Do you suffer from PMS?

Over 70% of women suffer from  pre-menstrual syndrome! Every women experiences different symptoms, so there are no neat catergories into which we all fit.
There are over 200 different symptoms that have been associated with PMS, but the three prominent are: irritability, tension, unhappiness.
Some common emotional symptoms include: stress, anxiety, difficulty in falling asleep, headache, fatigue, mood swings, increased emotional sensitivity and changes in libido.
Physical symptoms may include: bloating, abdominal cramps, constipation, swelling and tenderness in the breasts, cyclic acne, joint or muscle pain.
Physical and emotional symptoms present themselves 7-10 days before the onset of the menses, and the symptoms usually lessen or disappear throughout the menstral cycle.
What is the causation for pre-mentraul syndrome? It is definately related to hormonal fluctuation and hormonal imbalances. Emotional issues, genetic predisposition, nutrition, and lack of exercise can all play a part in how women experience PMS!
Homeopathy can bring relief from PMS, returning balance to women, on all levels. Symptoms of pre-mentrual syndrome are significantly reduced or even eliminated! A homeopathic remedy, will stimulate the body's own natural healing response, to reestablish a healthy hormonal balance, which will regulate the menstrual cycle and reduce uncomfortable symptoms of pre-mentrual syndrome.

The following, are a list of possible homeopathic remedies and their symptoms that may bring you the relief that you have been looking for. Women with serious symptoms or extremly heavy bleeding should be under the care of a physician, as well as a qualified homeopath.

Calcarea Carbonica

• fluid retention
• headache
• breast tenderness
• feeling of being overwhelmed
• feeling of extreme fatigue and depletion
• cold limbs
• symptoms worsen with exposure to cold or dampness
• symptoms worsen with exertion

Chamomilla

• angry (rude and short tempered)
• irritable
• oversensitive to pain or environmental stimuli (noise, odours, touch)
• painful cramping prior to menses
• feels worse once menses starts
• menstral flow is typically heavy with dark clotting blood
• heat worsens all symptoms
• exercise improves symptoms
• DISSATIFIED AND NOTHING CAN PLEASE

Pulsatilla

• feeling alone, unloved, as if nobody cares
• moodiness
• wants sympathy, affection, to beheld
• tendency to tears if ignored
• nausea may be present
• little or no thirst
• mild dizziness
• sensitive to heat
• night time headaches
• better in fresh air
• no two mentral cycles are ever the same

Nux Vomica

• driven
• fussy and fault finding
• extreme behaviour
• irritable or angry to the point of rage
• desire for stimulants: coffee, tobacco, alcohol
• feels cold
• cramping
• worse in the morning
• desires fatty foods

Lachesis

• irritable
• talkative, sharp tongues, sarcastic, suspicious, jealous
• tight clothing is unbearable
• bloating
• headache before menses
• severe cramping
• pains are mostly left sided and are worse upon waking
• all symptoms are relieved as soon as the menstral flow begins.

Sepia

• irritability and angry
• desire to be alone
• not wanting to talk
• better for work, keeping busy and strenuous exercise
• dislikes being touched or shown affection
• weeping before menses
• craves sour things or chocolate
• dragging pain during menses
• chilly
• exhausted

As always, I hope this post was helpful and I would love to hear your comments. If there is something else that you would like to learn about, let me know.

Happy Holidays!

Yours in health,
Amanda

The Common Cold vs. Influenza

I have been asked numerous times within the last few months, what is the difference between a "normal" cold and influenza? What continues to surprise me, is the number of people that believe that the Flu Shot will prevent them from getting the stomach flu! Just a reminder that the stomach flu affects the gastrointestinal system and influenza mainly affects the respiratory system. With that being said, that does not mean you might not experience some gastrointestinal symptoms with a respiratory illness!
A cold, is a viral infection that is characterized by inflammation of the upper respiratory mucous membranes (nose, mouth and throat). People may often experience a fever, chills, coughing, sneezing and an overall tiredness. The symptoms usually appear over an 4-12 hour period. A common cold usually lasts anywhere from 3-7 days, sometimes longer if we do not listen to our bodies!
Influenza, is a viral illness. In most cases it often begins with a very sore throat, cough and runny nose. Sounds very similar to the common cold, right? What makes Influenza different, is the fever, chills and severe fatigue to the point that you can't get out of bed! Headaches are common, especially in the centre of the forehead with sinus pressure. Marked aches and pains in the back, arms, legs that are felt deep in the muscles. Symptoms may move to the chest, and present themselves with a burning pain under the sternum, that may be accompanied by a productive painful cough. In severe cases, influenza can rapidly deteriorate into bronchitis and pneumonia, with shortness of breath, bloody sputum and fluid in the lungs. Influenza has the potential to cause death. Those deaths usually involve an individual who's health is already compromised. Please remember, 99% of flu suffers will survive, and you will be immune for life to whatever particular strain of the influenza that you contracted!
Homeopathy is effective in boosting the immune system and restoring health quickly. The remedies help move the individual through the stages of a cold or flu quickly, shortening the overall duration and severity of symptoms!
Choose a remedy that best matches the symptoms that the sick person is exhibiting.

Aconite Napellus

• sudden onset of from exposure to a dry, cold wind
• from emotional shock or fright
• high fever
• sore throat
•  better in fresh air
• worse in a warm room, evening and at night
• fear impending death (talk about this illness killing them)

Baptisia Tintoria

• comes on suddenly
• chilly
• feels bruised all over
• head feels heavy
• to sick to move
• BAD BREATH
• really thirsty
• better rest
• worse motion

Bryonia Alba

• gradual onset
• very irritable
• whole body ahces
• want to be left alone and to go home
• bursting, splitting heache that is worse from the slightest movement
• thirsty for cold drinks

Ferrum Phosporicum (this is a remedy you can take in the early stages of a cold, even if the symptoms are really clear)

• fever
• headache
• feeling tired and worn out

Gelsemium Semprevivens

• comes on gradually over a few days
• feel dizzy, drowsy and dull
• feel like you have been hit by a truck and just want to lie down and sleep
• muscles ache
• eyelids are heavy
• chills up and down spine
• frontal headache
• may feel anxious with trembling

Hopefully this blog post was informative. If you have any questions or  in doubt, please seek advice from a qualified health care professional!


Yours in health,
Amanda