How to Treat Pre-Menstrual Bloating With Herbs

The hormonal surges that precede a woman’s menstrual cycle often cause various discomforts, collectively known as PMS or PMT. One of these is edema, or the temporary swelling and bloating of the body’s cells and tissues. In addition to a general sense of “feeling fat,” this condition can cause rings and clothing to fit too tightly (or not at all) and a woman’s weight to increase monthly by several pounds. Many herbs can be used to ease edema and other PMS symptoms. One of the best ways to extract the benefits of these herbs is by making an infusion. An infusion is similar to a tea, but extra care is taken not to overcook the herbs (which can be fresh or dried), and the steeping infusion is covered to prevent the evaporation of the extracts in the resulting steam. This article will show you how to create an infusion that will relieve the bloating associated with PMS. The recipe here includes chamomile and lemon balm (to ease stress, tension, and mood swings), plus burdock, dandelion and yellow dock to release the excess trapped fluid from your body.

Things You'll Need

• 1 oz. of each of the following dried herbs:
• Chamomile
• Lemon balm
• Dandelion leaf and/or root
• Burdock
• Yellow dock
• Teaspoon
• Large cooking pot with a lid
• 2 quarts to 1 Gallon of distilled water
• Large fine mesh strainer
• One or more large containers
• Turbinado sugar (according to your taste)

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Pour the distilled water into the large cooking pot and place it on the stove. Allow the water to reach a rolling boil. Turn off the stove, and remove the pot from the heat.

• 2

  Add 1 tsp. of each herb to the hot water and cover with a lid. Let the herbs steep in the hot water for fifteen minutes.

• 3

  Remove the lid from the pot. Strain out the herbs and store the infused liquid in the containers you have set aside. Discard the herbs.

• 4

  Let the liquid cool for several minutes and sweeten it with the turbinado sugar.

• 5

  Drink one to three cups of this herbal infusion every day in the two weeks prior to menstruation to relieve bloating and discomfort.