5 Latin Home Remedies Approved by Abuelas for PMS

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For women suffering from premenstrual syndrome (PMS), here is a short list of remedies that will surely give you comfort on your rough days.

WebMD reported that PMS refers to the symptoms that women feel a few days before their menstrual cycle. This includes tender breasts, bloating, cramps, mood swings and headaches.

To relieve oneself from such inconvenience may take lifestyle changes. However, there are also drugs that are designed to alleviate the discomfort.

MedicineNet shared that among the medications used to treat the different symptoms of PMS are diuretics, analgesics, oral contraceptives, antidepressants and ovarian suppressors drugs.

If you want to treat your PMS in a natural way without taking any pill or drug, here are five abuela-approved remedies to help you deal with your PMS, Latina reported.

1. Caffeine - This helps ease the symptoms of menstruation and alleviate lethargy. Some argue that caffeine is effective in treating PMS.

Progressive Health reported that caffeine does more harm than good when one has PMS. The report stressed that it improves symptoms for a short while but worsens it longer. However, this should not bother you. In fact, nonprescription menstrual products including Diurex PMS, Lurline PMS, Midol PMS, Pamprin Multisymptom and Premsyn PMS contain diuretics and either caffeine or pamabrom.

2. Ginger - A 2014 study reported that root ginger is effective in treating PMS. In fact, it "significantly reduces" many symptoms. To try this, steep two tablespoons of ginger root in hot waters, strain and add some honey and lemon to taste.

3. Fetal Position - To alleviate the pain when you have PMS, lie down and bring your knees to your chest in a fetal position. Stay on that position until the symptoms subside.

PopSugar reported that getting your body moving can also help you with cramps, so might as well try these yoga positions: half-bound squat, arching pigeon, one-armed camel, wide child's pose and reclining twists.

4. Hot compress - When you have PMS, make use of your hot water bottle. Just fill the container with hot water and put it in your abdomen while you enjoy a good book or Netflix. This old-fashioned method works better than anything.

If you do not have a hot water bottle, do not worry here's a quick DIY to make your own hot water bottle. Soak some kitchen towels in water and pop them in the microwave. Put them in a ziplock bag, wrap it in a t-shirt and apply the makeshift bottle to your abdomen.

5. Chamomile - Sip a chamomile tea to ease menstrual cramps. A study suggested that chamomile is efficient in quelling stomachache, cramps and sore throat. This drink increases the urinary levels of glycine, an amino acid that has been shown to relive muscle spasms, thereby helping you deal with cramps.