Time of the month

• The herbal remedy Agnus castus (or chaste tree) extract has long been a favourite of herbalists and naturopaths for treating PMT. A new study conducted in Germany and published in the British Medical Journal found that more than half of the women who took the remedy experienced up to 505 reduction in symptoms. Irritability, mood alteration, anger, bloating, headache and breast fullness were all reduced, and only bloating was unaffected by the remedy. The authors went on to suggest that Agnus castus should now be considered by conventional physicians as an effective way to treat symptoms in the pre-menstrual period.
• From a holistic point of view, when a woman has PMT symptoms, the liver which breaks down nutrients and estrogen so they can be excreted, is often involved. Herbs and vegetables that improve liver metabolism include beets, carrots, globe artichokes, turmeric, flaxseed, milk thistle seeds, dandelion greens, and dandelion and liquorice root teas.
• A newer homeopathic remedy which is being used to treat PMT and other 'women's problems' is Folliculinum - made from homeopathic doses of birth control pills. If you are not keen on taking the pill you may wish to talk to your homeopath about this remedy.

Rest more and eat more (nutritious foods, that is - your metabolism will be faster in the week before your period). Consider booking a regular massage in the later half of your cycle. It can help create a feeling of well-being, and it's also useful for easing boating and water retention.