Premenstrual syndrome is a group of symptoms that affect some women in the lead up to their period. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, up to 75 percent of women experience PMS, symptoms of which may include bloating, mood swings, depression, headaches and breast tenderness. Exercise, diet and stress management can all help to lessen the severity of symptoms. However, women with severe PMS may require treatment with drugs, including anti-depressants, diuretics or hormones in the form of birth control pills. An alternative to prescription medications, some herbs may alleviate PMS symptoms, although research proving this is limited. Get advice from a medical professional before using herbs to treat a medical condition.
Chasteberry
Chasteberry, also known as Vitex agnus casus, may reduce PMS symptoms like breast tenderness and headache, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The chasteberry tree is a shrub-like plant, the fruits of which are used to make herbal remedies for a number of ailments, including infertility, menopause and menstrual problems. Chasteberry is unlikely to cause serious side effects, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine notes. However, some people may experience an acne-like rash, dizziness and gastrointestinal problems. Do not take this herb if you have a hormone-sensitive condition or if you are pregnant. Chasteberry may interfere with the effectiveness of some drugs, including Parkinson's disease medicines and birth control pills.
Black Cohosh
UMMC notes that black cohosh is sometimes used to relieve PMS symptoms but adds that scientific evidence to prove it works is lacking. Black cohosh, also known as black snakeroot, is used to treat menopause, dysmenorrhea and may have anti-osteoporotic effects. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center states that this herb may cause hepatoxicity, headaches, nausea, dizziness and vomiting. Do not take this herb if you are undergoing chemotherapy as it may reduce the effectiveness of chemotherapeutic drugs. Get advice from your doctor before taking black cohosh.
Dandelion
The herb form of dandelion has diuretic effects and may reduce PMS-associated fluid retention, according to UMMC. However, there is no research to confirm this. Dandelion is safe for most people, RxList notes. However, it may cause an allergic reaction in people sensitive to members of the ragweed family of plants. Avoid using this herb if you are pregnant and do not take it alongside antibiotics, lithium or drugs that are changed by the liver such as propranolol and verapamil. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.
