Premenstrual syndrome or PMS is a result of hormonal changes in the body. Natural remedies such as chamomile can help period pain and menstrual cramps, effectively dealing with that-time-of-the-month to make peace with PMS.
Most women face some symptoms of PMS such as menstrual cramps or may experience period pain. PMS is considered inevitable as it often becomes a monthly mini-crisis a woman has to face because of the hormonal plunge. PMS has wide range of symptoms ranging from bloating, tenderness in breasts, menstrual cramps, anxiety, irritability, anger bouts, mood swings, food cravings or food aversions. These period pain symptoms may start even a week before the periods, with PMS symptoms generally mellowing down at the onset of the periods.
PMS symptoms can be influenced by lifestyle, nutritional status, medication, sleep, or physical activity. But, PMS symptoms largely depend on the hormonal changes which occur to produce these symptoms. Menstruation not only involves the well-known associated estrogen and progesterone but also a bunch of other hormones such as FSH, LH, insulin and cortisol (the stress-inducer) which are signaled to be released from the brain’s Hypothalamus and Pituitary gland, which work hand-in-hand.
Good nutrition, regular exercise, adaptogenic herbal natural remedies, and a healthy lifestyle may help relieve symptoms of PMS, especially debilitating ones such as menstrual cramps and period pain. Let us examine the best natural remedies for PMS:
- Adaptogenic herbs: Natural remedies like use of herbs can create equilibrium in body by optimizing the hormonal balance. Chamomile can have a significant impact on PMS,especially on menstrual cramps or period pain, owing to its spasmolytic and anti-bloating property. Chamomile has a fruity, grassy flavor. BestSource Nutrition™ Chamomile is carefully harvested using the best technology to guarantee highest quality. Chamomile can be taken as a decoction or tea, which is also available from BestSource Nutrition.
- Striking balance: Balance menstrual cramps with natural remedies. Chamomile relaxes muscles which reduces stress and improves sleep to combat the usual PMS and menstrual cramps. Sugar-laden empty-calorie soft drinks and alcohol can worsen pre-menstrual cramps and irritability. Opting for caffeine-free natural remedies can help you get rid of PMS symptoms. Chamomile tea or chamomile concoction allows restful sleep in these stressful days.
- Synchronize your diet with PMS: Processed food that is high in salt and sugar has detrimental effects on period pain and aggravate PMS symptoms. Sodium in salt may retain a lot of water, causing bloating. Though craving for sugar is a common phenomenon during PMS, sugary products such as cookies, chocolates or sweets can cause a sugar spike, which leaving you feeling irritable and moody. Limiting packaged food, canned food, sweets are natural remedies to regulate your mood. Prefer high fiber foods including oats, whole wheat, vegetables and fresh fruits instead of junk food. Believe it or not, among top remedies for menstrual cramps, drinking plenty of water helps tostabilize the mood and alleviate period pain.
- Keep moving: Yes, PMS makes you feel low on energy, but this is the ideal time to exercise. Among PMS remedies, exercise is the most under-used stress reliever. It helps uplifts the mood and reduces period pain. Moreover, 20-30 minutes of any cardio workout reduces free circulating estrogen and enhances the mood. Women who exercise regularly experiences less water retention and PMS symptoms such as menstrual cramps or period pain.
Severe PMS symptoms can disrupt your routine. It has serious physical and mental health implications which others might not see. However, it is easy to use natural remedies to counter menstrual cramps and period pain. Developing good dietary habits, eating less processed or sugar-salt rich food, sleeping sound, getting some exercise, along with help from safe and natural remedies such as Chamomile herb tea can effectively turn your PMS days into healthy normal and fun days.