10 Natural remedies to banish PMS symptoms

Monthly Moods: 10 Natural remedies to banish PMS symptoms

Angela Goh

29 Jun 2016

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Basil
This aromatic herb is effective for lessening the severity of your menstrual cramps thanks to the caffein acid present in the leaves, which give it pain-killing properties. You can boil some basil leaves and drink it as a tea - or you can also add some basil to foods such as pastas and pizzas to reap the benefits of this analgesic herb.
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Fennel
Cramps and discomfort making you feel as though your lower tummy is about to explode? Try some fennel. Fennel seeds make for a very good anti-spasmodic, phytoestrogenic and anti-inflammatory cure that helps to relax the muscles in the uterus. Make a fragrant brew by adding a teaspoon of fennel seeds to a cup of boiling water and steep for 5-10 minutes. Strain the tea and add some honey to taste.
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Ginger
Ginger is another ingredient that will ease your discomfort when it comes to menstrual cramps. It can also give you an energy boost, perfect for fatigue and lethargy that often comes hand-in-hand during the toughest days of your menstrual cycle. You can make a broth out of ginger by boiling a small piece of the herb in a pot of water for 5 minutes, then adding some honey and lemon juice to the mix before drinking.
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Parsley
If you suffer from irregular menstrual cycles, perhaps parsley will be your miracle cure. No more second-guessing which day Aunt Flow will come to pay a visit! Apart from regulating your cycles, parsley also contains compounds that are great at relieving symptoms of cramps. Steep some fresh parsley leaves in a mug of boiling water for 5 minutes, strain, and drink the concoction immediately.
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Complex carbohydrates
If your diet consists of low-GI foods and complex carbs, you will decrease your chances of overeating and feeling bloated later on. Complex carbs will also stave off any cravings and hunger pangs that you might feel for foods that are less healthy. Yes, we know you enjoy french fries and donuts. We do too. But when it’s that time of the month, it’s best not to binge on the junk food or you won’t know how to stop! Junk food also contributes to the lethargy that you feel, so cutting it all out will help.
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Regular exercise
Feeling low? Exercise will do wonders to your mood and your energy levels. It’s normal to be a little depressed and moody during your period, but some brisk walking or yoga can help to alleviate such symptoms and keep your spirits up. Just 30 minutes a day of light exercise can help immensely.
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Magnesium
Magnesium has been known as an all-round cure for soreness and inflammation, so it is no wonder there have been studies that show that taking magnesium supplements can help ease PMS symptoms, including breast tenderness, bloating and water retention. Visit a health practitioner to know more about the wonderful benefits of taking supplemental magnesium.
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Drink plenty of water
Drinking water actually helps to flush out toxins and get rid of extra salt in your body. The more water you drink, the less water you retain, as your body doesn’t have to work as hard to keep you hydrated. It may seem counter-intuitive, but drinking more water will definitely help to alleviate symptoms of swelling and bloating.
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Evening primrose oil
This is one remedy that many women swear by. Evening primrose oil, when taken every day throughout the month, will help introduce much-needed essential fatty acids to the body to help with mood swings, breast tenderness, bloating and skin problems. You can find evening primrose oil supplements at health food stores and pharmacies.
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Avoid sugary foods
To prevent irritability and unpleasant moods, steer clear of sugar as too much of it can cause fluctuations in your blood sugar levels and leave you feeling moody and emotional. Of course, sugar is in everything these days so it can be difficult to completely avoid it, but try to be conscious of your daily intake. Skip dessert once in awhile and take your teas and coffees black.

For many women, premenstrual syndrome (PMS) can cause uncomfortable and even unbearable moments each month.

Mood swings, bloating, cramps, and just pure misery. That’s what many of us encounter when it’s “that time of the month”. While each woman is different and may suffer from varying degrees of PMS, it is a fact that none of us appreciate the pain and inconvenience this can cause regarding our everyday lives. PMS can impact on our work days, ruin our weekends, and make us feel like even leaving the house is a terrible torture.

Some symptoms include (but are not limited to): water retention and bloating, stomach cramps, uncontrollable food cravings, irrational mood swings and crying fits, acne breakouts, sore breasts, headaches, and insomnia. Thankfully, there are ways to combat the hormonal imbalance in your body and soothe some of these symptoms using natural remedies that are easy and effective.

Head up to the gallery to see just how you can get some much-needed relief when those intense cramps and mood swings strike again (because they will).

Angela Goh

Photos: Getty Images

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