If you wake up with cramps, your clothes feeling tight from bloating and irritability when PMS strikes, you are not alone. Approximately three of every four menstruating women suffer from PMS symptoms before their period. If your symptoms are becoming unbearable, look for changes you can make in your lifestyle such as a healthier diet, more exercise, less caffeine and sodium intake and reduction of stress. If you need further remedies to treat PMS and don't want to take medication, try herbal treatments such as the chaste tree berry, but talk with your doctor before adding herbs or supplements to your diet.
Chaste Tree Berry History
Chaste tree, or Vitex agnus-castus, is found in the Mediterranean and Central Asia and is part of the verbena family. The chaste tree blooms in the summer and produces small, dark brown or black berries that have a spicy taste and aroma. Chaste berry has been used for ages initially mentioned by Hippocrates in the 4th century BC. It was named for the belief that it can suppress libido. Women have used it historically as well, for menstrual complications and breast milk production.
PMS Symptoms
PMS effects every women differently. For some, the symptoms are only slightly noticeable, while for others the symptoms become somewhat debilitating. Symptoms range from physical to emotional, including fluid retention, headache, cramping, muscle pain, restlessness, trouble sleeping, increased appetite, irritability, mood swings and depression. No matter how sever your symptoms, chaste berry could help reduce them; however, its effectiveness varies with each individual.
Function
Chaste tree berry helps alleviate symptoms of PMS by regulating hormones. It increases progesterone and prolactin levels and decreases estrogen levels in low doses. If taken in higher doses it may decrease prolactin levels. The University of Maryland Center suggests taking 20 mg to 40 mg of chaste berry extract of chaste berry daily before breakfast to improve PMS symptoms. Chaste berry may help reduce symptoms of PMS such as breast tenderness, headache, constipation, irritability and depression.
Other Natural Remedies
Additional natural remedies that may help alleviate your PMS symptoms include vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B6 for mood elevation, vitamin E for reduction of cramps and breast tenderness and magnesium for decreasing fluid retention and bloating. If chaste berry doesn't make a noticeable difference in your PMS symptoms, other herbs such as black cohosh, dandelion, ginger, raspberry leaf and evening primrose oil may be beneficial. Talk with your doctor before trying these herbs, as they may interact with other medications.
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