I will increase your labour and your groaning, and in labour you shall bear children.
—Genesis 3:16

Unfortunately for many women, the pains of labour come every month. PMS, or premenstrual syndrome, is a collection of symptoms suffered by scores of women the world over. Water retention and bloating, tender breasts, moodiness, insomnia, abdominal pains and headaches are among the unpleasant symptoms many women experience, starting a week or two before menstruation actually begins. Although the allopathic medical profession has long held that PMS is a “psychosomatic” problem, studies have confirmed what holistic therapists have known all along: PMS has genuine physical causes that respond well to natural therapies.

Natural therapists have long thought that the root of premenstrual syndrome is biochemical, resulting ultimately in hormonal imbalance. Today it is axiomatic that PMS is a condition of excess estrogen with a corresponding deficiency of progesterone.

Poor nutrition with resulting deficiencies of several key nutrients affect factors which control inflammation, fluid balance and even mood. Although the causes of PMS are numerous and not completely understood, it is still possible to give some natural approaches that can benefit all women.General dietary guidelines include the complete elimination of all “junk” food, as well as all stimulants (coffee, tea, alcohol, chocolate and refined sugar). The diet should contain adequate animal protein, plenty of healthy animal fats, complex carbohydrates and a variety of fresh vegetables. Fresh fruits may be included unless a yeast infection is present. All commercial vegetable oils, both liquid and partially hydrogenated, should be excluded as these interfere with key prostaglandins and the regulation of hormone production. Foods rich in vitamin A, vitamin D, the B complex (especially B6 and pantothenic acid), vitamin E, calcium, magnesium, and certain long-chain fatty acids should be stressed as all of these nutrients seem to be key in easing the symptoms of PMS.

In addition to foods rich in these nutrients, food supplements supply additional nutrients that may be impossible to obtain with food alone. The following are recommendations only. For a truly personalized supplement program, one should see a properly trained health professional familiar with vitamin/mineral therapy:

Vitamin A:	50,000 IU per day
Vitamin B6*:	100-200 mg per day
Pantothenic acid:	100-200 mg per day
Vitamin E:	400-600 IU per day
Calcium:	1,500 mg per day
Magnesium:	800 mg per day
Fatty Acids:	2-4 gms per day

*Note: Vitamin B₆ should only be taken along with a B complex supplement.

In studies, vitamin A has proven beneficial in reducing some PMS symptoms. Be sure to use a natural source of this nutrient, such as cod liver oil, as synthetic versions can be toxic. Vitamin B6 is a natural diuretic and thus helps with PMS-related bloating. B6 also aids in reducing estrogen to normal levels. Pantothenic acid is always desirable for treating stress. Vitamin E is good for sore breasts and for regulating hormonal levels. This vitamin is also good for irritability and depression. Calcium and magnesium are pivotal in reducing stress, as well as encouraging proper muscle function. Painful cramping and nervous tension are almost always lessened or eradicated with calcium and magnesium supplementation. Long-chain fatty acids prompt the release of anti-inflammatory substances known as prostaglandins. A particular fatty acid, gamma-linoleic acid or GLA, has been shown to be of special value in resolving PMS and other ailments. It is found in evening primrose oil, borage oil or black currant oil.

FOODS RICH IN KEY NUTRIENTS FOR PMS

Vitamin A:	Cod liver oil, liver, butter, egg yolks.
Vitamin D:	Oily fish, lard, cod liver oil.
Vitamin B6:	Brown rice, liver, beef, whole wheat, rye, lentils, alfalfa, tuna, peas, bananas, cashews, turkey, oats, blackstrap molasses, cabbage.
Pantothenic Acid:	Brewer’s yeast, brown rice, sunflower seeds, corn, lentils, whole wheat, rye.
Vitamin E:	Fresh wheat germ, wheat germ oil, whole wheat, raw nuts, olive oil, peanuts, broccoli, pecans.
Calcium:	Raw milk and raw milk cheeses, bone broths, sesame seeds, kelp, sardines, almonds, Brazil nuts, blackstrap molasses, watercress, dark green leafy vegetables, salmon, broccoli.
Magnesium:	Kelp, beef, blackstrap molasses, sunflower seeds, all nuts, oats, brown rice, dark green leafy vegetables, corn, bananas, tuna.
Fatty Acids:	Cod liver oil, salmon, sardines, mackerel, egg yolks and borage, black currant or evening primrose oil.

HERBAL HELPS

The following herbs may be taken in capsule, tincture or tea form. If using packaged capsules or extracts, follow the directions on the product’s label. For teas, steep 1-2 teaspoons of herb in 1 cup of very hot water, covered, for 10 minutes.

If bloating and sore breasts predominate, chamomile and dandelion are both effective diuretics. Diuretic foods include celery, watermelon, asparagus and parsley. To stabilize depression and mood swings, chamomile, lavender, and peppermint are excellent. These herbs, along with red raspberry and kava kava, are good antispasmodics as well, making them excellent for cramps.

If headaches occur, these herbs are also indicated: fennel, sarsaparilla, squaw vine, licorice and wild yam, which are all hormonal balancers. They may help in relieving hormone-caused symptoms but should not be overused.

HOMEOPATHICS TO CONSIDER

Pulsatilla is probably the most famous of all PMS remedies. It is indicated for mood swings marked by weepiness. Mag. Phos. should be used for cramping and nervous tension. The cell salt Kali. Phos. is also indicated for frazzled nerves. If there is intense pain marked by anger, homeopathic Chamomilla is the remedy of choice. If the pains become worse after getting angry, this remedy works best. Homeopathic Belladonna is indicated if there are cramping pains made worse by motion. The pains may extend from the uterus to the back accompanied by frequent headaches. Lachesis is the best pick for PMS symptoms that improve dramatically or completely disappear once the menstrual flow starts. With this condition, the pains may extend into the upper abdomen and chest.

For all of these remedies, the 6C-30C potencies should work best. Take them twice a day, or as needed. When using all homeopathics, avoid caffeine, menthol and camphor as these substances act as antidotes to the remedies.

EXERCISE

Daily exercise, even 15-20 minutes of brisk walking, increases oxygen consumption. This helps to improve health, as well as to remove toxins from the body. Exercise also helps to keep hormone levels stable.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

As we know, PMS can have many different causes. Women who suffer from PMS should investigate the possibility that other conditions, such as endometriosis, candidiasis, food allergies, and heavy metal poisoning may be contributing factors. Candidiasis should be suspected if strong sugar cravings are present. See your natural health care provider for more help with these other causes.

MIASM

Dr. Samuel Hahnemann, the father of homeopathy, believed that certain diseases “tainted” the blood line and were often the cause of chronic health problems in the descendants of those who originally had the disease. Hahnemann taught that tuberculosis, gonorrhea and syphilis could cause miasm in whole families. For women with chronic pelvic, reproductive, or menstrual problems of any type, it would behoove them to investigate further the possibility that one of their ancestors (male or female) may have had syphilis or gonorrhea. If so, consult a homeopathic physician or practitioner. Usually, the miasm can be removed by administering low potency preparations of either Syphillinum or Medorrhinum for a short time. It should be noted here that miasm can occur from other causes such as chronic drug use (including birth control pills) and other diseases. An accurate medical history is essential when miasm is suspected so that the practitioner can ascertain the probable remedy.

 

This article appeared in Wise Traditions in Food, Farming and the Healing Arts, the quarterly magazine of the Weston A. Price Foundation, Winter 2000.