, the compound theophylline, and the compound theobromine-found in sources such as coffee, in tea, in many chocolate products and chocolate in general, as well as in cola drinks. Meat is another potential source of exogenous estrogen and diets must exclude all red meat and the meat of fowls- the use of organically raised fowl meat is quite acceptable. Drink a Nutritional Smoothy once every day to round off the diet.
All diet must be focused on boosting some primary systems in the body. The focus during treatment for PMS should be on the functioning of the liver, the workings of the endocrine system in general, along with the functioning of the nervous system in general. These three major and important systems of the human body are supported by regular use of the Endo-Liver Tea, the Nervous System Tea, and the Natural Diuretic Tea.
One or more of these teas must be consumed by the affected woman, on a daily basis for a treatment period lasting two to three months. The variation in dose and the alternation of which teas to drink can be done to suit the taste and mood of each individual patient.
To treat symptoms of water retention usually connected to the PMS, all patients must drink the Natural Diuretic Tea for a period of seven to ten days-before the beginning of the monthly menstrual cycle. All the herbs and remedies given below are helpful in dealing with PMS.
You must also ensure that you take one to two teaspoons a day of spirulina supplements-this green food supplement is an excellent addition to the treatment process. If the taste appeals to you, you can even take capsules of these rich green algae instead of the liquid supplement. Women are also advised to use the essential oil of the evening primrose herb, the oil of the borage, or some black current seed oil-taken at 500 milligrams doses, two times every day.
It may be simple to just follow the suggested dosage requirements on the container label. Herbal oils such as the three oils just mentioned have a very high content of the essential gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), the presence of this essential acid in the body has a very marked and positive effect on the physical symptoms generated by the PMS.
Taking these oils will prove particularly beneficial in the treatment of physical symptoms such as breast tenderness often experienced by women suffering from PMS. Another excellent herbal supplement is the Chinese dong quai herb, two capsules of this herb taken thrice every day is sufficient. Before the beginning of the menstrual cycle, intakes of this herbal capsules must be stopped for a couple of days, the doses can be start again only after the menstrual flow has abated.
Monthly doses of herbal ginseng remedy is also suggested. The herb is particularly effective in treating women who have lost physical vitality and energy in the body-this herb is also suggested for those women who have excessive "yin" natures or personalities. A liquid vitamin mineral tonic like the liquid Floradix Iron can be used along with the herbal remedies or it can accompany the dosages of Nature Works Herbal Iron and these must be taken every day by PMS affected women.
Women must also resort to two sitz baths at least-these must be done weekly. Calcium rich herbs and remedies and all high calcium herbs, including the nettle, the comfrey herb, the boneset, the borage, the straw of the oat, the horsetail herb, the watercress herb, any seaweed, the lamb's quarter, and the amaranth herb must be used on a regular basis to bring calcium into the body.
The use of these varied herbal remedies can be done along with the consumption of all kinds of calcium rich foods, and these must be include or incorporated into the daily diet of the woman. In addition, patients must take a good natural biochelated calcium supplement regularly.
The body's entire requirement for the mineral calcium cannot be dependant on the use of these supplements alone-dietary changes must also include the addition the calcium rich foods. High calcium containing herbs and foods must be meticulously incorporated into the changed dietary pattern of the patient.
Commonly used essential oils for premenstrual syndrome:
All of the homeopathic remedies given below can be used in the treatment of women suffering from the symptoms of PMS. The correct remedy must be used once every day whenever the initial symptoms are detected. Till such times as full recovery is achieved or until the condition becomes stable, this single and daily dose must be repeated.
While the physical symptoms may abate as each cycle passes, the use of the homeopathic regimen is repeatable and should be used as long or as and when needed by the patient.
Calc. carb. is to be used in the homeopathic treatment of women who suffer from the symptoms of PMS such as chills passing up and down the body, the sudden appearance of sweats, a clammy feeling in the feet. Such women tend to be very flabby and tend also to lack muscular tone. Physical symptoms also include the presence of intense pain in the uterine tissues, the vagina is often affected by a burning sensation, and the giving off of a milky vaginal discharge is often the case in the majority of patients.
The patient may also suffer from sore breasts. Psychological symptoms can include the sudden coming of fearful feelings; the woman tends to be worried all the time and has a very timid personality. The patient also has a tendency to keep herself very busy at all times. The presence of irritability is another symptom which is very typically seen in all patients.
The patient may see a sudden increase in the sex drive and libido. Patients also tend to complain of back pain in the lower back, the woman may also be affected by migraines, she may suffer cardiac or muscular palpitations and is often a victim of disturbing dreams or nightmares. The presence of one or more of these symptoms requires the immediate use of Calc. carb. as a homeopathic remedy in the treatment of the PMS.
Kali. carb. is to be used as a homeopathic remedy in the treatment of women affected by PMS. Physical symptoms in such patients can include the development of swelling in the breasts which come along with the presence of stitching and intense pains. Such patients tend to notice an increased sex drive and greater libido. Physical weakness is another symptom which is almost always seen in all patients.
The patient may also complain of sourness in the stomach, and she may suffer acidic belching, these often come along with shooting pains in the abdominal region, the patient may also be affected by cramps all over the body. The patient also tends to suffer from persistent constipation.
The patient tends to suffer from soreness and itching sensations along the genitals. All patients complain of a frequent need to urinate. Physical symptoms also include the presence of intense backache. Disorders such as hives often come along as additional symptoms. Patients may also be affected by insomnia at night.
The patient can also suffer from the swelling of gum tissues and swelling in the cheeks is also possible. Psychological changes include persistent Irritability, and the presence of sudden mood swings. The condition of such patients can greatly worsen when she is touched. The presence of one or more of these symptoms requires the immediate use of Kali. carb. as homeopathic remedy in the treatment of the PMS.
Lachesis is to be used as a homeopathic remedy in the treatment of women suffering from PMS. Physical symptoms seen in such women include sudden nosebleeds, the presence of a persistent throbbing headache, and the development of vertigo. Patients tend to suffer from physical exhaustion and fatigue, they often suffer from faintness, and may experience sudden flashes of heat during the day, the presence of diarrhea is another typical physical symptoms.
Psychological symptoms in such women tend to include extreme nervousness and great irritability, along with weeping bouts which come on quite unexpectedly. The woman may develop a strange desire to run outside in the open air. Such women tend to be very animated in behavior and are generally talkative.
Psychological symptoms also include the presence of detectable undercurrents of rage and jealousy in the woman. The sex drive tends to be heightened. The condition of the patient can often worsen following a period of sleep, exposure to the heat can also worsen symptoms, the symptoms tend to much more sever on the left side of the body, and the application of pressure also worsens symptoms.
The condition of the patients can greatly improve when the flow of menstrual blood starts. The presence of one or more of these symptoms requires the immediate use of Lachesis as a homeopathic remedy in the treatment of the PMS.
Lycopodium is to be used as a homeopathic remedy in the treatment of all women affected by PMS. The physical symptoms include the presence of excessive sadness, and the rising of sudden bouts of weeping, the woman may sigh excessively, and tends to be extremely anxious all the time. Psychological symptoms include great irritability and the women also get angered easily and most of the time.
Symptoms can also include the sudden coming of memory loss and the failure to recollect events. The other physical symptoms can include bloating in the abdominal region which come along with intense painful sensations, and the giving off of loud belches. The condition of the patient can greatly worse when she wakes up in the mornings, symptoms also worsen around four p.m., and exposure to heat also tends to aggravate the condition.
Physical symptoms can also include fatigue, sudden spells of faintness, or the presence of chills. The legs of the patient often turn very cold and a heavy sensation comes into the legs, the presence of a headache or a backache is also often seen in all patients. Such patients typically have very little confidence and are very passive most of the time; this may paradoxically alternate with sudden periods of complete arrogance.
At such times, the woman may even have dictatorial tendencies. The presence of one or more of these symptoms requires the immediate use of Lycopodium as a homeopathic remedy in the treatment of the PMS.
Nat. mur. is to be used as a homeopathic remedy in the treatment of women suffering from symptoms of PMS. Physical symptom can include excessive sadness, and the presence of anxiety along with persistent irritability. The woman may not be able to weep properly as the tears do not come when crying. Such patients display psychological symptoms such as an intense dislikes for consolation from others, and the dislike of fussiness from others also marks them out.
The other physical symptoms can include the coming of a migraine which affects the patient and induces flashes of light in the visual field. Cardiac and muscular palpitations, the presence of nausea, vomiting, and spells of faintness are also normally seen. Physical weariness and intense and persistent trembling sensations tend to affect the woman all the time. The patient also suffers from muscular twitching and a sense of heaviness in the eyelids.
Disorders such as hypoglycemia are also possible symptoms. The condition of the patient can greatly worsen around ten in the mornings, staying in a warm room, and being exposed for long period of time to harsh sunlight can also aggravate the symptoms. The condition of the patient can improve when staying out in the open air. Patients also tends to suffer from string cravings for salt and water-thirst is a typical symptom. The presence of one or more of these symptoms requires the immediate use of Nat. mur. as a homeopathic remedy in the treatment of the PMS.
Pulsatilla is to be used as a homeopathic remedy in the treatment of women suffering from symptoms of PMS. physical symptoms experienced by such women tends to include an intense depression, the patients is given to sudden bouts of weeping, she tends to be very sensitive, and may greatly desires the sympathy of those around her.
The psychological behavior displayed by such women includes very snappy talk and she tends to be very demanding of others. The other physical symptoms seen in such patients can include the presence of chills that run up and down the body. The patient may suddenly yawn and stretch at odd times.
Physical symptoms include the presence of vertigo and the dimming of vision. The patient is also often affected by the giving off of a burning discharge at the time of menstruation. Patients also tend to suffer from pain in the stomach along with problems such as acid reflux. The abdominal region is also affected by a sensation of heaviness, and the stomach may feel as if a stone were inside.
The condition of the patient can greatly worsen on exposure to heat, and symptoms generally worsen towards the evenings, and when eating fats or oily foods. The condition of the patients often improves when staying out in the open air, the symptoms also abate when the patient moves about with very gentle motions, and symptoms subside after a bout of crying. The presence of one or more of these symptoms requires the immediate use of Pulsatilla as a homeopathic remedy in the treatment of the PMS.
Sepia is to be used in the homeopathic treatment of women suffering from symptoms of PMS. The physical symptoms include the presence of constant sadness and sudden bouts of weeping, psychological problems include the feeling the woman has about wanting to run away from her problems, she also has a great desire to be left alone and dislikes any sort of company.
The woman suffers from a complete loss of affection for others around her. The other physical symptoms of the condition includes nervousness, the presence of trembling fits and restlessness. Symptoms can also include the presence of a persistent insomnia, the woman often shouts while asleep.
Physical exhaustion is another typical symptom. The woman may also suffer from an exudation of an acrid smelling leucorrhea. Other symptoms can include colic, and a pressing down pain in the groin. The woman often develops a sensation of swelling in the genitalia.
The woman may also suffer from bouts of chills which run up and down the body triggering shudders; symptoms like faintness and the presence of intense headaches are also typical. The patient tends to be thirsty all the time. Symptoms also trigger the development of acne. The presence of one or more of these symptoms requires the immediate use of Sepia as a homeopathic remedy in the treatment of the PMS.
Blend these ingredients in a blender with fruit juice and yogurt to taste. Bananas, frozen strawberries, and other frozen or fresh fruit help to disguise the taste of the kelp, yeast, and egg. You may have to experiment with the flavors before you are satisfied that this is a drink you not only should, but want to drink each day.
Use four to six tablespoons of herb mixture per quart of water. Add herbs to cold water and bring to a slow simmer over low heat. Keep pot covered. Simmer gently for twenty minutes. Strain.
Use four to six tablespoons of herb mixture per quart of water. Add herbs to cold water and over low heat slowly bring to a simmer. Keep pot covered. Immediately remove from heat and let infuse twenty minutes. Strain.
Use four to six tablespoons of herb mixture per quart of water. Add herbs to cold water and over low heat slowly bring to a simmer. Keep pot covered. Immediately remove from heat and let steep twenty minutes. Drink three to four cups of tea daily. For convenience and ease of administering, this formula may also be made in tincture form.
