Focus On: PMS

​PMS, or Premenstrual Syndrome is the umbrella title given to a wide range of symptoms experienced during the menstrual cycle. These can vary from person to person and can include (but are not limited to) nervousness, irritability, low mood, headache, constipation, nausea, acne, low energy, abdominal pain/cramping, food cravings and hot flushes. While most women will experience mild symptoms at some stage, some can find that it really impacts on their everyday living. Homeopathic remedies can provide huge support and help in these cases.
As always, contact your GP if you experience any symptoms that are out of the ordinary for you and your cycle. A qualified homeopath will provide you with a good constitutional remedy which will help to alleviate your symptoms on a more long term basis, in the meantime, think of the following remedies to use in acute situations.
Generally speaking, its best to take these remedies in low potency (up to 30c), using the appropriate remedy every 15-30 mins for 5-6 doses, lengthening the time between doses as you see an improvement in symptoms. If in doubt, consult your professional homeopath.
 
Belladonna- for violent bearing down pains, worse for drafts, worse for movement. Better for bending backwards, for bed rest, for standing, for pressure on affected part.
 
Calc Carb- for nervousness and breast swelling before menses, also for anxiety, headache, depression, vertigo, abdominal or pelvic pain. Worse for cold air and for exertion.
 
Chamomilla- for irritability, nervousness, restlessness and often pains that are experienced up and down the inner thighs. Very sensitive to pain. Worse at night, aggravated by coffee.
 
Lachesis- for a feeling of tightness in the throat, uncomfortable in tight clothing, sometimes feeling extreme anger and jealousy, as well as often feeling very irritable. Physical symptoms may include hot flushes, congested feeling in the abdomen, headaches, sleeplessness. Symptoms tend to start on the left and then move to the right. Usually worse in the morning, from heat, or after sleep. Better for fresh air, for pressure, and for cold drinks.
 
Nat Mur- a common PMS remedy, helpful for emotions that change from sadness to anger, with an overall feeling that she must just keep going, and not allow these emotions to surface. Physical symptoms include headaches, lower back and lower abdomen pain, acne around the hairline. Worse for heat and better for open air.
 
Pulsatilla- for weepiness, irritable mood and mood swings. Symptoms are worse for warm air/in a warm room or from fatty/rich foods. Symptoms are usually improved for cold, fresh air, and after crying and consolation.
 
Sepia- for hormone imbalance, indifference to others (especially family), feelings of overwhelm, chilliness, dislike of fuss or damp. Physically, pressure is often felt in the lower abdomen, as if everything would fall out. Worse for consolation, worse in the morning and evening, worse from cold air. Better for warmth, for pressure, for hot applications, for vigorous exercise.