Table of Contents   

1. Dealing with Premenstrual syndrome
2. Chaste berry 
3. Damiana 
4. Passionflower
5. Anise 
6. Red Raspberry 
7. Wild Yam
8. Cramp Bark
9. Vitamin B6
10. Gingko Biloba
11. St. John’s Wort
12. Conclusion

Dealing with Premenstrual syndrome

Do you get mild to severe cramps, experience bouts of mood swings, or feel tired or bloated around that time of the month? These and more make up for a range of recurrent physical and behavioral symptoms collectively termed PMS Symptoms. Reports suggest that up to 80% of menstruating women experience a combination of PMS, though the severity level affects everyday life for some. 

It is widely presumed that the cyclical changes in the oestrogen and progesterone hormone levels between ovulation and the onset of periods cause these physical discomforts and changes in behavioral patterns in women. PMS is manageable with lifestyle and dietary changes, but for extreme cases, practitioners advise medications. 

However, several herbs in traditional medicine provide lasting relief from PMS. We have compiled a list of some of the most effective natural remedies for PMS in this blog. 

Chaste Berry 

In use since ancient Greece, the chaste berry (Vitex agnus castus) is the peppercorn-sized fruit of the chaste tree. It is a popular treatment option for several complications of the female reproductive system, including menstrual disorders, acne, fertility issues, menopausal symptoms, etc.

Chaste berry can effectively alleviate constipation, tenderness of the breasts before periods, depression, and irritability. The extracts of the chaste berry contain iridoids and flavonoids. These induce hormonal balance by suppressing the production of prolactin – a serum that causes menstrual problems.

A study involving chaste berries ingested by a group of menstruating women for three consecutive cycles reported more than 50% reduction in PMS, including irritability, breast tenderness, mood swings, anger, headache, and bloating. 

Damiana 

Damiana (Turnera diffusa) is a wild shrub native to central and South America traditionally used as an appetite suppressant and aphrodisiac. Damiana tea or its powdered extracts act as diuretics and laxatives to alleviate constipation during periods and complications of the reproductive organs and menstrual disorders. It also soothes the nerves and thus eases the anxious minds of menstruating women. 

Passionflower 

Passionflower is a white and purple flower-bearing climbing vine found in the Americas. The flower extracts calm anxious and irritable nerves by boosting the brain’s gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels. Hence, the passion of Christ finds usage in helping you relax by reducing anxiety and sleeping better. 

A group of women aged 18 to 49 years experiencing irritability and nervousness, anxiety, and food cravings during periods participated in a treatment that involved the natural flavonoids of passionflower, chamomile, and apple. The majority of participants reported positive results of the trial. 

Anise 

Also known as aniseed, anise (Pimpinella anisum) is an aromatic herb, historically used as early as 1500 BCE in Egypt to treat primarily digestive issues and several other ailments. Anise inhibits prolactin secretion, thus ensuring relief from PMS. It is an analgesic and has anti-inflammatory effects.

Researchers found in a study that a herbal medication containing anise, saffron and celery could effectively reduce severe menstrual cramps in participants. 

Red Raspberry

Often menstruating women lag in their daily recommended calcium intake, which aggravates PMS. Adequate calcium intake can reduce symptoms like bloating and fatigue, besides driving away from a load of anxiety and sadness in your mind.

Red Raspberry is a storehouse of calcium, and extracts of the leaves of this plant can regulate the production of cyclical hormones, lessen menstrual cramps and alleviate depression and fatigue. 

Red raspberry acts as a uterine tonic to improve pelvic and uterine circulation, relieve congestion in the uterus and improve pelvic tone.

Wild Yam

People as early as in the 18th century realised the anti-spasmodic effects of Wild yam (Dioscorea villosa). A phytosteroid called diosgenin in wild yam influences the levels of progesterone, cortisone, and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in your body, which provides relief from PMS and menstrual cramps. 

Cramp Bark 

Cramp bark (Viburnum opulus) or guelder rose is a flowering shrub with anti-spasmodic properties. Traditionally used to ease muscular cramps, especially during periods, the dried cramp bark contains esculetin and viopudial that prevents spasms. 

Cramp bark also acts as an astringent to slow down heavy menstrual bleeding. As a mild diuretic, cramp bark keeps a check on fluid retention, a common premenstrual symptom.

Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine hydrochloride) can help you with premenstrual mood swings by assisting in producing the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine. It also boosts good prostaglandin levels that reduce period pain.

Clinical trials reveal that vitamin B6 effectively relieves overall premenstrual symptoms and particularly depression in women. B6 is a water-soluble vitamin found in everyday foods like chickpeas, essential fatty acid-rich fish like tuna and salmon, starchy vegetables like potatoes and animal meat.

Gingko Biloba 

Gingko (Gingko Biloba l.) is an ornamental tree native to China. The leaf extracts are widely used in Chinese traditional medicine to cure various ailments. 

Consistent use of ginkgo can help in a significant reduction of physical and psychological premenstrual symptoms, including mood disorders.

St. John’s Wort 

St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) has antidepressant effects. The herb appears to boost the level of serotonin in our brain like any conventional antidepressant medication. Since depression is one of the significant premenstrual symptoms, St. John’s Wort finds wide usage to deal with the PMS blues.

Conclusion

The Bell’s Lifestyle PMS Combo is a proprietary medicine combining the goodness of chaste berry, passionflower, damiana, anise, red raspberry, vitamin B6 and more to relieve premenstrual symptoms.

Regular usage can help you ease anxiety and nervousness, feel energetic, alleviate hormonal imbalance, and provide relief from painful cramps. With PMS Combo, you can have stress-free menstruation, besides imbibing some much-needed antioxidants on the side. All ingredients used to make this herbal remedy are GMO and allergen-free. 

Keep PMS at bay with these time-tested medicinal herbs sealed in a single bottle and shine on even during your periods.