Pre Menstrual Syndrome or PMS is group of symptoms suffered by women a week or so before their period. For many women, PMS is not a serious concern. Many don’t feel any significant change in their body either. But for some, days before their periods is a really rough phase. PMS can bring about various changes – physical, emotional or behavorial. The changes show one to two weeks before your period and phase out as you hit your period. The range of these symptoms include bloating, tender breasts, cramps, abdominal pains, irritability, anxiety, depression, vomiting and diarrhea among others.If you feel any of these symptoms a week before your periods, Ayurvedic dietary guidelines can help you relieve it to a great extent. According to Ayurveda, there are three fundamental doshas: Vata, Pitta and Kapha, and good health is considered to be a perfect state of balance of these three doshas.
PMS is classified in Ayurveda into three types –
1. Vata
Vata type PMS is characterised by lower back ache, lower abdominal pain, anxiety, fear, insomnia, mood swings, headaches, sleep disorders, etc. Later this Vata imbalance also manifests into irregular menstrual flow and irregularity in bowels. Here’s what may help.
According to The Complete Book of Ayurvedic Home Remedies by Dr. Vasant Lad:
Dashamoola tea, (1/2 teaspoon dashamoola steeped in a cup of hot water for 10 minutes), you can add a little honey for taste. Taking it twice a day a week before your periods can be effective.
10 cherries daily on an empty stomach for a week before the onset of menstruation.
1 tbsp of aloe vera gel with a pinch of black pepper, thrice a day.
2. Pitta
Typically a Pitta imbalance can cause pre-menstrual symptoms like mood swings, irritability, lower abdominal cramping, burning sensation in passing urine and hives. According to Ingrid Sen’s Ayurvedic Natural Remedies, “Cool sweet foods will help counter the effects of the imbalance. Eat ample fruits, including thick, juicy fruits such as mangoes, pears peaches and sweet melons.”
According to author Dr. Vasant Lad:
Herbal mixture of shatavari (2 parts), brahmi (1 part) and musta (1 part). Taking half teaspoon of the mixture twice a day with warm water is effective.
Aloe vera gel (1 tablespoon) taken with a pinch of cumin powder can also help ease the symptoms to a great extent.
3. Kapha
Symptoms associated with Kapha imbalance will manifest in signs like bloating, weight gain, water retention(breasts become enlarged and tender), drowsiness and sluggishness.
Herbal mixture of punarnava (2 parts), kutki(1 part) and musta( 2 parts). Taking half teaspoon of the mixture twice aday with warm water is effective.
10 cherries daily on an empty stomach for a week before the onset of menstruation.
A tablespoon of aloevera gel with half a teaspoon of Trikatu(an ancient Ayurvedic concoction made with equal parts of black pepper, pippali and ginger) can help immensely.
According to author Ingrid Sen in his book, “Keep meals light to avoid a heavy feeling. Focus primarily on vegetables and fruits, which are eaten warm or at least at room temperature.”
Pre-Menstrual Syndrome is a natural phenomenon, but when it starts taking a toll on your regular life, it can become a cause of concern. Don’t be shy to consult your gynecologist in such a case. Until then you can try these Ayurvedic formulae, which might prove to be effective.
