The Best Chinese Herbs for PMS Relief

Women’s bodies are beautifully complex. But, they can pose some tricky health challenges. PMS, for instance, is a far too common source of pain, discomfort, irritability, infertility, and other symptoms that affects up to 75% of American women each month.

But there is hope! Chinese herbs for PMS are natural supplements that offer a simple way to relieve symptoms and restore your reproductive health from the root.

Let’s learn more about PMS and how Chinese medicine can help relieve both physical and emotional PMS symptoms naturally.

What is PMS and PMDD?

PMS, or premenstrual syndrome, includes a range of symptoms that women experience in the days or weeks leading up to their period. Symptoms may vary month to month, and often include:

• Mood swings
• Anxiety
• Irritablilty
• Fatigue and insomnia
• Bloating or stomach aches
• Breast tenderness
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Uterine cramping
• Headaches
• Acne and blemishes
• Back or leg pain
• Greasy hair
• Changes in appetite
• Changes in libido

PMDD, or premenstrual dysphoric disorder, is a more severe form of PMS that causes physical and emotional distress every month and can lead to other menstrual problems.

How to Treat the Emotional and Physical Symptoms of PMS with Chinese Medicine

PMS is extremely common and most women will experience at least some of the symptoms of PMS in their lifetime. But while PMS is common, that doesn’t mean it’s normal.

According to Chinese medicine, any symptoms of pain or discomfort signal that there is an imbalance and the body needs support. With the help of Chinese herbal medicine for PMS, we can restore proper balance, encourage reproductive health, and promote PMS-free periods. Here’s how Chinese herbs can help:

Chinese herbs ease PMS symptoms.

In Chinese medicine, many common PMS symptoms are caused by a problem with “Liver qi flow.” The Liver is in control of the smooth movement of qi, blood, and fluids through the body. The Liver also plays a role in hormone balance and the transition between each phase of the menstrual cycle. When the Liver qi is stuck or stagnant, problems like pain, irritability, breast tenderness, and digestive upset can easily occur.

Chinese herbs quickly and naturally improve the flow of Liver qi by stimulating blood and qi flow. Other herbs help break through what Chinese medicine practitioners call “blood stasis” – or stuck blood that causes clotting, cramping, and pain.

Chinese Herbs Balance Hormones

It is natural for hormones like estrogen and progesterone to shift during each phase of the menstrual cycle. But these shifts should be gentle without extreme symptoms. When your hormones are out of balance, however, it can lead to extreme fluctuations and intense PMS symptoms.

Studies show that Chinese herbs help to balance hormones naturally. They do so mainly by helping the Liver detox excess estrogen and other hormones more efficiently. This helps reduce PMS-related pain and cramping, as well as mood swings.

Chinese Herbs get to the Root Problem

While over-the-counter drugs for PMS simply cover up or dull the pain of menstrual symptoms, Chinese medicine goes deeper. Herbal formulas are designed to not only relieve symptoms, but get to the root issues that cause PMS to reoccur month after month, such as systemic inflammation, stagnation, a lack of nourishment, or another root cause.

Chinese Herbs for PMS

You don’t have to dread your period! With help from Chinese medicine, you can reduce or eliminate your PMS symptoms. Here are our favorite Chinese herbs for PMS relief:

Chinese Herbs for Mood Swings

Mood swings, anxiety, and irritability are classic PMS symptoms related to Liver qi stagnation. The remedy? A relaxing, tension-easing formula called Xiao Yao Wan.

Xiao Yao Wan is likely the most commonly prescribed formula for PMS mood swing treatment because it tackles a range of issues like PMS depression, cramping, headaches, breast tenderness, and acne.

Chinese Herbs and Chinese Teas for Menstrual Pain Relief

If you prefer a Chinese herbal tea for menstrual cramps, try drinking both Triple Stress Relief Tea and Blood Circulation Tea by Bravo Teas. Together, these two teas soothe qi and encourage better blood flow to ease menstrual cramping.

Chinese Herbs for Menstrual Bloating

Bloating during the weeks prior to your period could indicate either qi stagnation or qi deficiency. For bloating along with irritability, breakouts, and tension, try the classic Xiao Yao Wan (above).

Chinese Herbs for PMS Migraines

Many women experience PMS headaches or migraines, due to hormone fluctuations during the menstrual cycle. While over-the-counter painkillers can ease the tension, they don’t treat the root cause of menstrual headaches and often cause unwanted side effects.

Instead, consider Chinese herbal formulas to relieve PMS headaches. A formula like Xiao Yao Wan is great for reducing tension headaches caused by hormone imbalances or Liver qi stagnation. Si Wu Tang is a better choice if you also feel fatigued, depleted, or dizzy during a premenstrual headache.

Find the Best Herbal Supplements for PMS Relief at Best Chinese Medicines

You don’t have to suffer through PMS. With Chinese herbal medicine, you can overcome your symptoms and enjoy healthy, comfortable periods and vibrant reproductive health. Shop our full collection of women’s health formulas to enjoy better health – and less PMS! – today.

Other than herbal formulas, what tips and tricks help relieve your menstrual cramps, headaches, or other PMS symptoms? Share below!