Chamomile is one of the safest herbs available for medicinal use, according to "Reader's Digest" magazine. The herb is used for a variety of health conditions including gastrointestinal problems. Women who suffer from bloating before and during menstruation may find relief by including chamomile in their daily routine. Talk with your doctor before using chamomile, because it may interfere with certain medications.
How It Works
Chamomile has a mild sedative effect, which works to relax your body. The herb helps alleviate bloating by soothing your digestive tract, easing the discomfort you feel. Some women who suffer from premenstrual syndrome experience a buildup of gas in their intestines as their period nears, which produces a full feeling in the stomach. Often, your stomach will protrude as well. Ingesting chamomile counteracts this by helping the area relax so that the gas can be passed.
When to Use
The severity and length of a bout of bloating varies from woman to woman before and during her period. Chamomile's sedative effects make it a good choice as soon as symptoms appear. The most common way to ingest the herb is by drinking a cup of chamomile tea. Steep the tea bags according to the package directions, and sip the tea for several days before your period is due to start and throughout your period, which offers a steady relaxation benefit that may help ease or get rid of bloating.
Dosage
Chamomile is considered a safe herb, but it is important to follow your doctor's advice regarding an appropriate dose for your bloating issues. Tea that contains chamomile is likely safe even if you drink several cups per day. However, the herb is also available in pill, extract and tincture form, making each dose more concentrated. Follow package directions closely to prevent getting more than the recommended amount. Drugs.com cautions against using more than one product that contains chamomile. For example, washing down a chamomile pill with a cup of chamomile tea may produce adverse side effects, including an allergic reaction and vomiting.
Considerations
Despite its benefits, chamomile isn't right for everyone. If you have a ragweed allergy, consuming chamomile may produce a reaction. Chamomile is not always safe to mix with blood-thinning medications or other herbs and supplements. Talk to your doctor about the safety of mixing chamomile with other medications before using it to treat menstrual bloating. Chamomile tea is available at most supermarkets, but you will likely have to go to a health foods store to find it in other forms.
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