Last week in Part I of this article we ended on the question:
Is it right to stop your body from menstruating?
As Herbalists we believe that the menstrual cycle is a natural process and should not be suppressed. The reproductive hormones (i.e. the ones involved in your menstrual cycle) affect other hormones too – like the hormones that control your blood sugar balance, the ones that control your metabolism and your ‘stress’ hormones. I have treated women in the past who have been given the contraceptive pill to control PMS only to find that when they come off it their menstrual cycles are all over the place and their PMS symptoms are even worse. This is because the root cause of the problem has not been treated.
Herbalists believe that if the body is in balance then the symptoms of PMS will not be experienced. It is perfectly normal for there to be fluctuations in hormones throughout the menstrual cycle and they should not affect us adversely, unless the balance of those hormones is out. Just as you shouldn’t be conscious of breathing in and out (unless you have a problem with your lungs) you also shouldn’t be hugely aware of the hormonal changes during your menstrual cycle.
Herbal Medicine for PMS
Treating PMS herbally is fairly complex and is usually following a consultation where a specific herbal mix is dispensed. What works for one woman with pre-menstrual symptoms would not necessarily work for another, as every woman is different and the symptoms she experiences are different. A consultation is conducted in person at our Hythe clinic and usually lasts one hour.
Herbalists often prescribe herbs that work on the Nervous System, The Endocrine System (i.e. the hormonal system) and the Digestive System/ Liver.
Here some examples of herbs that may be used to treat PMS – please note, however, that there are many, many more.
Vitex agnus castus – This herb has been used for centuries. Hippocrates (450 BC) suggested that it should be used to treat injuries, inflammation and enlargement of the Spleen. Dioscorides (50 AD) then suggested that it should be used for inflammation of the Uterus and it was used to cure insanity and madness!
Today this herb is used mainly to treat the luteal phase of the cycle (i.e. the part of the menstrual cycle following ovulation). It has now been postulated that Vitex agnus castus is an effective and well tolerated treatment for PMS, reducing many of the symptoms and encouraging better hormonal balance. I have noticed that many women notice an improvement in their symtoms over 3-6months of taking this herb.
Bitter/ Liver Herbs – these are too numerous to mention. They are used to improve the clearance of oestrogens via the Liver, this helps to remove oestrogen once it is no longer needed and prevents a build up of this hormone in the blood which can lead to PMS symptoms. Treating constipation and Liver congestion in patients with PMS will often help alleviate their symptoms.
Nervous System Herbs – again there are many herbs in this category which can be helpful when treating a woman with PMS. They may include Passionflower, Skullcap, St Johns wort, Oat straw and Pulsatilla among others. These herbs help to calm and strengthen the nervous system and so can be extremely helpful when a patient complains of anxiety and tension pre-menstrually or sleep disturbance.
For more information on how herbal medicine can assist Pre-menstrual Syndrome give us a call and speak to the duty herbalist.
Next week – Top Tips for reducing PMS through diet
