About 70% of menstruating women suffer some sort of PMS symptoms. The dreaded mood swings, back ache, irrational behaviour, bloating, eating binges, irritability, fatigue, breast tenderness are all some of the symptoms experienced by women usually a week before the period. Many women with PMS may have completely pain-free period and vice versa, women who do not suffer from PMS may have severe cramping during their period. While some women may suffer from both.

So once a month, whether you binge or chocolate or bite off the head of your other half, be assured there are some herbal remedies that will help ease these symptoms over the long term and make your PMS days a lot more pleasant.

Herbs that have been known to help with PMS are:-

• Chaste Berry, this herb is thought to regulate female hormones, which in turn is beneficial for PMS symptoms, amenorrhoea (absence of periods), menopause and acne.
• Milk Thistle, this herb has rejuvenating effects on the liver. The liver breaks down excess hormones circulating in the blood. To achieve hormonal balance the liver as to be supported in its detoxification activities.
• Dong Quai, another very popular herb used for many female gynaecological complaints, whether for the treatment of menstrual cramps, irregularity, delayed flow and weakness during the menstrual period.
• Vervain, is a stimulating relaxing nervine with affinity for the liver and kidneys, it is indicated in nervous exhaustion and amenorrhoea.
• Valerian is used for its calming effect, relieving nervous tension, headaches, irritability, menstrual pain and menopausal restlessness.
• Yarrow is a herb used to ease pelvic congestion, as a peripheral vasodilator it opens up blood vessels enabling more blood to be circulated. This action combined with being antispasmodic relieves pelvic pain and obstructive menstruation.

Some of these herbs can be taken as a single tincture or as a tincture blend, like the Miss Harmony Tincture which contains all of the above herbs and is recommended to be ingested at least about two weeks prior to the start of the period.