Natural Solutions for PMS Relief and Menstrual Health: The Power of Herbal Remedies

Are you tired of relying on synthetic solutions like NSAIDs (over the counter pain killers) or hormonal birth control for PMS relief and menstrual discomfort? And, uh, how are those options potentially negatively impacting our bodies?

Herbal remedies are becoming increasingly popular for managing period pain, balancing hormones, and improving overall cycle health, and for good reason. Powerful herbs offer natural relief from PMS and painful periods while enhancing the perks of your menstrual cycle...and yes, there are perks!

In this guide, we’ll explore how these herbs work individually, their synergistic benefits, and why they’re a superior alternative to conventional treatments.

Herbs for PMS and Menstrual Relief: How They Work

Chaste Tree Berry, or Vitex, supports the root cause of PMS & painful periods: hormonal imbalance.

1. Chaste Tree Berry for Hormonal Balance

Chaste tree berry, also called vitex, is a powerhouse for hormone balance. It stimulates the pituitary gland to produce more luteinizing hormone (LH), which increases progesterone and reduces estrogen dominance. This rebalancing alleviates symptoms like breast tenderness, mood swings, and irregular periods.

• PMS Relief: Studies show that 93% of women experienced reduced PMS symptoms with chaste tree berry.

• Cycle Benefits: By promoting regular ovulation, chaste tree berry enhances fertility and supports a consistent cycle.

2. Ashwagandha for Stress and Fatigue

Ashwagandha Root addresses stress, a root cause of PMS and painful periods, by lowering cortisol levels.

Ashwagandha is an adaptogen that helps your body manage stress by lowering cortisol levels. High stress can worsen PMS symptoms, cause irregular cycles, and exacerbate period fatigue.

• Science-Backed Results: Research shows ashwagandha can reduce cortisol by up to 30%, helping alleviate anxiety, irritability, and exhaustion.

• Cycle Benefits: Reduced stress levels improve HPO (hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian) axis function, which regulates your menstrual cycle.

3. Damiana for Mood and Libido

Damiana is a fantastic herb that supports PMS mood swings because it contains flavanoids that influence serotonin and dopamine.

Damiana is a mood-enhancing herb that helps combat the emotional symptoms of PMS, including irritability and low energy. It’s also known to support a healthy libido, which can dip during certain phases of the menstrual cycle.

• PMS Relief: Damiana contains flavonoids that influence serotonin and dopamine levels, boosting your mood naturally.

• Cycle Benefits: By reducing tension and improving mood, damiana promotes a more positive menstrual experience. It also enhances cycle benefits, like increased libido and sociability associated with the follicular and ovulation phases.

4. Dandelion Root for Bloating and Detoxification

Dandelion Root is a powerful herb to reduce PMS bloating.

Dandelion root, as in the root of the "weeds" that grow in your yard, is a gentle diuretic and liver-supporting herb that helps reduce water retention and metabolize excess estrogen.

• PMS Relief: Its potassium and antioxidant content make it effective for reducing bloating and clearing up hormonal imbalances.

• Cycle Benefits: A healthy liver ensures better estrogen metabolism, which can lead to lighter, more comfortable periods over time.

5. Cramp Bark for Period Pain

Cramp bark is a natural way to reduce menstrual cramps.

Cramp bark is one of the best natural remedies for menstrual cramps. It relaxes the uterine muscles and prevents spasms, providing fast relief from period pain.

• PMS Relief: Compounds like viopudial and salicin give cramp bark its powerful antispasmodic and mild pain-relieving properties.

• Cycle Benefits: Better muscle relaxation improves blood flow, promoting a healthier and more comfortable menstrual cycle.

6. Milk Thistle for Hormone Detox

To prevent PMS & painful periods the liver must be supported. Milk Thistle improves liver functions to reduce menstrual issues.

Milk thistle supports liver detoxification, which is crucial for processing and eliminating excess hormones. It also protects the liver from damage caused by oxidative stress.

• PMS Relief: Silymarin, milk thistle’s active compound, improves liver function and reduces symptoms like acne, bloating, and mood swings linked to hormone imbalance.

• Cycle Benefits: Efficient hormone metabolism supports balanced estrogen and progesterone levels, leading to fewer PMS symptoms over time.

7. Skullcap for Stress and Headaches

Skullcap is an amazing go-to for common PMS symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, headaches and insomnia.

Skullcap is a calming herb that soothes the nervous system, making it effective for PMS-related anxiety, tension headaches, and insomnia.

• PMS Relief: Skullcap contains baicalin, which reduces nervous system overactivity, helping you feel more relaxed.

• Cycle Benefits: Improved sleep and reduced anxiety support a healthier, less stressful menstrual experience.

Herb Synergy for Cycle Health

The combination of these herbs creates a holistic solution for menstrual health by addressing multiple aspects of PMS and cycle maintenance:

1. Balancing Hormones:Chaste tree berry, dandelion root, and milk thistle regulate estrogen and progesterone levels.

2. Reducing Stress:Ashwagandha, damiana, and skullcap collectively lower cortisol, improve mood, and promote relaxation.

3. Easing Pain and Bloating:Cramp bark and dandelion root reduce physical discomfort and water retention, making your period more manageable.

4. Enhancing Overall Cycle Health:These herbs support liver detoxification, hormone balance, and stress resilience for long-term improvements.

   
   

   

   Our Full Cycle Tincture 4 Pack uses powerful cycle syncing herbs to prevent and ease PMS & painful periods.

All of these herbs work synergistically together in the Cycle Sister’s Cycle Sync 4 Pack,  a 1-month supply 4 pack of a tincture for each menstrual phase, packed with cycle syncing herbs that reduce PMS and painful periods. The 4 pack both addresses the root cause of cycle struggles to prevent them from occurring in the first place, as well as eases discomforts in the moment.

Why Herbs Are Better Than NSAIDs and Birth Control

1. Targeting Root Causes:Unlike NSAIDs, which temporarily block pain, or hormonal birth control, which suppresses natural cycles, herbs address the underlying causes of discomfort, such as inflammation, hormone imbalance, and stress.

2. Minimal Side Effects:

   • NSAIDs can cause stomach ulcers and liver damage with prolonged use.

   • Hormonal birth control is linked to mood changes, weight gain, and fertility issues.

   • Herbs, when used properly, offer gentle yet powerful relief without harsh side effects.

3. Long-Term Benefits:These herbs improve not only your menstrual health but also your liver function, stress resilience, and overall well-being.

   
   

   

   
   

Did you know?

• Up to 80% of women experience PMS symptoms, but only 55% find relief with NSAIDs.

• Chaste tree berry has been shown to reduce PMS symptoms in 93% of women in clinical studies.

• Ashwagandha reduces cortisol levels by 30%, improving both mental and physical PMS symptoms.

Take Control of Your Cycle Naturally

Studies have found that herbs are a reliable source of relief for PMS and painful periods.

Herbal remedies like chaste tree berry, ashwagandha, damiana, dandelion root, cramp bark, milk thistle, and skullcap offer a safe, effective alternative to synthetic solutions for PMS and menstrual discomfort. These herbs work synergistically to balance hormones, reduce stress, and relieve pain while supporting overall cycle health.

Switch to nature’s solution for better periods and reclaim your cycle the natural way.

References:

Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews: A study on the effects of Vitex agnus-castus on PMS

Journal of Clinical Psychology or Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine: Research on the benefits of Ashwagandha as an adaptogen and its effects on cortisol

Phytotherapy Research or Journal of Ethnopharmacology: Research or reviews on the mood-enhancing properties of damiana

Journal of Medicinal Food: Studies on dandelion's diuretic and liver-supporting effects

Hepatology or Phytomedicine: Clinical studies on milk thistle for liver detox and hormone support

Journal of Ethnopharmacology: Research on skullcap’s calming effects on the nervous system