PMS Herbs

According to the Mayo clinic, three out of four women who menstruate have mild to moderate symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Some of the common symptoms of PMS include mood swings, depression, tension and anxiety, crying spells, insomnia and poor concentration. Some women find that between the mental discomfort and the physical pain, PMS can affect their daily activities. There are a variety of ways to ease some of the symptoms of PMS, including a herbal approach.

Chaste Berry

Chaste berry (vitex agnus-castus) is a ripe berry that is found on the chaste tree. It can help ease PMS symptoms by acting like natural progesterone. The chase berry is efficient in neurotransmitter health, and can help with hormonal levels, including dopamine. Because of these actions, the chaste berry can help sooth mood changes that are caused by inconsistent hormone production.

Black Cohosh

According to Christine Conrad, author of "A Woman's Guide to Natural Hormones," black cohosh can help with unpleasant symptoms associated with PMS such as depression and minor aches and pains. Black cohosh has a strong plant compounds known as phytoestrogens which may relieve certain discomforts that PMS creates. The herb's antispasmodic properties help increase the blood flowing to the uterus, which reduces cramping. This herb can also help with depression and tension that accompanies PMS. Black cohosh can be purchased as a tea, in tinctures or capsules.

Other Helpful Herbs

Nadine Taylor, who authored "25 Natural Ways to Relieve PMS" suggests that women drink a warm cup of chamomile several times a day to sooth the nerves and help promote sleep. Valerian root tea or capsules can help ease moods by reducing tension, anxiety and crying spells and promote restful sleep. Motherwort is a calmative herb that can help calm women. She also suggests that dandelion root can help with water retention, as can stinging nettle. Herb straw tea can help smooth out frayed nerves that women often get during PMS. Each of these herbs can be used as a tincture or tea and many of them are available in capsule form.