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Struggling With Pre-Menstrual Syndrome? Here's How Ayurveda Can Help
#Menstrual Cramps

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.

Dr. C  L Garg
Dr. C L Garg
MBBS, Family Physician General Medicine Physician, 46 yrs, Pune
Dr. Suryakant Bhoite
Dr. Suryakant Bhoite
BAMS, Family Physician, 34 yrs, Pune
Dr. Vijaykumar Raut
Dr. Vijaykumar Raut
BAMS, Family Physician Physician, 18 yrs, Pune
Dr. Vijay Shirke
Dr. Vijay Shirke
MS/MD - Ayurveda, Ayurveda Family Physician, 17 yrs, Pune