Pre Menstrual Syndrome or PMS is group of symptoms suffered by women a week or so before their period. For many women, PMS is not a serious concern.

Many don't feel any significant change in their body either. But for some, days before their periods is a really rough phase. PMS can bring about various changes - physical, emotional or behavorial.

If you feel any of these symptoms a week before your periods, Ayurvedic dietary guidelines can help you relieve it to a great extent. According to Ayurveda, there are three fundamental doshas: Vata, Pitta and Kapha, and good health is considered to be a perfect state of balance of these three doshas. PMS is classified in Ayurveda into three types -

1. Vata
Vata type PMS is characterised by lower back ache, lower abdominal pain, anxiety, fear, insomnia, mood swings, headaches, sleep disorders, etc. Later this Vata imbalance also manifests into irregular menstrual flow and irregularity in bowels. Here's what may help.

According to The Complete Book of Ayurvedic Home Remedies by Dr. Vasant Lad:
Dashamoola tea, (1/2 teaspoon dashamoola steeped in a cup of hot water for 10 minutes), you can add a little honey for taste. Taking it twice a day a week before your periods can be effective.

2. Pitta
Typically a Pitta imbalance can cause pre-menstrual symptoms like mood swings, irritability, lower abdominal cramping, burning sensation in passing urine and hives.

According to Ingrid Sen's Ayurvedic Natural Remedies, "Cool sweet foods will help counter the effects of the imbalance. Eat ample fruits, including thick, juicy fruits such as mangoes, pears peaches and sweet melons."

3. Kapha
Symptoms associated with Kapha imbalance will manifest in signs like bloating, weight gain, water retention(breasts become enlarged and tender), drowsiness and sluggishness.

According to author:
10 cherries daily on an empty stomach for a week before the onset of menstruation.
1 tbsp of aloe vera gel with a pinch of black pepper, thrice a day.

Some fortunate women have painless periods, while others struggle with painful cramps (#dysmenorrhea)! Some even compare it to early labour contractions. What happens, is the muscle of the walls of your #uterus contract and a chemical called “#prostaglandin” is released from the lining of the uterus. This substance increases the strength of the contractions. The cramps can range from mild to unbearable & occur 1 or 2 days before your period, lasting for 2 to 4 during your period. Some women can experience #nausea, #vomitting, #diarrhoea and #dizziness.

>> For easing the menstrual cramps :-
- Apply heat rub to your lower abdomen and back to relax your muscles. A hot shower or bath and a hot water bottle/bag will help.
- Over-the-counter (OTC) medication can help. Stick to painkillers like #ibuprofen, #aspirin or #paracetamol.
- According to Medical Studies, #VitaminB1, #VitaminD, #VitaminE, #Magnesium, #Omega-3 fatty acids and #CalciumCitrate, can help with menstrual pain.
- Yoga and other stretching exercises can ease the cramps.
- #Bloating is a common problem during these days. Cut down on your salt, sugar, caffeine and alcohol for this time, as these are bloating triggers.
- Recommended #BirthControlPills can balance your hormones and lessen heavy flow.