Q: Dear Dr. Mao,
I have terrible PMS. I get very depressed and volatile for one week before my period. What will help my mood swings?
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) is also very good.
Remedies include:
1. Take hawthorn berries and drink cinnamon tea.
2. Make spinach soup by boiling spinach in water for 30 minutes.
I suggest you see an acupuncturist/herbalist; these methods are very helpful in alleviating the effects of PMS.
You may also try the Traditions of Tao “Passages Plus”, “Menstruation”, “Emotional Tranquility” and “Calm-fort/Sleeping” herbal formulas. Of course, discuss with your physician before beginning any new health regime.
