More and more women are looking for natural ways to help them with their PMS symptoms. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) refers to a group of physical and emotional symptoms that some women experience in the week or two before their menstrual period. Symptoms subside when the menstrual period starts and within a couple of days of menstrual flow. Studies have shown that women who use natural or alternative methods tend to have longer relief as well as a better lifestyle. Most over-the-counter medications are just to control the pain. Although a safe and guaranteed cure for PMS is yet to be discovered, there are a number of things that you can add to your diet and changes you can make to reduce your monthly symptoms and possibly even improve your quality of life.
Take time to unwind with a cup of Koni Holy Detox tea in a Koni Double Wall Mug.
Here are some tips that may help with your monthly PMS symptoms:
1. “Relax” – it is easier to say, and harder to do, but your body really needs it during this time. A week before your PMS symptoms kick in, try to reduce your anxiety and stress levels. If you can, schedule a massage the week you know you are going to PMS. There are many places in town that offer great deals. If you don’t have the money or time to get a monthly massage, stretching daily also helps. Click here to view some of my stretching techniques.
Another great way to reduce your stress level is to take some time out of your day to make a pot of relaxing tea. Koni Serenity Now contains rooibos, a tea that is known to calm the nerves and relieve nervous tension. The addition of pineapple and coconut pieces will have you swept away to tropical paradise. While I am PMSing, I always find time make a pot of Serenity Now rooibos tea, turn on some relaxing music, and soak in a hot bath. Studies show that just a few minutes in a warm bath or shower will increase serotonin levels!
2. Long before Western Medicine and over-the-counter and prescription medication was so common, women had to rely on natural remedies and herbal tea to treat PMS symptoms. Mama Le raised me to try every herbal remedy I could get my hands on before popping a pill. She always said, “Treat your pain with something natural before you try a chemical. You don’t know what you’re putting in your body with those prescription drugs or what you can find at the store. With these herbs and tea, at least you know they are natural and you won’t end up with some dangerous side effect.” She is right and to this day, I always try a natural remedy first.
If you are not sensitive to caffeine, Koni PMS-B-Gone is a delicious remedy that helps relieve PMS symptoms such as cramps, bloating, and headaches. This chai tea is a delicious blend of chocolate, hazelnut, ginger, cinnamon, black tea and rooibos tea.The caffeine in Koni PMS-B-Gone Black Tea is known to fight fatigue and to act as a diuretic, helping to reduce bloating. Its caffeine level is half that of coffee so you’re not overly caffeinated, which may cause nervousness. PMS B Gone Black Tea contains L-theanine, a unique amino acid found almost exclusively in tea. L-theanine works to counteract nervousness caused by caffeine without inhibiting caffeine’s stimulating properties. In addition, the chocolate helps to satisfy those sweet cravings we tend to have before our period, and ginger has been effective in relieving inflammation, pain, an upset stomach and nausea. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends taking ginger two to three times a day while you are experiencing menstrual cramps. Click here for my Stomach Soothing tonic made with Koni Stomach Soother caffeine free tea.
If you are sensitive to caffeine, then I recommend Koni Serenity Now as mentioned in tip #1, Stomach Soother as I just mentioned, and Holy Detox when you are PMSing. Holy Detox is a caffeine free tea containing tulsi, an ancient and revered herb, which has adaptogenic qualities that can lower cortisol levels in the body. Cortisol, often referred to as the “stress hormone,” is produced and secreted by the adrenal glands. Having 3-5 cups of this tea before your period will lower cortisol levels and alleviate some of the emotional stress associated with PMS.
3. Diet management is also very important when you are PMSing. Complex carbohydrates (such as those found in whole grains and vegetables) are good to eat during PMS, simple carbohydrates (such as those found in sugary snacks and white bread) can actually increase water retention, irritability and other PMS symptoms. So you should up your intake of fruits, veggies, and whole grains and cut back on sugar, artificial sweeteners, fat, and salt. This will not only benefit you while you are PMSing but it will also make you feel better the rest of the month. Eating healthier will keep your lean and trim, which adds to a healthier and happier attitude. Check out my recipes (such as my cilantro and black bean quinoa, marinated vegetable kabob, and slimming blueberry smoothie) in the 3 day detox for healthy and delicious food ideas. A great tea to accompany your meals during this time is Koni Simply Slim. This premium black oolong tea blend has been shown to relieve bloating, fight fatigue, and with the addition of ginger, it also helps with nausea and digestive issues.
Koni Simply Slim Oolong Tea
4. Our thoughts and mental state have a large impact on our physical ability. When we are stressed we tend to take rapid and shallow breaths. Deep, focused breathing can help you relax, reduce stress, and eliminate cramps. When I am PMSing and get cramps or headaches, I often use techniques that I learned in my yoga and meditation classes to help me concentrate on my breathing. All you do is take a full breath in, fill up your entire lungs; hold for a count of 5, and slowly release it. This always gives me a good shot of oxygen when I need it and brings healing energy to the area that is causing me pain.
5. Moderate exercise can help relax muscles and alleviate cramps, headaches, backaches, and all kinds of body aches and pains. You don’t have to do anything strenuous. Something light at least 3-5 days a week is a great way to keep your body in balance and to relieve daily stress. Yoga, martial arts, and many other activities use breathing to focus our energies on the task at hand. Exercise also helps ease sadness and anxiety, which are both common symptoms of PMS.
Koni PMS B Gone Black Tea
In taking these steps to help control your discomfort and distress, you may enjoy a more peaceful time before your monthly periods.
