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Pre-menstrual Syndrome (PMS)
The monthly round of sugar cravings, intemperate outbursts, bloating, water retention, sore breasts, spots, aches and pains, lethargy can all be improved upon through working on the liver, often the seat of congestion leading to these symptoms. Anger is traditionally associated with the liver which manifests when too many hormones outstrip is ability to process them. If the liver cannot produce enough cholesterol this in turn leads to low levels of progesterone production, which also plays a part pre-menstrually. Hormone levels need looking at - prolactin, thyroid and adrenal ones alongside the more obvious oestrogen and progesterone. Bowels will almost certainly need attention too.
Nutrition
Follow a wholesome diet with particular attention to 'liver' foods e.g. olive oil, lemon juice.
No fats, tea, coffee, alcohol, sugar or chocolate should be taken - (cravings for the latter will decrease once herbs are taken to balance the hormones)
Do not eat red meat; as it is often overly rich in oestrogen, but organically reared is less so.
Include foods containing sulphur like garlic, onions.
Decrease intake of cabbage family foods for one week before your period.
Eat plenty of fresh fruits, wholegrains.
Take evening primrose oil capsules.
Natural Healing
Exercise consistently but lightly. Avoid taxing physical exercise and do more walking, dancing, yoga, meditation and breathing exercises.
Try special abdominal/pelvic exercises and perhaps lie on a slant board.
Take long relaxing baths and ask for a massage if there is anyone available to give it.
Hot and cold showers during the month will help, but avoid them just prior to and during menstruation.
Herbs
A liver cleanse and use of liver herbs should be a primary step, followed by a colon cleanse (please enquire).
Take daily dandelion root and nettle leaf tea with fresh dandelion leaves in salads to meet iron and calcium needs or Raspberry & Nettle Leaf Tea.
General hormone balancing herbs will be useful throughout the month: agnus castus herb, sarsaparilla root, black cohosh root, milk thistle seed, blessed thistle herb, liquorice rhizome, false unicorn root, wild yam root and squaw vine herb or Monthly Balance Formula.
Replace the above herbs 10 days prior to menstruation with herbs which will need to be individually chosen and tailored to the woman's particular chemistry, however, a general formula to help with pain, the liver, water retention and the hormones themselves will include: black cohosh root, wild yam root, milk thistle seed, fennel seed, agnus castus herb, pulsatilla, lobelia herb, pennyroyal leaf, red raspberry leaf and buchu leaf or Pre-Menstrual Formula.
Herbal Formulae Suggestions
Pre-Menstrual Formula will help directly with the 10 or so pre-menstrual days.
Monthly Balance Formula will help the pre-menstrual phase by balancing the rest of the month.
Milk Thistle seed tincture or Liver Cleanse & Support Formulato assist in relieving any liver congestion alongside liver cleansing.
Water Balance Tea to relieve any water retention.
Metaphysical
PMT represents ‘Allowing confusion to reign. Giving power to outside influences. Rejection of the feminine process.’ A good affirmation for this is, ‘I now take charge of my mind and my life. I am powerful, dynamic woman! Every part of my body functions perfectly. I love me.’
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