Natural PMS Relief

Over the years I have spoken with many many wise women in the salon.  The subject of female problems always comes up sooner or later.  PMS, child birth and menopause are the glue that binds us all together.  I am always so fascinated by the women that go through this naturally and gracefully.  Over the years I have picked up quite a few tips and treatments.  I thought that today I would share some of the PMS cures.  It is interesting to me that quite a few of them have the same ingredients even though I picked them up from different women in different cities. 

Cramp Tea
1 T. crampbark
1 T. dried red raspberry leaves
1 T. stinging nettle leaves
1 t. dried comfrey leaves
1 t. oat straw
3 C. boiling water

Place herbs in a bowl and pour the boiling water over the top.  Let the mixture steep for 15 minutes.  strain the herbs out.  Drink on cup 2-3 times a day.

Massage oil for cramps
4oz olive oil
10 drops cypress essential oil
8 drops geranium essential oil
12 drops lemon essential oil
10 drops chamomile essential oil

Combine all oils in a sealed dark bottle.  The oil will keep of up to 16 months.  Massage oil into abdomen 3 times a day or as needed.  *as with all essential oils, do not used on irritated skin and stop use if your skin reacts to the oil.

Cramp oil #2
2 T. olive oil
4 drops lavender oil
3 drops geranium oil
2 drops chamomile oil
3 drops marjoram oil
1 drop ginger oil
1 drop patchouli oil

Combine and store in a dark glass bottle.  Massage on abdomen and hips as needed.  This one has a comforting heat that seems to melt the pain away.

Cramp oil #3
10 drops peppermint oil
5 drops clary sage oil
5 drops cypress oil
5 drops lavender oil

Combine oils and store in a dark glass bottle.  This oil is better for spasms and can be applied any ware you need to.  I personally like to use it as a soak in the bath tub.  a few drops is all you need.

Iron Womyn tincture
2 parts stinging nettle tincture
2 parts dandelion root tincture
2 parts dandelion leaf tincture
1 part yellow dock root tincture
1 part red raspberry leaf tincture

Combine all tinctures and store in a glass dropper bottle in a cool dry place.  It will keep up to 2 years.  Start 2 or 3 days before period is expected.  Drink 30 drops in a glass of water 2 to 3 times a day or as needed.  This tincture helps to replenish iron lost from heavy bleeding.

Periwinkle blend
1 C. water
1 T. dried american cranesbill root
1 T. beth root
1 T. periwinkle leaves

Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and simmer for 20 minutes.  Remove from heat and let steep for 30 minutes.  strain and discard the solids.  Drink one cup a day during period.  *note: do not combine this one with the other teas.  Will keep for 48 hours

for Profuse menstration
3 cups water
2 t. yellow dock root
2 t. dried red raspberry leaves
2 t. dried stinging nettle leaves.

Bring water to a boil and add yellow dock root. simmer for 20 minutes.  Remove from heat and add the red raspberry leaf and nettle.  Steep for 20 minutes and strain.  Drink 1 cup 1 to 3 times a day as needed

Sever Cramp Extract
1 part cramp bark extract
1 part motherwort extract
1 part wild yam extract

Combine extracts in a glass dropper bottle.  Take 30 drops every 10 minutes till cramping subsides.  Keeps for 3 years.

I recommend labeling and putting the date on all potions just to be safe.  Also it is up to you to make sure you aren't reactive to any of the ingredients used.  A patch test on the inside of the arm works well.


I love all the wild wise women in my life but special thanks to Miss Julie, Miss Melva and Miss Ramona for these recipes.  I love you for sharing your wisdom with me when I needed it most!