Q: Dear Dr. Mao,
I have terrible bloating for about one week before I get my period. What can reduce the bloating and weight gain?
A: Avoid cold, raw foods, vinegar, shellfish, coffee, and other stimulants. At least one week prior to onset of PMS consume some of the following: ginger, green scallions, fennel, orange peel, spinach, walnuts, cinnamon, and black pepper. Angelica sinensis (dang gui) and Poria (fu ling) are also very good.
Remedies include:
1. Cook winter melon and azuki beans for 30 minutes in enough water to cover them. Eat this 3 times daily.
2. Boil tea using the skin of fresh ginger.
3. Make spinach and pearl barley soup by boiling both in water for 30 minutes.
I suggest you see an acupuncturist/herbalist; these methods are very helpful in alleviating the effects of PMS.
Additionally, you may try the Traditions of Tao “Passages Plus”, “Menstruation” and “Bloat” herbal formulas and “Emotional Tranquility” tea . Of course, discuss with your physician before beginning any new health regime.
