Cure PMS! Home Remedies to Relieve Symptoms of PMS

| Modified on Sep 27, 2023

What is PMS?

Premenstrual syndrome is a collection of symptoms that occur in a predictable pattern in relation to a woman's menstrual cycle during the luteal phase, usually 10 days prior to menstruation. The exact cause is unknown, but the contributing factors are hormone fluctuations, stress, insufficient serotonin, depression, and poor eating habits such as high salt diets and low levels of vitamins and minerals. Some 40 million women are reported to suffer from PMS, with more than 5 million women requiring some form of medical treatment for mood changes. Studies have shown that PMS stems from neurochemical changes within the brain. If you want to ease your PMS, you must address your brain chemistry!

Symptoms of PMS can be both physical and behavioral: anxiety, mood swings, irritability, food cravings, insomnia, poor focus, muscle pain, headaches, bloating, breast tenderness, acne, constipation or diarrhea. Usually only a few symptoms are present at a time, few women experience them all concurrently, but PMS symptoms can be severe enough to interfere with daily routines.

Find Natural PMS Remedies Today!

On this page you can find a number of user-submitted home and natural remedies for PMS. Our most popular cures are apple cider vinegar and blackstrap molasses, but other users have also reported success using cabbage, flax seed oil, oil pulling, and many herbs for PMS. Please let us know if you try one of these remedies or have any additional remedies to add to our list!




Agnus Castus

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Shirley (London, UK) on 07/29/2012
★★★★★

Last year I read the book "PMT-Reversing the curse" which advocates using Agnus castus as well as specific dietary changes to cure PMS.

I am someone who every month contemplated suicide due to the severity of the mental symtoms I regularly experienced from PMT - mood swings, short temper, anxiousness, extreme fatigue, weepiness - I often felt like I had been injected by a chemical that affected my brain the week before my period started. I also have had bloating and swelling - puffy face and eyes as a regular occurence at period time and often I just could not face going out of the house.

After following the plan in the book for 3 months I have no bloating, I feel "normal" and not like I have turned into some mad women and besides a little cramping the day my period comes on I feel normal during my period for the first time ever. I would recommend this book to anyone sufferring mood swings and anxiety/aggression etc at period times - it is the only thing that has really worked for me.

Replied by L C Cameron
(New Zealand)
12/10/2017

Back in 1976 I felt the same as you and a study had just come out of the UK that showed that water retention was the cause and they had given it the name PMS according to the Dr I went to. When I told him that I didn't have a problem with swelling he told me it was water on the brain, gave me some pills and told me to come back in 3 days. Which I did and asked what were the pills as it felt like a miracle! I was sane again - I had felt suicidal. That was when he told me that the pills were for fluid retention. Have never heard of apple cider vinegar for it.


Apple Cider Vinegar

20 User Reviews
5 star (19) 
  95%
3 star (1) 
  5%

Posted by Sharon (Houston, Tx) on 12/01/2011
★★★★★

I started taking ACV 4 months ago for excessive bleeding and bad pms...... I spot now for 4 days and it helps with my migraines and allergies.... I take a shot of it alone in am and pm with something sweet after like sugar free hawaiian punch and my vitamins.... It is a miracle cure.

Replied by Stephanie
(Hilton Head, Sc, United States)
12/06/2011

I just found your post, as well as the Earth Clinic Website, a little while ago. I am completely desperate for help with my PMS so I am going to give it a try. I just took 2 tbsp. Of apple cider vinegar with a little less than 1 tbsp of honey (the real stuff, not the stuff in the bear ;-) I would have tried the blackstrap molasses, but I don't have any so this will have to do for now I guess. I've read most of the posts and it seems like some of you had some results as early as 4 days after starting the ACV regimen. I'm hoping that will be the case for me as well. I am due to start my period around Friday and the cramps, bloating and fatigue are kicking my butt..... As usual. It seems the older I get the worse it gets!

I also have fibromyalgia so PMS really takes a toll on my body and my mental outlook. I'm really hoping this works. If so, I will be the biggest advocate for Earth Clinic the world has ever seen!! Thanks for all of your posts and advice. Good luck to you all!

Replied by Drrosali
(Mumbai, India)
05/03/2012

I went through the comments posted. Many have positive results using ACV but few had side effects also. However we don't know whether it's gone completely or it will recur again.

I am a registered homeopathic practitioner and have used homeopathic remedies and ayurvedic herbs (resonance and classical)together with best results.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Carly (Seattle, Wa - Usa) on 08/30/2011

Hi Jennifer -

To help make the ACV taste better I take 1 oz of ACV, and then I add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of Baking Soda to it. When it stops fizzing (bubbling up) I add about 10 oz of (non chlorinated) water and 2 oz of orange juice. It tastes GREAT this way. Some people add apple juice instead of OJ - so if you prefer it, maybe try that.

ACV is great stuff. Keep at it, and you will start to actually like the taste of it, I promise!

Carly :-)

Replied by Lora
(West Coast, US)
03/06/2015

This SO CALLED recipe - think twice before following. WHY: because when you add SODA to ACV= the chemical reaction of neutralization happens, that WIPES OUT THE BENEFITS of ACV.

Why would you do that? Start slow with amount you are planning to use, in order to get used to its taste. Believe me - once you throw all the sugar out of your diet & start feeding off natural organic foods - your taste buds will CURE TOO, allowing to experience the natural taste of ACV also.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by S.a (Savannah, Ga) on 03/05/2011
★★★★★

Took two tablespoons in a glass of water for 2 weeks straight before menstruation and LO AND BEHOLD no menstrual cramps pms or headaches!!! This is a miracle cure and I will continue to take it to see what else happens ;)

Replied by Jennifer
(Baltimore, Md)
08/30/2011
★★★☆☆

BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS

Hi, I came across this site in hopes of relieving my PMS symptoms. I've noticed since my Tubal last August that my headaches have increased as well as my anger a couple of days before my period starts. I'm not a pill taking kind of person so the ACV may be just the thing for me. I started today with a 2Tbsp shot but it was horrible. Is there something I can mix it with to help reduce the flavor?

Replied by Saab
(Mtl, Canada)
09/03/2011

i use Apple Cider Vinegar in salad dressings, specially before my periods. Mix it with flax oil. Or any other oil high in Omega 3- amazing results from evening primrose oil for PMS.

Replied by Angelus
(Clarksville, Tn)
10/03/2012
★★★★★

Hi! Try Hippocrates RX: 1 Tbs ACV and 1 Tbs honey in 8 ounces of water


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Kristy (Los Angeles, CA) on 05/26/2009
★★★★★

After reading about it on this website, I decided to try ACV to cure my PMS. It was terrible before--drastic mood swings, depression, heavy bleeding--a real nightmare. So in a state of desperation I mixed two tablespoons ACV and one tablespoon blackstrap molasses in a large glass of water, and continued every day this month. I'm happy to report that my period came almost without warning--my mood has been stable and positive, my bleeding is lighter... I'm a normal person again! This has been a real godsend. In addition, my skin tone is now even, and I'm back to jogging because my knees feel great.

I've also been oil-pulling this month, using sunflower oil, and taking more calcium. In the coming month, I plan to switch to sesame oil and also to drinking the acv twice per day. Will post any differences I observe. Thanks to all who posted about ACV!!!!

Replied by G
(San Diego, Ca)
01/21/2011

Now it is my turn to share my experience with ACV. Since the last update was so long ago, and I would like to share it with others. I have been using AVC for the last 2 months, and it has definetely helped to relief the PMS symptoms (server bloating in the tomach region, heavy menstrual) I can't say that they are nonexistence, but it is so much better than what I have been sufferring for the last several years. Thank you for all who had share thier wonderful experience, and helping me solve this nasty feeling as well, I can't wait to keep trying this for another few months, since 2 months is a short time.

Replied by Traci
(Los Angeles, Ca)
02/22/2012
★★★★★

No more painful cramps with ACV! Whenever I eat wheat/dairy before my period I get the worst cramps and bloating (I'm already sensitive to wheat). After reading these posts I decided to try ACV with water every day for a week leading up to the big day. I am SO happy! I'm still bloated but no painful cramps! YAY

I'm going to start taking ACV every day. It seems to keep me 'regular' too :)


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Alecia (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma ) on 08/03/2008
★★★★★

I'd been looking for natural cures to major PMS for years.

Many, many, trips to doctors throughout the years for "cures" involving pills that made other things worse. Nothing worked!!!!

The pain, bloating, fibroids, etc... were so bad I've come close to losing my job becuase of monthly "crazies".

I cam across this site, started the ACV, 2 tablespoons each morning, and 1 tablespoon of the black strap molasses (because growing up my Grandmother always said it will cure what ails you) and with my very next period - WOW!!!!!

No crazies, no cramps, no constant munchies, no bloating, no pain, no hormone headaches, no heavy bleeding, no crying jags, no depression, my skin is better, and I sleep better, just smooth sailing. I finally feel human again!!!!!

I can't thank all of you enough!!!!

Replied by Joyce
(Joelton, Tn)
08/04/2008
495 posts

Hi Alecia, another thing you might consider adding for your nerves @ PMS time and all time is a supplement of magnesium that so many of us have a deficit of these days.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Anna (Santa Cruz, Trinidad and Tobago) on 03/06/2008
★★★★★

I tried Apple Cider Vinegar, 1 tablespoon in the morning and in the evening.No cramps, No bloating, normally before my periods my stomach would get huge, but thanks to acv this month no stomach, no pain nothing, and my cycle is ligter than it has ever been, thank God i found this remedy, and thank you earth clinic, for this very informative website


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by saman (sharjah, UAE) on 01/05/2008
★★★★★

where to find BS molasses in sharjah? apple cider vineger for water retention and now i am free from bloating and also joint pain.

Replied by Mallory
(Salt Lake City, Ut)
10/06/2011

Any health food store, likely the international ones for the expats.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Juliet (Portland, Oregon) on 11/20/2007
★★★★★

I have been trying the ACV remedy for my insane bloating. I've been a lacto-ovo vegetarian since I was 6 and have always had problems with bloating. The ACV seems to be working well but I wanted to know how often I should be drinking it throughout the day


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Michelle (Brisbane, Australia) on 08/19/2007
★★★★★

I started doing the acv rtreatment 4 days ago after finding your site. I wasn't doing it for anything specific, I just thought I'd try it and see what happened.

Today (day 4), I noticed that my period zits have nearly completely disappeared. My regular unexplained stomach/bowel bloating has nearly completely gone. Anything I eat doesn't hurt me anymore, but I have kept to my modified Atkins for weight loss. My skin is usually pretty good, but it's just lovely today. And the stubborn blackheads on my cheeks and nose area are much reduced already. Various scrubs and masks have failed to clear them in the past. I've been exercising every day for the past 4 weeks and I'm already losing weight and size, but I want to see after about a week if the acv pushes things faster along. I found acv with honey in the same bottle at my local supermarket and I'm drinking that. Then I bought just plain acv to use as a toner to help my skin from the inside and out.

As for the tooth enamel issues, I have a simple remedy. I take 3 tablespoons 3 times a day without fail (it's also helped with no more cravings and in between meal munchies - all gone). I bend my tongue so it has a well shaped indentation in it, pour the acv onto that and flick it down my throat without anything having touched my teeth. But afterwards, I rinse with my mouth with water just to be safe. For the lunch time dose when I'm at work, I put the acv in about a cup of water in a water bottle and use a straw to drink it down as quickly as possible, then I rinse my mouth with plain water again. So far no enamel issues and I'm not expecting any. I hope this has helped somebody and I will post again in about a week's time with any more results. For those people who haven't had any success with anything, keep trying, up your dosage, watch what you eat, be honest with yourself about what you put in your mouth, and give yourself some time. It's not an instant cure and everyone is different. If it's not working for you, then you may just be more resistant than most. Keep trying and don't lose hope. It will work. You might just need to give yourself 4 or 5 weeks, instead of just one, especially if your diet is normally a nutritional nightmare. Good luck.

Replied by Nay
(Podgorica, Montenegro)
06/15/2012
★★★★★

I have been taking ACV every morning for about a year now. My hair is wonderful and so thick, nice even skin tone, keeps my weight down and fights my seasonal allergies, also keeps me regular! I take it in warm water every morning with a spoon of honey and a spoon of Bee Pollen (Helps with Immunity!). I love the stuff! Also, I visited the doctor over the wked and my teeth are perfect! (His words). So I havent had an enamel issue. Though I have read that you should take it alone as it can burn your throat and other things on the way down due to its acidity?

Replied by Had
(White River Jct, Vermont)
06/15/2012
★★★★★

Nay from Podgorica, Montenegro; ACV has same ph as a soda...... I think the worry is more scare tactic than anything. I do the ACV tonic every morning.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Sharon (Gary, Indiana) on 07/14/2007
★★★★★

I stopped and started using ACV again, I noticed that when my monthy cycle came, it was lighter than usual, no PMS either, I was pleasantly surprised, no cramping, nothing. I am hoping that since I have started back on the ACV my blood pressure will be regulated again, and my heart palpitations will disappear.

Replied by Sarah
(Ottawa, Ontario, Canada)
06/04/2010
★★★★★

I was drinking 2tsp ACV with 10oz water twice a day for a month or so, and then decided maybe I should stop for a while so that my body don't get lazy. Lo and behold suddenly I was a raging lunatic, irrational, just angry and irritated for the smallest things. Realized it was PMS which I missed it last month (got my period without PMS), wasn't sure if it was due to ACV but had 1 tbsp in a big glass of water in the evening and this morning I'm relaxed and normal again still couple days away from my period. So, will continue to drink it from now on, I highly recommend...


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by locustgirl (San Francisco, CA) on 06/10/2007
★★★★★

i have to say that the most amazing experience i had with apple cider vinegar was when i used it on my swollen breast. sometimes my breasts swell a bit with pms, but this time my left breast swelled and continued to swell over the course of 3 months. it was weird and painful. after reading on the internet that acv helps with swelling, soaked a washcloth in diluted acv and secured it with a piece of plastic and a sports bra and slept with it on. the next morning the swelling was completely gone, it didn't hurt anymore, and never happened again since. horray!


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Pamela (Richmond, VA) on 05/03/2007
★★★★★

Ok it just keeps getting better.I have been on the acv for 3 months now for arthrtis pain with awesome results.However I have found that my PMS symptoms have gone also.My periods have come with no warning because of no bloating,iratability,or crazy cravings,not even fatigue.Acv is a miracle in a bottle. I take 2 tablespoons twice a day in juice or sprite even water,drink it with a straw so it does not really get on your teeth. Sweet Blessings.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Stella (Walnut Creek, CA) on 04/20/2007
★★★★★

I started taking the apple cider vinegar to lose weight. And accidentally discovered it cures PMS too! Usually I feel lousy the week before my period with bloating, acne break outs and a really bad mood. I used to count down the days to my period, becaus I knew then I would feel some relief. The past couple months my period has snuck up on me because I didn't have any of the usual symptoms. I feel like a normal person again. I wanted to share this info with other PMS sufferers. The formula that works for me is:

2 tbsp ACV
1/4 tsp baking soda
8 oz water
1 pack stevia

It's all natural, tastes good and won't mess with your blood sugar.


Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Uma (Gibraltar, Spain) on 11/12/2006
★★★★★

I take ACV 2TBS in 8oz water taking sips all through the day. I was bloated all month and had water retention 10 days before my period. I was miserable i tried everything , diet change , pills homeopathic, and my husband is a physician and he gave all kind of medicines but still everything just could not solve my problem. i was annoyed all the time becuase i do not know what my exact size was and i was restless all the ime , never comfortable, in sitting or lying down. Then looking for cure on internet in homeopathy somebody mentioned earth clinic, and i went to the site, and from that day my life changed. After reading about ACV I got up and mix one TS in one glass of water and without thinking i drank it . After 10 minutes my head suddenly clear and then my migraine was gone which I have been having for the last 10 years every week and i do not know how many pandols i have taken for that.----Well for the last 2 months, I am bloat free, water retention free, migraine free, and i am feeling comfortable for the first time in last 10 years. I have lost 10 pounds and I know my exact size now. Plus I had very bad dandruff and hair acne and twice a week I have been washing my hair with ACV and after two months I am free of dandruff and acne. There was no change initially except my migrain was gone but suddenly after one month before my periods i started noticing changes. No bloatedness and water retention and i had lost weight. I am thankful to all of u, whoever started this site. This has truly helped me. My doctor husband cannot believe it.

Just try it. Even if u don't see results initially it will show some benefits, later. I am hooked for life and i am giving it to my teenager son and daughter.



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