![Renée Leonard-Stainton[1].jpg](http://www.martinandpleasance.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/Renée-Leonard-Stainton1.jpg-220x147.jpg "Renée Leonard-Stainton[1].jpg")
Sex? I’m shattered for the majority of the month
“You do NOT want to be around me… seriously!”
“I look 6 months pregnant”
“ Sex? I’m shattered for the majority of the month!”
“I devour a king size chocolate block a matter of minutes”
Ladies, can we relate? If so, then we’re most likely talking about Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS)… and these are just some of the responses I get when I ask female patients about their monthly cycles. I’m no longer surprised by the list of behaviors and symptoms patients describe to me, but I am surprised by how many women feel they have no choice but to “deal with it”.
PMS is a disorder that affects many women during the one to two weeks before menstruation begins. It’s estimated that as many as 80% of women experience some PMS symptoms at one time or another.
Symptoms can include;
- Mood swings
- Irritability
- Anger
- Mild anxiety
- Breast tenderness
- Fluid retention
- Fatigue
- Menstrual cramps
- Headaches
The fact is, while snapping at your dearest or downing chocolate can provide tempered and sweet relief in the short term (and feels completely valid upon post-consumption-justification), there are safe, natural and effective treatments available.
Harmony PMS is a combination of four herbs traditionally used to relieve the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome and to help regulate the menstrual cycle. I first tried it a few years back and with noticing changes in myself (the chocolate example may have been me), and having studied the specific ingredients efficacy, it’s a combination with which I have confidence in both using personally, and recommending to patients. In combination, the herbs used exhibit a tonic effect on the female glandular system, which help to improve the hormonal balance of the female system. More specifically;
Angleica polymorpha root (Dong Quai) In Asia, Dong quai’s reputation is perhaps only second to that of Ginseng. Predominantly regarded as a’ female’ remedy, angelica has been used to treat PMS as it improves energy levels and provides nourishment while also helping with pain relief.
Vitex agnus-castus fruit (Chaste Tree) The Chaste tree is native to the Mediterranean and its berries have long been used for treating female complaints. It helps normalize the menstrual cycle and has long been indicated for any kind of premenstrual aggravation. Vitex shows hormone type activity but is not itself a hormone. It can help correct a relative progesterone deficiency, while encouraging ovulation.
Buplueurum falcatum root – Bupleurum initially appears in the literature of ancient China as one of China’s so called “harmony” herbs, maintaining the internal energies within the body of a person and aiding in the maintenance of a balance among all the different organs inside the body. In relation to PMS, it is especially beneficial in relieving bloating in the stomach, regulating emotions and balancing moods.
Paeonia lactiflora root (Peony) – It helps purify and provide nourishment to the blood to build reserves of energy. It helps to regulate the hormonal cycle and stabilize unbalanced emotional responses, which can be associated with PMS.
The herbs in Harmony PMS work together to support the body during hormonal changes that occur throughout each menstrual cycle, and taken on a daily basis through the month can provide fantastic relief. “I’m, like, normal again!”
Live well, live long, live naturally
Renée Leonard-Stainton