right on... i am definitely suggesting evening primrose oil as well. it is really good for most "feminine" thangs and it works wonders for pms, in addition to just being a really good oil to take anyway. i take it in capsules but i know it is available in the oil as well. good stuff.
also try yoga for stretching out the cramps if that's part of the problem.
most women tend to be a bit inactive at that time of the month because of lack of energy, but certain stretches and a good amount of movement will help with any pain and mood swings as well.
feel free to pm me and i can send you some positions that will be good during that time of the month.
Fish oil (good quality omega 3) is good for the emotional symptoms (depressed people who can't take more conventional antidepressants take fish oil and many do well), it has anti inflamatory properties which can help with the pain, and it also seems to help with perimenopausal symptoms, especially hot flashes.
You have to take it regularly for it to be effective. I've been looking for a good reference for it... and if I find one I'll post it.
Chocolate in moderation is always helpful. Feel better - been there.
The old ways are still the best: men and women should have separate sleeping quarters. One may retire to one's wing when the mood suits and everyone can get along just fine in the common areas. Failing that, the spare room. Or marijuana. I can't vouch for this - being a chap - but I understand it works wonders. Pity it's not allowed. It'd be great that women 'in sync' arranged weekends away with each other, up in the hills or something. Please.
recently my other half begged me to ask my Doc for a solution to my PMS hormonal swings... especially when ice creams and chocolate did't seem to help anymore
She gave me "PreMens" - a extract of "Mönchspfeffer".
I agree with the evening primroise oil; you need to take it a few months to really feel the benefits, and I often increase the amount I take around that time of the month
Btw - it's not like PMS is an issue for partners only. I don't know if I'm alone on this but I feel bad for myself when I have PMS; if others happen to be around, well that's just their tough luck!
I suffered with really bad PMS when i was in my twenties and my doctor prescribed me Evening Primrose Oil capsules and a vitamin B complex. If the symptoms are really bad I would talk to a doctor about it. Or try self medicating but keep a diary of your symptoms and if there is no improvement then see the doc.
Agnus castus is good, although it's best to start taking it a few days before you start getting symptoms and I never remembered to. I've also been recommended vitamin B6 by some friends who swear by it, but personally I didn't find it much good.
The best thing I've ever found is the depo injection, but it's not for everyone.
Well, chaps, I'm overwhelmed by it all! Bound to start feeling better just on the basis of all the kind and helpful remarks I've had.
And...I agree on separate sleeping quarters, etc. shame that when you are staying at an expensive hotel and happen to be sharing a restaurant table with said partner, it seems somewhat more complicated to decamp elsewhere (and as s**'s law would have it it was just happier-looking couples around you).
Spare room doesn't work. When you have PMT you never know it in time to stop it, (or get to the spare room in time to save your victim from the outburst), you are always right, and your partner becomes the biggest barrier in your quest for eternal happiness and bliss on this planet and must be erradicated at all cost.
I know it's not herbal, but for the cramps ibuprofen works best for me. For other tummy troubles - aches and bloating - try ginger tea, or ginger with peppermint; it works really well! Otherwise you can try to avoid some of the bloating by staying away from hard-to-digest foods (beans, nuts, etc) and very fatty foods. And I agree that an absorbing book always helps