This member of the mint family boasts a light citrus fragrance and is easy to grow in an herb garden. Lemon balm can ease insomnia and anxiety, both of which are common with PMS. Changes in hormone levels can lead to plenty of tossing and turning at night; lemon balm may help reduce anxiety and clear the way to restful sleep. A 2017 study indicates that lemon balm can also reduce cramps.
Romm suggests taking 80 mg a day for insomnia or between 40 and 60 drops if you prefer a tincture over pills. A lemon-balm infusion can be soothing too. Pick about five to 10 fresh leaves and steep them in boiled water for five to 10 minutes; the longer you steep them, the more potent the flavor. If you’re using dried lemon balm, start with about 1 teaspoon, and experiment with more or less based on how strong you like your tea.
More Natural Remedies for PMS
Try additional lifestyle changes and discover nine more plant-based remedies for premenstrual syndrome and period pain at “What Are Some Natural Remedies for PMS?,” from which this article was excerpted.
