What's Your PMS Type?
PMS is mostly connected to toxicity, nutritional imbalances, and hormonal imbalance. A poor diet and nutritional deficiencies are the primarily causes of PMS. When your diet is high in sugar, white flour, corn syrup, and caffeine the chances are higher that you suffer from PMS. I noticed a significant difference when I removed all the refined white products and processed foods in favor of a diet high in vegetables, especially green leafy vegetables, and good sources of protein. It is important to avoid synthetic estrogens in food and aim for organic dairy and meat. Good fats are important so experts suggest to increase your amount of omega oils, and especially Evening Primrose Oil which has proven helpful for many women.
According to Dr. Henry Bieler, in his book, Food Is Your Best Medicine, PMS means that the digestive tract and liver have become irritated from a poor diet, and as a result the toxins are entering the blood stream
PMS has been divided into different groups according to the symptoms and hormonal patterns. It is possible for a woman to suffer from all four types in one cycle, and only suffer from one in the next cycle. So, what type are you?
The different PMS types:
PMS-A (anxiety)
This group is associated with anxiety and symptoms include nervous tension, mood swings, anxiety, and irritability. This group biochemically shows a high estrogen to progesterone ratio. This could be related to congestion in the liver, and excess milk and animal fats. Steven Horne suggests that using liver cleansing herbs to clear congestion and progesterone cream may be helpful. Steven Horne also says magnesium, B6, and GLA, (Gamma-linolenic acid) may be helpful as well. GLA can be found in plant based oils such as borage seed oil, evening primrose oil and black currant seed oil.
PMS-C (craving)
This group shows an increased appetite and food cravings, especially for sugar and chocolate. Some of the symptoms are dizziness, fainting, fatigue, and heart palpitations. This is linked with hypoglycemia and low prostaglandins. Remedies for hypoglycemia may be helpful, and Horne recommends Licorice root, and Algae. Cravings for chocolate may be caused by magnesium deficiency and essential fatty acid deficiencies. He also says zinc and B6 are other supplements that may help.
PMS-D (depression)
Depression, forgetfulness, crying, confusion, and insomnia are some of the characteristics of this group. According to Steven Horne, this is related to high progesterone and low estrogen, and magnesium levels seem to be low in this group as well. Heavy metal toxicity from lead may be another factor. Steven Horne says natural phytoestrogens may be helpful. He also says antistress vitamin supplement in herbal base can supply essential B-vitamins. Horne says St. John's Wort is an herb that historically has been used for the nervous system.
PMS-H (hyper hydration)
This group is associated with fluid retention. Weight gain, breast tenderness, swelling of extremities, and abdominal bloating are some of the characteristics of this group. According to Steven Horne this is caused by elevated levels of the hormone aldosterone. He also says diuretics may help. Horne also says Vitamin E, GLA, magnesium and phytoestrogens may be helpful for this type of PMS as well.
Yeast infections may also contribute to PMS. Yeast infections are closely related to general toxicity. Progesterone affects yeast growth which means that women with yeast overgrowth often have more problems with yeast related symptoms during their later half of their cycle. You might want to consider Candida cleansing if you have problems with vaginal yeast infections, taken a lot of antibiotics or birth control pills. The endocrine glands work together, so thyroid problems may also contribute to PMS.
Essential oils and aromatherapy treatments may be beneficial in PMS. According to Battaglia, sweet fennel, geranium, and juniper berry used in a lymphatic drainage massage may reduce fluid retention.
Battaglia writes that clary sage, rose, geranium, sweet fennel influence the production of hormones and may be beneficial for PMS. He says Roman chamomile, rose, and bergamot may be used to reduce irritability and depression. Battaglia also says in order for the essential oils to be beneficial for PMS, the above essential oils need to be used daily in a massage blend with evening primerose oil as the base oil.
Source: Salvatore Battaglia (1995). The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy. The Perfect Potion Pty Ltd
The best you can do is to avoid toxins and refined products. Eat a wholesome diet rich in vegetables, fruits and good proteins. Aim to buy as much organic food as possible, and don't forget to make sure you get sufficient amount of vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids.
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Essential Oils & Menopause Part 1
Symptoms
Menopause affect women differently but most of the symptoms include dizziness, difficult breathing, hot flushes, depression, heart palpitations, shortness of breath and headache. The average age of menopause is 50 years but some women go through an early menopause in the 30s or early 40s while others continue to menstruate until the late 50s.
Progesterone
The level of progesterone decline as a women age and this can lead to osteoporosis and an increase risk of depressions, mood swings and uterine and breast cancer. Estrogen levels can also decrease and increase the risk of heart disease. The hormones decline to a point where menstruation ceases. The Essential Oils Desk Reference suggests that the topical application of progesterone and prenolone cream is the most effective way to replace and boost the declining hormone levels.
Dr. Dan Purser, M.D, is also promoting the use of progesterone in his new book, Progesterone The Ultimate Women's Feel Good Hormone.
Other things to consider:
- Exercise is important.
- Avoid stress as much as possible.
- Avoid or limit, coffee, alcohol, refined food, artificial additives.
- Increase water intake to 2-3 liters/quarts a day, especially if suffering from hot flashes.
- Battaglia recommends to take 1,000 mg capsule of evening primrose 3 times a day if suffering from dry itching skin and dry vagina. Increase water to 2-3 liters a day.
So, what kind of essential oils can be used to make life easier during the change of life?
Battaglia recommends:
- Geranium since it is a hormonal balancer
- Rose since it tones the uterus and regulates the menstrual cycle
- Chamomile, jasmine, neroli, and ylang ylang since they are antidepressant and calming. These can be helpful when used in a bath, massage or when diffused.
The Essential Oils Desk Reference recommends the single oils clary sage, sage and geranium.
Other posts in this series:
Hot Flashes
Don't forget to check with your doctor before you start a new health program.
Before you leave:
I recommend that you always perform a skin patch test when you try a new oil.
Check out my safety page to make sure you are aware of any contrindications before you use essential oils. Some oils are not suitable when suffering from certain conditions. Also, Read this Before You Start Using Essential oils. Some oils should not be applied prior to sun exposure so make sure you check this list before spending time in the sun.
Not sure how to apply the oils? Visit these pages to learn how to apply the oils:
- Topical Application
- Inhaling Essential Oils
- Are You Diffusing the Oils Correctly?
- How to Dilute Essential Oils
- Vita Flex Technique
If you're new to essential oils you might want to check out my Getting Started Guide.
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Sources:
Salvatore Battaglia (1995). The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy. The Perfect Potion Pty Ltd
The Essential Oils Desk Reference. (Fifth edition 2011). Life Science Publishing
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Wound Healing and Essential Oils
For wound treatment I would choose oils that are cicatrizant, astringent, and vulnerary. Oils with cicatrizant properties promote the healing of wounds and keep them antiseptic. They will also prevent formation of scar tissue. Some oils are vulnerary and they will also promote the healing of wounds and prevent the wounds from being infected. Oils with styptic actions will stop the local bleeding. Astringent oils will contract tissues in order to make them firmer, denser and decrease discharges.
Below is a formula I used as a compress several years ago to treat a wound. Compresses are very effective and useful in treating a small area. I would have added bergamot to this blend but it is phototoxic and we were out in the sun when I made this compress.
Wound Healing Compress:
- Benzoin resinoid 3 drops - Its styptic property will arrest the bleeding
- Roman Chamomile 3 drops - For disinfecting the wound. Its vulnerary, cicatrizant, and antiseptic properties will promote healing of the wound and prevent scar tissue.
- Purified water 9 oz
Add the water to a bowl and then add the essential oils. soak a soft cloth, gauze or a piece of flannel in the water. Make sure that you wring it out so that it doesn't drip and apply to the injured area. It is preferable to cover the cloth with saran wrap and then a towel to keep the aromas in. Re-apply the compress once it dries out. Repeat the treatment 15 minutes to one hour. Do this three times a day if needed.
Other oils historically been used for wound healing:
German chamomile, frankincense, everlasting (Helichrysum), myrrh, lavender, neroli, rose, palmarosa, yarrow and sandalwood.
German chamomile, frankincense, everlasting (Helichrysum), myrrh, lavender, neroli, rose, palmarosa, yarrow and sandalwood.
Calendula officinalis has also traditionally been used for the treatment of wound healing. It is generally used as an infused oil.
Other related posts:
Lavender to The Rescue
Make an Antiseptic Vinegar
Essential Oils for First Aid- Protect Your Family
How I Would Deal With A Scorpion Sting
Other related posts:
Lavender to The Rescue
Make an Antiseptic Vinegar
Essential Oils for First Aid- Protect Your Family
How I Would Deal With A Scorpion Sting
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