Natural Remedies for PMS: Your Guide to a More Enjoyable Experience
Like the falling of the leaves in autumn, menstruation is the culmination of a body life cycle. As nice as that sounds, PMS symptoms can be a real downer for people with periods. Fortunately, there are a variety of natural remedies for PMS from self-care routines to soothing botanicals. Read on for our take on how to best curb the worst PMS symptoms.
The Causes and Symptoms of PMS
The root cause of PMS symptoms is chemical fluctuations in the brain. When serotonin is off balance, we may experience feelings of fatigue, depression, cravings, and issues with sleep.
While the level of severity differs from person to person, these symptoms can have a direct impact on how we function in our daily lives. Some of the areas that may be impacted by PMS symptoms include: sex life, focus at work, ability to enjoy certain activities, sleep habits, and overall sense of well being.
Each of these areas alone can have a direct impact on quality of life; and when PMS symptoms may swing in and impact more than one area it can be draining. Self-care routines and botanicals are a way to get ahead of PMS symptoms, naturally.
Self-Care Routines for PMS
Self-care can be a great way to help get through the hump with PMS symptoms. It is also a great thing to practice throughout the monthly cycle wherever you are on your menstrual journey. Some self-care routines that may help with PMS symptoms include:
- Apply warmth- Warmth can be very soothing if you are experiencing any cramping or pain associated with your menstrual cycle. You can either apply a warm compress or take a soothing bath with some epsom salt and essential oils.
- Exercise- You don’t have to do anything that is outside of your comfort level for your body, but regular exercise may help keep your mood balanced. You can practice yoga, weights, or any exercise that you enjoy doing most.
- Fresh air- Bring your exercise outside for the added boost of sunlight and fresh air. A long walk or jog taking in the fall colors may be the perfect way to lift your spirits.
- Eat healthy- It’s totally okay to give into your chocolate cravings (more on that later) as long as you are also taking in a healthy balance of nutrient dense foods. Fight PMS symptoms with food that are rich in calcium and vitamin B6 - yogurt, almonds, bananas, and fortified cereals.
- Practice kindness towards yourself- Don’t be hard on yourself when you feel like you're not operating at your optimum levels. Everyone goes through cycles and it is ok to prioritize self-care when you need it!
The Best Botanicals to Treat PMS
Herbs may be one way to help ease some symptoms of PMS. Some herbs that have been used to help ease PMS include:
Ashwagandha- Shown to assist with the stress response, this herb may be helpful for PMS as many exhibit a higher stress level during this part of the menstrual cycle.
Dandelion- As a diuretic, dandelion may help with bloating during PMS.
St. John’s Wort- Not to be used in conjunction with other antidepressants or birth control, this herb has been shown to have an effect on depression, anxiety, and mood-swings.
Saffron- Is another herb that has been used to help with elevating mood and reducing anxiety.
Period Kits
What’s more fun than having a care package delivered to your door every month? Believe it or not, there are subscription boxes that address PMS and period symptoms
My Club Red provides a subscription box that addresses the realities of having a period in a super cute package.
Also featured in this box is our own Rhythm Chocolate, which features a carefully selected blend of botanicals and vitamins to help restore harmony, including the patented ingredient, SaffSerene® (featuring saffron flowers grown in Turkey and Morocco) clinically shown to provide a 50% reduction in the severity of PMS symptoms.
For help with your PMS health realities, purchase our Back in Balance PMS 6-Pack!