The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Dandelion Root
Posted by Kelly (Tacoma, Wa) on 10/09/2016
★★★★★
My mother has been using dandelion root capsules to control swelling in her legs, so last week I decided to test it for the bloating/severe water retention I get a few days before my period. I have been taking 2 or 3 capsules of dandelion root with my breakfast. Incredibly, not only did it cure the bloating within a day, but it also completely eliminated my horribly painful breasts (fibrocystic). The dandelion root also eliminated the sensation of sluggish/swollen lymph nodes in my armpits. All within the first 24 hours of taking it. I can't believe it!
Two "side effects" I've noticed on Dandelion root:
I feel myself getting dehydrated so I have doubled my water intake.
It makes me urinate frequently, so I will continue to take it in the morning so as not to disrupt my sleep. Dandelion is a powerful diuretic!!
I hope others will try this simple remedy. Dandelion root is very inexpensive.
Castor Oil Packs
Posted by Angie (Sparta, MO) on 08/21/2007
★★★★★
I have been taking the herb vitex for my pms and it has helped so much. I used to get severe pms. recently in the past couple of months the pms has acted up again. It has made me feel to so bad thats its been hard to think&function. I wondered what was going on. One night it dawned on me that my liver may be congested, so I got out a piece of flannel and soaked it in castor oil and applied it over my liver area with a heating pad. My pms improved greatly, so it hardly bothered me. Then yesterday it happened again, I did the same thing again with the castor oil pack and the pms has went away again. I hope this testimony will help someone else too going through the same problem.
Iodine
Posted by Sue (Pittsburgh, Pa) on 12/16/2015
★★★★★
Iodine works for PMS symptoms!!! I am 48. A week or two before my period I have had PMS symptoms such as breast tenderness, anxiety, tight shoulders, moody, etc. I applied topical iodine on my stomach and breasts and wrists. It made me feel so much better in just 15 minutes. It absorbs quickly. I read that if you put it on and it last for 24 hours you are not deficient any longer. Please give this a try if you suffer like I did, its a life changer!
B-Complex, D3, Magnesium
Posted by Shannon (Minneapolis, Minnesota, Usa) on 01/21/2013
★★★★★
PMS Cure: B-Complex, D3, Magnesium
I have had horrendus PMS for the last 10 years, to the point I was diagnosed with PMDD. I would be 100% normal 3 weeks out of the month, but the week before my period I would hit rock bottom, just like flipping a switch. I would get enraged, ehausted, suicidal. Completely out of my mind. The only thing the doctor offered was various anti-depressives I. E. Prozac, Zoloft, etc.
Recently I noticed some redness in the face and scalp flaking, and attributing this to seborrheic dermatitis/rocasea, started taking some supplements that I read could combat it. I started out with a quality B complex, and 2 days later started taking supplement that had Calcium/Magnesium/D3.
One day I went to the bathroom and found out my period had started. I was absolutely mind-blown; never in my life has it come without a major buildup that would peak with extreme mood swings and end with me in bed, sobbing, exhausted in pain.
B-Complex contains:
-Vitamin B12 1, 000 MG ~Make sure it is in the form of methylcobalamin~
-B6, 5MG
-Folic Acid, 400 mcg
-Biotin, 25 mcg
Mine is sublingual, which is recommended for effective absorption. Took this and the other supplement for 8 days before my period came effortlessly.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Lora (West Coast, US) on 03/06/2015
This SO CALLED recipe - think twice before following. WHY: because when you add SODA to ACV= the chemical reaction of neutralization happens, that WIPES OUT THE BENEFITS of ACV.
Why would you do that? Start slow with amount you are planning to use, in order to get used to its taste. Believe me - once you throw all the sugar out of your diet & start feeding off natural organic foods - your taste buds will CURE TOO, allowing to experience the natural taste of ACV also.
Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Cleoppa (Cleburne, Tx) on 08/28/2010
★★★★★
I discovered several years back that if I took iron throughout the month, my period would be less severe, I wouldn't breakout and I wouldn't have any other icky symptoms. However, I stopped taking it because if I didn't take it just right (very, very slowly and with food) it would make me sick. Then I started adding blackstrap molasses to my morning smoothie. I'm pretty sure it's the high iron content in it that has the same positive benefits--and it's not a chore to get it down every day.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Alecia (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma ) on 08/03/2008
★★★★★
I'd been looking for natural cures to major PMS for years.
Many, many, trips to doctors throughout the years for "cures" involving pills that made other things worse. Nothing worked!!!!
The pain, bloating, fibroids, etc... were so bad I've come close to losing my job becuase of monthly "crazies".
I cam across this site, started the ACV, 2 tablespoons each morning, and 1 tablespoon of the black strap molasses (because growing up my Grandmother always said it will cure what ails you) and with my very next period - WOW!!!!!
No crazies, no cramps, no constant munchies, no bloating, no pain, no hormone headaches, no heavy bleeding, no crying jags, no depression, my skin is better, and I sleep better, just smooth sailing. I finally feel human again!!!!!
I can't thank all of you enough!!!!
Iodine
Posted by Donna (Aspen, CO)
★★★★★
I totally cured my PMS, as I used to have severe anxiety, temper flare ups and acne. I paint myself with 2% tincture of iodine every AM & PM. Noticed the change within 2 days! Also, my allergies went away, my teeth weren't sensitive anymore.
Recipe: Paint about a 2" X 2" area on your stomach area, always moving the spot around to different locations (or the skin gets dried out and itchy). Just two days ago I forgot to paint in the morning, by evening I had a acne starting to form on my chin, I quickly painted my tummy, and when I awoke the next day it was gone!
If your paintings don't absorb then you can put off painting, maybe every other day. It means your iodine level is okay, maybe you really don't need any. However, I read that 80% of Americans are iodine defficient. They used to put iodine in all of our flour products (before 1966), then they discovered bromide, it is easier, cheaper, less messy and makes ingredients mix well, so it's in all of our bread, flour products (except "sprouted grain" breads/products & 100% organic) cakes, even Gatorade and Mountain Dew (it was found in Dansani water too)!
Fluoride, chlorine, bromide & iodine are all halogens, their atomic weight determines which one deletes the other, fluoride being the winner (doesn't that make you happy). Iodine is the loser, so all three delete iodine. That's why we are all deficient, we cannot escape fluoride, chlorine and bromide! So, paint paint paint, you only absorb what you need!
Progesterone Cream
Posted by Hey Boo (Middle, Washington, Usa) on 05/01/2012
I recently read a book dealing with hormones, mainly progesterone to help with pms. I thought that it sounded like the answer. I had a tubal ligation 20 years ago and have had severe pms symptoms since. My symptoms start about two weeks before my period which include my moods swinging from apathy to anger, extreme hopefulness to depression so bad that I pray for death. I also have anxiety and panic attacks, foggy thinking, a feeling of unreality and lack of concentration. The food cravings are ridiculous and I gain about 8 pounds, 3 to 5 I lose quickly because it is just water retention but then I have to spend what is left of the rest of the month trying to lose the fat I gained from the binge eating. When my period starts the crazy begins to subside and I only have to deal with cramps, sometimes I am on the couch with a heating pad for a day or two but the physical pain of the cramps is something I can deal with. I have gone to doctors over the years and have been put on pain meds, birth control(horrible), at least 9 different depression meds and I am currently on disability with the PMDD being a huge factor. I would throw in the towel and just say "yep I am a crazy person" but for one week a month I feel normal.
Anyway in my two decade search for relief my latest attempt was Progesterone cream. Just a couple of days into using it I felt anxiety and a heaviness in chest. I began to have nightmares and sleeplessness and all over itching. My thinking became erratic and I was on the edge of panic all day and night. It felt like pmdd symptoms but I had just had my period. I was applying the cream for about 5 days in total before I thought maybe it was the progesterone that was causing it. I googled for side effects and found a forum where many women had the same reactions that I was having. My conclusion is that Progesterone has worked well for many people but the awareness of possible side effects needs to be put out there too. The heart palpitations and chest tightness that I felt may have a more frightening affect on someone with coronary problems.
It did not work for me but it may work for you, I just wanted to share my experience so that whoever reads this will have the benefit of that information.
Meanwhile my search continues.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by All_natural (San Francisco, California) on 07/01/2015
★★★★★
Alright, so I have terrible PMS. I have even contemplated whether or not it was as severe as PMDD. Those who think PMS or PMDD are made up by women to get out of things are incredibly ignornant. I wouldn't wish my feelings of moodiness, depression, and lack of motivation of any women, let alone anyone. Before having to make an appointment at the doctor I knew I should come to EarthClininc and read up on what could be done naturally and let me tell you, I'm so glad I did.
The maybe $40 you'll spend buying natural remedies will by far be better for your mind and body than prescription drugs!
I've been an avid user of ACV for a variety of aliments but over the past few months have stopped use. (what a mistake) This year, from what I can recall, my PMS took a really bad turn for the worst. My poor family and boyfriend probably didn't know what was really going on. As much as I tried to be positive and happy, there was just something in me that couldn't keep faking it. There was something biological going on that needed help. So yesterday, 6-30-2015, I started taking a variety of things I read up on right here on Earth Clinic.
1. ACV + Baking Soda + Water + lemon (optional) = Amazing
2. Iodine drops + water= Amazing
3. Calcium/Magnesium Vitamins = Wonderful
4. Rhodiola Rosea = Wonderful
Yesterday, I couldn't hold back tearing up at work but today I feel so much less overwhelmed/stressed, it's almost magical how giving your body what it needs, will in turn give you mental clarity and you feel like you can finally be yourself & live life!
I'm never going to stop taking these 4 things. The balance of these 4 have brought me back to life. The two weeks I usually lose to PMS, I know I'll get back if I already feel this great after less than 24 hours.
Try it out, you have nothing to lose.
Vitamin B6
Posted by Jennywren (Western Australia) on 05/20/2014
★★★★★
Every month I get one day when I am beyond reason. Furious one minute, crying the next. My family dread that PMS day!
I was looking online a few years back and read that Vitamin B6 was meant to help. So the next time I had a PMS day I took one and it simmered the symptoms right down. If it's still hanging around after a few hours, I take another. And that's it! Works for me! :)
Progesterone Cream
Posted by Shellie (Dallas, Tx) on 07/20/2013
★★★★★
I started taking natural progesterone cream this year for 5 months reg now & am very surprisingly happy with the results. I started taking it to try to alleviate my heavy flow (peri menopause) ovian cysts, painful cramps & fribroids. You really have to experiment to find the "right dosage" to experience it's full benefits. Since taking it, my flow has significantly decreased. I no longer "flood" during my cycles & my cramps are minimal. Please give it a try. It may take months for you to figure out "your" dosage, it did for me. It's truly my God send. I no longer depend on my rx tylenol to allievate my cramping. My OBGYN had recommend to have my uterus removed to stop my heavy flow, stop my painful cramps etc. BTW he laughed at me when I told him I would try natural progesterone before I took his recomendation of castrating me. The joke is on him.
Agnus Castus
Posted by Shirley (London, UK) on 07/29/2012
★★★★★
Last year I read the book "PMT-Reversing the curse" which advocates using Agnus castus as well as specific dietary changes to cure PMS.
I am someone who every month contemplated suicide due to the severity of the mental symtoms I regularly experienced from PMT - mood swings, short temper, anxiousness, extreme fatigue, weepiness - I often felt like I had been injected by a chemical that affected my brain the week before my period started. I also have had bloating and swelling - puffy face and eyes as a regular occurence at period time and often I just could not face going out of the house.
After following the plan in the book for 3 months I have no bloating, I feel "normal" and not like I have turned into some mad women and besides a little cramping the day my period comes on I feel normal during my period for the first time ever. I would recommend this book to anyone sufferring mood swings and anxiety/aggression etc at period times - it is the only thing that has really worked for me.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Sharon (Houston, Tx) on 12/01/2011
★★★★★
I started taking ACV 4 months ago for excessive bleeding and bad pms...... I spot now for 4 days and it helps with my migraines and allergies.... I take a shot of it alone in am and pm with something sweet after like sugar free hawaiian punch and my vitamins.... It is a miracle cure.
Turmeric
Posted by Ee (New York, Ny, United States) on 09/18/2010
★★★★★
Over the summer I started drinking turmeric with ACV, BSM, and cayenne pepper for general health that all three indicated. I noticed that within a month my extreme PMS had completely subsided, so much so that my cycle arrived as a surprise, without me having the nervous breakdown that had usually accompanied my periods for the past decade or so. 4 months later I'm still symptom free and went to the doctor to get a blood test to make sure everything was alright. Turns out my hormones are balanced for the first time in my life! The only change I made to my diet was my daily turmeric tea, which as it turns out, has been used by women in India to balance hormones... The doctor said my levels normalized so much that I should have little to no symptoms of PCOS. I have tried everything - every natural remedy I could think of - but have not had the success of plain ol' turmeric.
Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Kathy (Bowling Green, Ohio, USA) on 09/07/2009
★★★★★
Black Strap Molasses cured my IBS. I have suffered with alternating constipation and diarrhea for ten years. In the last few years mostly diarrhea at least once everyday. I started taking BSM for my anemia after reading your website and was pleasantly surprised to find that it also cured my IBS. And it got rid of any PMS issues. I have no pre-menstrual symptoms at all. Mine was never terrible, but what little I had was gone. I was so excited that I shared this info. with my sister who has the same issues as me with the IBS and she has worse PMS...and she was thrilled with the results! Wow! I take 1 tbls. each night before bed. I use the sulphured molasses...tastes nasty to me, but it's worth it!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Traci (Los Angeles, Ca) on 02/22/2012
★★★★★
No more painful cramps with ACV! Whenever I eat wheat/dairy before my period I get the worst cramps and bloating (I'm already sensitive to wheat). After reading these posts I decided to try ACV with water every day for a week leading up to the big day. I am SO happy! I'm still bloated but no painful cramps! YAY
I'm going to start taking ACV every day. It seems to keep me 'regular' too :)
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Joyce (Joelton, Tn) on 08/04/2008 490 posts
Hi Alecia, another thing you might consider adding for your nerves @ PMS time and all time is a supplement of magnesium that so many of us have a deficit of these days.
Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Juanita (Little Rock, AR) on 03/14/2008
★★★★★
I was diagnosed with uterine fibroid cysts in Feb. of this year. I decided to take an active role in my health and see what I could do to shrink them(or get rid of them entirely) naturally. My doctor didn't want to do anything about them because I'm 48(he's hoping since I'm so close to menopause they will take care of themselves)and other than some heavy bleeding a day or two of my cycle(which were 9-16 days by the way) I wasn't having any problems, so he just wanted to "watch" them. Watch them do what? Grow?What if I'm NOT close to menopause and I'm one of those women that has a cycle until I'm 55?(It does happen). No thanks!!! I came across this website and decided to try Blackstrap Molasses. It has been a miracle! I have only been taking it for two weeks(one Tablespoon each morning) and my oh my what a change! I had noooo PMS(even my sister noticed I wasn't as grouchy), very little cramping, no bloating, normal bleeding, and noooo clotting! A happy side effect(if you can call it a"side effect")is that my skin is as soft as a baby's bottom. I can't wait until I go back to my doctor next year and he finds NO fibroids! Oh, and I'm not sure, but the few gray hairs popping in around my temple area appears to have slowed.I will take BSM for the rest of my life! I will get back to you after my exam next year!!!!
Iodine
Posted by Sarah (Denver, Co) on 05/31/2010
★★★★★
I started a high dose of oral iodine (12 mg) plus the absorptions supplements (Calcium, Magnesium, Selenium, C) Ted had listed that are needed with iodine for my Hashimotos. It happened to be 4 days before my cycle started. This is the first cycle in my life (41 yrs old) that I did not have a two day migraine and now my cycle started with no cramps. I am dumbstruck. I always spend 2 days with the headache and then two more in bed vomiting/diarrhea/cramps. I have been to Dr.'s to no avail my entire life. I also did not have the typical irritability, irrationality, and depression either. I will post again if they come back next time. But I have a strong feeling they won't. I only took them for 4 days and then was on the three day break before I started taking them again.
