Ayurvedic Tips for Coping with Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) affects millions of women with symptoms like bloating, mood swings, irritability, fatigue, and cramps. While modern medicine often prescribes hormonal solutions or painkillers, Ayurveda—India’s ancient healing system—offers gentle, holistic remedies to bring balance and ease before your period naturally.
🌿 Understanding PMS in Ayurveda
In Ayurveda, PMS is linked to imbalances in the doshas—particularly Vata (air) and Pitta (fire). When these energies are aggravated during the menstrual cycle, they create emotional and physical turbulence. By pacifying these doshas, PMS symptoms can be significantly reduced.
🍵 Ayurvedic Herbs That Help with PMS
- Shatavari: Known as a hormone balancer, it supports reproductive health and soothes emotional stress.
- Ashwagandha: An adaptogen that calms the nervous system, reduces anxiety, and combats fatigue.
- Guduchi: Detoxifying and anti-inflammatory, it helps ease cramps and promotes immunity.
- Triphala: A mild laxative that supports digestion and prevents PMS-related constipation or bloating.
- Licorice root: Soothes mood swings and helps balance cortisol levels.
🧘 Lifestyle Practices for PMS Relief
- Abhyanga (Oil Massage): Daily warm oil massages with sesame or almond oil calm the Vata dosha and reduce anxiety.
- Gentle Yoga: Poses like child’s pose, cat-cow, and supine twists relieve tension and bloating.
- Meditation: Regular breathwork or mindfulness meditation stabilizes mood and enhances emotional resilience.
- Sleep Hygiene: Ensure 7–8 hours of restful sleep to prevent hormone fluctuations and irritability.
🥗 Diet Tips According to Ayurveda
- Eat warm, cooked, and easy-to-digest meals—especially before and during your period.
- Avoid processed foods, cold drinks, caffeine, and sugar—these aggravate both Vata and Pitta.
- Include ghee, cumin, ginger, and fennel in your meals to aid digestion and reduce inflammation.
- Drink warm herbal teas (like chamomile or ginger) instead of carbonated beverages.
📋 Sample Ayurvedic PMS Routine
- Start your day with a glass of warm water with lemon or Triphala.
- Do 10 minutes of light stretching or yoga.
- Eat a warm breakfast like oatmeal with dates and almonds.
- Midday herbal tea: fennel or ginger.
- Lunch: Khichdi or dal with rice and steamed veggies.
- Evening self-massage with warm sesame oil before bath.
- Dinner before 8 pm, followed by chamomile tea and 10 minutes of journaling or meditation.
⚠️ When to Consult a Practitioner
If your PMS symptoms are severe, persistent, or affecting your daily life, consult an Ayurvedic doctor for a personalised treatment plan. They may recommend Panchakarma (cleansing therapies), specific herbs, or lifestyle adjustments based on your body constitution (Prakriti).
🔗 Related Articles from Ichhori
- How Women Can Manage Menstrual Pain and Improve Daily Functioning
- The Importance of Contraception for Women’s Health
💬 Final Thoughts
PMS doesn’t have to be a dreaded time every month. Ayurveda empowers women with tools that harmonize the body and mind—without side effects. By tuning into your unique rhythms and making intentional lifestyle choices, you can reclaim your cycle as a time of strength and self-care.