Herbs for PMS

Pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) afflicts women in their
reproductive years. They experience different aches and
pains. The common symptom of PMS are bloating, weight
gain, breast tenderness, headaches and backaches, food
cravings and overeating, irritability, anxiety, mood
swings, depressions and fatigue. One of the food
supplements that can ease the condition of PMS is Brazilian
ginseng, also known as Suma.

Some women can take PMS in stride. In most cases, the
symptoms are so severe that these can be debilitating.
Women have been known to resort to various treatments just
to feel better their monthly periods. The beneficial
effects of Brazilian ginseng are getting around the female
circuit. Comparing notes, women have found that Brazilian
ginseng has worked wonders.

A woman has PMS when her symptoms happen during the two
weeks before her menstrual cycle. If a doctor has excluded
other serious conditions that produce similar symptoms like
headaches, and irritable bowel syndrome and chronic fatigue
then PMS is the cause. There is no exact cause of PMS but
it is connected to the variable levels of estrogen and
progesterone hormones that are mobilized before the monthly
period.

Taken as a food supplement, Brazilian ginseng will ease or
rid women of breast tenderness during their periods. The
soothing effect on the nerves calms even the most irritable
of women. Aside from easing PMS, the root is used to treat
respiratory ailments such as bronchitis, asthma, and TB.
Men can also benefit from Suma. Taking the root as a
supplement, they can cope under severe physical and mental
strain.

The Brazilian ginseng has an effect on the monthly period;
hence, it influences the pituitary glands. Therefore, it
can also be considered as an aphrodisiac. It also contains
germanium, a trace mineral found in variety of plants.
Since this mineral has favorable effects on conditions like
food allergies, leukemia, cardiovascular problems, and some
chronic viral infections, the root has become valuable in
medical and herbal treatments.

Brazilian ginseng or Suma can be taken in capsules, and as
a tea beverage. It can also enhance the flavor of chicken
soup. There are instructions to be followed carefully as
this cannot be taken together with some medications.
Before taking this root, ask a doctor's advice. It is best
to have the advantages not the disadvantages when it comes
to one's health.

Brazilian ginseng has its roots in South American culture.
It is a herbal supplement known to help the body overcome
stress and diseases. Brazilian ginseng has been widely used
for thousands of years for menstrual cramps and body pains.
Now, it is gaining popularity in the western world.

----------------------------------------------------
Patricia McDougall B.Sc. is a Chartered Herbalist and
graduate of the Dominion Herbal College, British Columbia,
Canada. Originally from Peru, Patricia is the Director of
Research and Development for Amazon Botanicals LLC of
Newark Delaware.
http://www.amazon-botanicals.com/Herbs_for_PMS_s/42.htm