To understand herbal remedies for menstrual bloating, you have to realize that menstrual bloating may not be coming from only the reproductive tract. It could also be coming from the digestive tract.

There may be a certain degree of constipation in the intestines which means that there will be quite a bit of fermentation of the digested mass. Fermentation in your intestines is the same as fermentation that occurs in the compost pile in your back yard.

The fermentation process releases gas. When extra gas is in the intestines, the gas distends the walls of the intestines. This is what causes the pain of bloating – the distension puts pressure on the pain receptors and bingo, you get pain.

Thus, the list of Chinese herbs for PMS bloating will also include Chinese herbs for improving digestion to reduce bloating from within the digestive system. The herbs may be in tea form or in capsule form. Often you can also get alcoholic tinctures or glycerin extracts, but this depends on the herbs used. Often Chinese formulas will mix four or more herbs together, so look for formulas that follow this pattern. (Dosages won’t be listed for every herb for that reason; many herbal remedies for menstrual bloating are more effective this way.)

Herbs to Help with PMS Bloating

1. Dong quai – This herb is ginseng for females. Although it’s not very specific for menstrual difficulties, it does act to cleanse the liver. All natural healing practitioners know that PMS means that cleansing of the colon and liver are necessary.

2. Chen pi – This herb eases bloating in the abdomen and makes digestive functioning improve.

3. Wolfberry fruit – High in antioxidants, wolfberry fruit is usually used for what Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners call Yin deficiency and hyperactive liver.

4. Shu Fu Zi – Also called prepared aconite latex, this one acts to relieve excess fluid (a diuretic)

5. Honey – Herbal remedies for menstrual bloating include honey, believe it or not.

6. Dried ginger root – This herb acts to calm down the moods and the body, relaxing the nervous system.

7. White peony root – This Chinese herb has been traditionally used for women’s diseases. If your PMS bloating needs a diuretic, this herb will help. Dosage is 2 cups boiling water to 2 tablespoons herb. Always use this herb with other herbs, not by itself.

8. Lindera root – traditionally used for frequent urination or pain in the abdomen, this herb is always used with other herbs in formulas and not by itself. Dosage is 3 grams daily.

9. Clove flower bud – This one freshens breath and eliminates or relieves intestinal gas. One bud mixed into formulas usually is enough.

10. Fennel seed – Although the most recent evidence shows that fennel seed was able to reduce mental symptoms that make women become difficult to deal with during their period, (http://www.redorbit.com/news/health/1112908619/fennel-seeds-pms-premenstrual-syndrome-depression-serotonin-072813/) fennel seed can also absorb gas in the intestinal tract. Dosage is only one-half to one teaspoon once to twice daily.

11. Black cardamon – Cardamon is one of the predominant spices in chai tea. It contains limonene, eucalyptol, camphor, borneol, and terpinene. This herb relieves indigestion and eliminates intestinal gas. Dosage is about 1 teaspoon per cup boiling water, but do add other spices and herbs, too.

12. Evodia fruit – This is a commonly used fruit for those with cancer. It lowers cholesterol levels, blood sugar levels, and triglycerides, according to recent research (J Ethnopharmacol. 2014 Feb 12;151(3):1072-8. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2013.12.006. Epub 2013 Dec 30. Subchronic oral toxicity of evodia fruit powder in rats.)

13. Tangerine peel – This one is used to relieve PMS and it has tranquilizer effects too.

14. Licorice root – Used as a liver cleanser, this herb also relieves the spirit, according to the Chinese.

The best herbs for your period bloating are going to depend on your body. Everyone won’t have the same results. So if you’re still wondering what are herbs to take for bloating or how to take them, stop wondering and just start experimenting.

But don’t forget to take your period vitamin, which may also contain herbs.