We all know how annoying premenstrual syndrome (PMS) can be, especially when it is the last thing we want to deal with in an already busy and hectic schedule. A lot of women actually take days off from school and work because of incredibly uncomfortable PMS that knocks them off their feet. If you suffer from PMS, don’t believe that you must be a victim the tides of cramping terror.  Here are some tips to consider to cure the PMS blues:

When you are home, lie down with a warm/hot towel on your lower abdomen.  It will help ease the tension and cramping.

Don’t stop working out: When your period is about to start, it is so easy to want to stay home from the gym and avoid it at all costs (who wants to work out when they are enduring physical pain?). Believe me – you don’t want to stay home at this time. Doing intense cardio workouts as well as calming workouts like yoga and Pilates actually help with PMS and ease your cramping.

Drink Chamomile Tea:  Drink chamomile tea has been found to be beneficial in treating PMS and menstrual cramping.

Headache and Migraine relief: Run yourself a warm bath to alleviate tension and relax blood vessels. Combine the following essential oils with an emulsifier (cream or honey): 3 drops of chamomile, 3 drops of lavender and 3 drops of rosemary. Add the mixture to the bathwater. (Tip from The Complete Guide to Natural Healing)

Here are some additional quick tips from Woman’s World (September 2011) on how to relieve this miserable time of the month:

Coromega Omega3 Squeeze: Omega-3s alleviate cramps and irritability, but many supplements have a fishy aftertaste. Enter this pudding-like alternative. You can stir it into yogurt or drizzle it on ice cream. Each packet contains your RDA of omega-3s.

Vitex Agnus-Castus (chastetree berry): This herb helps with relieving PMS-related depression, balancing hormones. Take 175 mg. once a day from mid-cycle to your period. Its effects are like that of an anti-depressant.

PMS tea: There are two ingredients to look for in a PMS-taming tea: Cramp bark, which relaxes tight muscles, and nettles, which fights the anemia and tiredness of PMS.  (Try out Traditional Medicinals: Female Toner: Supports Female Systems)

Cramp-crushing supplements: Try out Natural Vitality’s Natural Calm Magnesium Supplement. Not only does this muscle-relaxing mineral prevent the spasms that cause cramps, but they help with reducing irritability. You just mix one packet of the powder with hot water – and it tastes good. Drink one glass a day the week before your period.