IS THE PMS
m o n s t e r
RUINING
YOUR LIFE?
[ MOTHER NATURE’S ‘WONDER DRUGS’ CAN HELP.
By Cathy Margolin
A
lthough it may seem like men do not understand
the pains of a woman’s monthly cycle, they suffer
from it just as much as women do. But, let’s face
it — men can’t imagine the burden of a monthly
period just like women could never fathom the pain of being
kicked in the groin. And, why would we want to?
For males throughout history, a woman’s menstrual
cycle has been a foreign and repulsive topic. Aside from
the physical symptoms that deem a woman dirty and
unattractive, the real monster takes the shape of emotional
instability and irritability. The primary victims are women,
but we understand that it takes a toll on men as well. The
monster creeps in quietly, without warning, and waits.
We may find ourselves feeling ultra sensitive, vulnerable and
demanding extra care. The PMS (pre-menstrual syndrome)
monster has one goal: to wreak havoc on everyone! Its
steep spiral sends us into scary places where we may begin
ruminating on past experiences and jumping to conclusions.
The PMS monster enlists emotion, which stakes its claim over
the territory and takes no prisoners. It cuts off all resources
of reason and rationality and forces us to focus on our pain.
Hormones can be powerful forces when out of balance.
Men are just as affected by the monster. The most
loving, caring man now can’t do anything right. Men may
wonder why the women in their lives are crying at the sight
of something joyful, or are raging in response to a simple
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question. The truth is that we are possessed by the PMS
monster, hormones gone wild. Once it takes over, no man
is safe, not even the most caring, patient male will be free
from the unpredictable behavior set off by the wretched
monster that possesses his beloved. She may rant and rave
for a day or a night, men never seem to get used to this
unpredictable behavior that defies all logic.
However, there is hope! Along with the burden Mother
Nature has placed on us, she has also provided us with
natural solutions that can combat the reign of terror set off
by PMS and the companion symptoms such as insomnia,
fatigue, anxiety, depression,  headache, edema and
abdominal pain. Mother Nature’s herbal agents, dang gui
peony root, bupleurum and cyperus root are just a few of the
warriors that can be recruited to restore the natural balance
to women, men and relationships. Women will experience
less pain, mood lifts and energy, and men, in turn, will
experience less confusion and frustration.
Asian cultures have used these herbs and others for
centuries to combat the intensity women feel when their
hormones are in overdrive. All of these herbs and others
can be found in a formula made by Pac Herbs called PMS
Relief Herb Pac (www.pacherbs.com). Mix a packet of
powdered herbs in warm water and even a little honey and
relax! You will start to feel more like yourself again as the
PMS monster is calmed and soothed.
 Here’s a breakdown of how a few of Mother Nature’s
herbs (aka ‘wonder drugs’) can help restore a woman’s
natural monthly hormonal highs and lows.
Bupleurum
Abundant research has been done on Bupleurum root used
to treat headaches, liver cirrhosis, jaundice, common cold
and irregular menstruation with pain and cramps. This root
has demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties, along
with sedative and analgesic effects. Bupleurum is used
relieve irritability and restore stability to moody woman. It
is included in an herbal formula of eight herbs sold in a
traditional Chinese herbal medicine that is the most widely
sold herbal formula in the world.
Dang Gui (Dong Quai)
Dang Gui functions as an anti-inflammatory, pain reliever
and is the most important herb for a women’s menstrual
cycle. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it is often
referred to as the female ginseng. It is always included
in herbal combinations, almost never used alone, for
abnormal menstruation, suppressed menstrual flow,
painful menstruation and uterine bleeding. It’s also popular
for both men and women with cardiovascular disease,
including high blood pressure and problems with peripheral
circulation. Dang Gui is believed to have an adaptogenic
effect on the female hormonal system.
Cyperus
This herb is commonly combined with Dang Gui for irregular
menstruation and dysmenorrhea. This herb has a major
role in regulating our liver energy and is known for not only
stopping the pain associated with our menstruation but also
the ability to help regulate our menstrual cycles. Its actions
are intensified when combined with other herbs such as
Dang Gui and Bupleurum. The “Grand Materia Medica”
written approximately 200 AD states that Cyperus is the
“Commander-in-Chief of Qi disorders, and for gynecology,
the Supreme Leader.” It is also called an “immortal herb for
women” as far back as 1550 AD. Cyperus’ known chemical
constituents include volatile oils, flavonoids and proteins.
Mugwort
Mugwort has been a popular Western and Eastern herb
since before the middle ages. Often used as digestive
stimulant it also has a mild action in aiding depression and
easing tension. Mugwort is commonly used in the aiding of
normal menstrual flow.
White Peony
The roots and flowers of Paeonia officinalis have been used
in European herbal medicine for centuries. White Peony root
has been used in connection with the following conditions:
muscle cramps, fever, atherosclerosis, polycystic ovary
syndrome and PMS. It has been an important remedy for
female reproductive conditions ranging from dysmenorrhea
(painful menstruation) to irregular menses. Studies show
the major effect of white peony is to calm nerves and
alleviate spasms.
Red Peony & Mudan
Three similar plants are all called peony, and different
parts of the roots are used. The bark of the root of Paeonia
suffruticosa is called mudan in China, where it naturally
grows. This herb, or root bark, in TCM is used to invigorate
the blood and moves the blood. When combined with other
herbs, it is famous for relieving menstrual abdominal pain
from excessive menstrual bleeding.
Corydalis
Corydalis is Mother Nature’s pain reliever. Many clinical
studies have been conducted on this medicinal root.
Corydalis has been used extensively in the treatment of
coronary artery disorder because of its strong function
to move blood and energy. Corydalis is one of the most
effective herbs to relieve pain because of its ability to move
the energy or Qi. It’s been used in gynecological conditions
extensively and is often combined with other medicinal
herbs for pain related to menstruation.
Licorice
Licorice has a long and highly varied record of uses. It was
and remains one of the most important herbs in Chinese
herbal medicine. It is said this herb goes to all 12 channels
of the body, a claim given to only a few Chinese herbs.
By entering all body channels, this herb is often used for
its guiding actions to help other herbs enter into channels
they would otherwise not normally affect.
This is the beauty of Chinese herbal medicine: the
ability to combine herbs in formulas to achieve actions
they might otherwise not be able to do alone. Licorice is
important because it moderates spasms and alleviates
pain, especially in the abdomen and legs. The two major
constituents of licorice are glycyrrhizin and flavonoids.
Flavonoids are antioxidants known to improve circulation
and relieve tissues damage and have a role in reducing
inflammation.
Peach kernel
Peach kernel is very useful in a broad range of blood
circulation applications. Menstrual pain, amenorrhea or
irregular menstruation are all improved when blood is
flowing more freely. This herb invigorates the blood and in
so doing relieves the pain. It’s commonly used for traumatic
sports injuries with bruising and pain. It’s believed its
effectiveness stems from its marked anti-inflammatory
influence.
Carthamus (Hong Hua)
This red flower has properties of warmth and acrid, meaning
it can invigorate the circulation of the blood. In China, it’s
been used in obstetric and gynecological departments
in both small doses to activate and nourish blood and in
larger doses to alleviate pain, especially in the abdomen.
Originally documented in 659 AD, today we know it also
has positive effects for cardiovascular output. Scientific
research has shown positive success in carthamus
increasing coronary blood flow and its effects on lowering
cholesterol. MS&F
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