PMS

Premenstrual syndrome or PMS is classified in Ayurveda in three types: vata, pitta, and kapha.

Vata type is characterized by low backache, lower abdominal pain, distention, anxiety, fear, insomnia, and mood swings.
Pitta-type PMS symptoms include tenderness in the breasts, urethritis, hives, hot flashes, irritability, and sometimes a burning sensation when passing urine.
Kapha-type PMS involves water retention (breasts become enlarged and tender) and drowsiness, so that the woman loves to drink coffee!

PMS can be cared for successfully using the following Ayurvedic remedies and preventive measures.

IMPORTANT: In all cases, start the preventive program one week before the anticipated start of your period.

Drink dashamoola tea (½ teaspoon dashamoola steeped in a cup of hot water for 10 minutes); you can add a little honey for taste. Take twice a day.
Eat about 10 cherries daily on an empty stomach for a week before the onset of menstruation.
Use kaishore guggulu or yogaraj guggulu, 1 tablet twice a day.
You can also take 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel with a pinch of black pepper, 3 times a day before food.

shatavari 2 parts
brahmi 1 part
musta 1 part
Take ½ teaspoon of this mixture twice a day with warm water.

Aloe vera gel (1 tablespoon) taken with a pinch of cumin powder is also effective.

punarnava 2 parts
kutki 1 part
musta 2 parts

Take ½ teaspoon of this mixture twice a day with a little warm water.

Eat about 10 cherries daily on an empty stomach for a week before the expected onset of your period.
You can also take 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel along with a pinch of trikatu (a traditional Ayurvedic formula consisting of equal amounts of black pepper, pippali, and ginger).

Warm ghee nose drops (5 drops in each nostril) stimulate natural hormones and help regulate balance of the system.
When there is abdominal bloating and cramps, all constitutional types can put a warm castor oil pack on the lower abdomen. One of the qualities of castor oil is that it produces a slow, sustained heat that is soothing and healing. Warm up about 3 tablespoons of castor oil, and pour it onto a handkerchief or other soft cloth, spreading it equally on the cloth. Place this compress on the lower abdomen. If you have a hot water bottle; you may place it on top of the pack to keep it warm. An electric heating pad is not recommended.

NOTE: A warm castor oil pack will also help relieve the congestion and discomfort of endometriosis.

Be sure to get regular exercise during the month, including half an hour of walking or other aerobic exercise at least five days a week. Yoga stretching is also helpful. However, Ayurveda recommends no exercise or yoga during the actual menstrual period. As much as possible, rest, read, and relax!
To maintain health and balance, follow the dietary guidelines for your constitutional type (see chapter 8).