While diet, exercise, and conventional medicine have effectively relieved period problems, girls want other options. These are some natural remedies for PMS to make your periods more comfortable.
- Holistic. Holistic methods treat the body and mind as a whole unit. These traditional remedies, most thousands of years old, are considered natural healing and are great natural remedies for PMS.
- Relaxation/Meditation. Relaxation can mean anything from taking a quick break to deep, concentrated full body relaxing. Taking a minute to put up your feet or read a magazine article may be all you need to get rid of your headache. For more severe symptoms, you'll probably need to relax your whole body. The techniques of meditation and deep muscle relaxation can take practice. There are books and tapes that help you learn how to use them.
- Aromatherapy. Aromatherapy, which is relatively new in the U.S., is the use of pure essential oils from fragrant plants to lessen health problems and improve overall well being. The aromas of peppermint, lavender, and cypress have been used to relieve period discomfort.
- Herbs/Teas. Traditional Chinese medicines use herbs to correct problems caused by energy imbalances and help restore health. Many herbs are associated with relieving period problems: St. John's Wort, rosemary, peppermint, and wild ginger to name a few. Chamomile tea is recommended to sooth cramps. If you want to use herbs and herb therapy, talk to a trained herbalist to get the right combinations and right doses for your specific problems.
- Acupuncture. Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese therapy in which tiny needles are inserted just below the skin to stimulate energy flow. It's thought that acupuncture can help regulate hormone levels—leading to lighter, less painful periods. If you try acupuncture, it should always be done by a trained professional.
- Hedonistic. Sometimes the only way to relieve period problems is to totally spoil yourself. If you're uncomfortable, put yourself first and get ready for a treat that should help you feel better too. Not all of these are proven medically—but what the heck! Sometimes a girl just needs to indulge!
- Massage. Massage works by increasing circulation, relaxing muscles, and relieving mental tensions. It feels great and is one of the natural remedies of PMS.
- Chocolate. When you feel really lousy, chocolate seems like the only solution. Chemicals in chocolate can give the brain a temporary sense of well-being.
- Shopping. There's zero scientific evidence that shopping helps your period symptoms. But it sure can take your mind off your cramps! And a new outfit may be just the cure for your mood swings.
- Bubble Bath. Hold my calls.... Soaking in a hot tub can help relax your muscles, relieving backaches and cramps. Using a scented bubble bath, like lavender, may help you relax. Be sure to turn your cell off so you're not disturbed.
- Heating Pad, Bed & Movie. Put in your favorite DVD, crawl under the covers, and place a heating pad on your tummy or lower back. Or try ThermaCare menstrual wraps. Don't get up until you feel better.
