Herbs can offer relief from PMS symptoms

Instead of resorting to the aspirin bottle when the headache and emotions are raging, a different way to cope with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) may become necessary.

Herbal remedies are a good alternative coping method for symptoms such as cramps, mood swings, irritability and increased stress levels, said Ann Marie Wishard, owner of Sweet Annie Herbs, 223 S. Allen St.

"It's important for women to have the option of not using manmade hormones," Wishard added.

Sweet Annie's New Life Formula, Ladies Monthly Tea and Cleansing and Balancing Tea are several good herbal remedies to use in the fight against PMS, Wishard said.

These combine a number of different herbs, including dong quai, Siberian ginseng, licorice root, red raspberry and sarsaparilla, she said.

But simply using herbal remedies is not enough to eliminate PMS, said Rosanne Capone, herbalist for Sweet Annie Herbs.

Eliminating caffeine and red meat while eating plenty of fresh vegetables is a good diet change, Capone said.

"You have to make some sort of lifestyle change in order for the PMS to subside," Capone said. "I think it's important for women to take care of their diet, too . . . a lot of herbs have nutritional value as well."

Women should exercise caution when choosing an herbal remedy.

"You just want to be well-informed," said Jill Buchanan, certified nurse registered practitioner for University Health Services.

Women should make sure they have no allergies to anything contained in the herbal remedies before using them, Buchanan added.

Approaching herbs with caution is important, said Dr. Michele Manting-Brewer of OB-GYN Alternatives, 611 University Drive.

"Just because they're natural doesn't mean they're not harmful," she said.

But herbs are a safe alternative remedy and have been used in other countries such as China for centuries, Wishard said.

Special precautions should be taken by women who are pregnant or taking birth control pills, Wishard added.

"Most of the herbs (we use) most women don't have allergies to," she said. "People are always welcome to come in and talk to us -- each woman is different."