Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Definition

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a group of symptoms that may include body aches, backache, headache, nausea, vomiting, bowel changes, and mood swings. They arise 1–2 weeks before menses and usually end with its onset.

Causes

Contributing factors include excessive oily/spicy foods, sedentary lifestyle, poor nutrition, unhygienic conditions, improper diet, and psychological stressors.

Symptoms

• Fatigue and troubled sleep
• Upset stomach, bloating, constipation or diarrhea
• Body ache and/or headache
• Pain in the pubic region
• Appetite changes or cravings
• Joint or muscle pain
• Tension, irritability, mood swings, or crying spells
• Anxiety or low mood

Ayurvedic View

Ayurveda refers to PMS as Krichhraartava (“difficult menses”). Excess hot/oily foods or lifestyle extremes can impair Apana Vata (pelvic elimination) and Pitta, leading to physical symptoms. Aggravated Apana may also disturb Prana Vata, contributing to anxiety and mood changes.

Diet & Lifestyle Advice

• Increase water intake (lukewarm preferred).
• Choose freshly prepared, warm, easily digestible meals.
• Use celery, cumin, cloves, fenugreek, asafetida, black pepper, coriander, and mint in cooking.
• Avoid heavy, oily, fried, sour, and hard-to-digest foods that promote constipation/flatulence.
• Avoid pumpkin, potato, cauliflower, cabbage, peas, mushrooms, and eggplant.
• Consider regular sesame-oil body massage.
• Light daily exercise (walking, gentle stretching) and good sleep hygiene.

Some Home Remedies (Traditional)

• Powder dill, fenugreek, carrot, and radish seeds (equal parts). Take 1 tsp with lukewarm water twice daily.
• Fry ½ tsp celery seeds in 1 tsp ghee; add ½ tsp dry ginger powder and 1 tsp crushed jaggery. Cook until jaggery melts and take with a cup of hot milk once weekly before the cycle.
• Warm sitz bath: sit with the pelvic region submerged to relax muscles and ease pain before menses.

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