diseases 257
premenstrual syndrome
The range of symptoms experienced premenstrually is quite alarming:
headaches, stomach bloating, breast tenderness, cysts, mastitis, general
water retention, cramps, acne, joint aches and pains, depression, irrational
anger, oversensitivity, lethargy, extreme tiredness, sugar and chocolate
cravings, nausea, and many more.
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) can often be caused by a congested
liver. If the liver is not breaking down excess hormones effectively,
transitional stress hormones can linger, making the person irritable, angry,
or depressed. It is for these reasons that the liver is often associated with
anger. The liver can also contain an excess of hormones that it is supposed
to be able to deal with, but cannot for a variety of reasons. In this case, the
heat caused by this excess must be purged; dandelion root and milk thistle
seed will greatly help. The health of the liver has a strong connection to
the female gynecological system. A congested, immobile liver often
results in PMS tension and period pains, while a defi ciency of cholesterol
made in the liver leads to underproduction of progesterone, which is vital
for women at this time of the month.
The whole endocrine system needs looking at, especially the estrogen
and progesterone balance, along with levels of prolactin, and thyroid and
adrenal hormones. Constipation or diarrhea will greatly affect PMS;
there fore look for bowel problems.
- Do not eat red meat; all red meat is rich in excessive estrogen. Any
other meat consumed should be organic, if possible.
(^) - Include foods containing sulfur, like garlic and onions.
- Decrease intake of cabbage-family foods for one week before your
period. - Follow a wholesome diet, with particular attention to liver foods (see
chapter 9). - Eat plenty of fresh fruits, whole grains, olive oil, and lemon juice.
- No fats (with the exception of olive oil, which is wonderful to use),
tea, coffee, alcohol, sugar, or chocolate should be taken.
f Take evening primrose oil capsules, or other sources of GLA.
f Take daily dandelion root and nettle leaf tea with fresh dandelion
leaves in salads to meet iron, magnesium, and calcium needs. The
dandelion can also be put with other kidney herbs like bearberry leaf
and corn silk, made up as a tea, in order to alleviate any water-retention
problems.
f General hormone-balancing herbs will be useful throughout the
month. Combine equal amounts of the following herbs to make a
257 The Complete Home Guide to Herbs, Natural Healing, and Nutrition