By Andrea Holmes, PhD and Amanda McKinney, MD
Mood swings, uterine cramps, irritability, hopelessness, nervous tension, problems concentrating, changes in appetite, sleep problems, and bloating are symptoms many women experience before menstruation. Almost 50% of women worldwide are affected by PMS.(1) These psychological and physical problems can often have a severe impact in women’s personal and professional lives, sometimes leading to complete dysfunction.
Treatment of PMS includes a combination of over the counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, antidepressants, and contraceptive pills. However, nonpharmacological treatments, like cognitive and behavioral therapies, yoga exercises (2), massage therapy, light therapy along with dietary and nutritional modifications, including herbal supplements, have been shown to be beneficial for the treatment of premenstrual symptoms.(3)
The plant Cannabis Sativa contains cannabinoids that interact directly with the central nervous system. Commonly known cannabinoids are cannabinol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Both of these substances interact with neuronal receptors in the brain and entire body causing a cellular response that results in homeostasis, including the regulation of appetite and energy. (4) When THC and CBD are taking in combination, an entourage effect takes place, meaning that together can be more effective than taking either alone, especially when coupled with other botanical ingredients like terpenes such as beta-Caryophyllene. (5)
Women who experience PMS should consider the use of medicinal herbs and herbal medicines as they are an age-old tradition, and the recent progress in modern therapeutics has stimulated the use of natural products worldwide for diverse ailments and diseases. (6)
The future for women’ health and wellness include functional foods and beverages containing herbal compounds like cannabinoids, lemon balm, beta- Caryophyllene, and other bioactive compounds which could significantly improve the quality of life for women who are suffering of mild to severe PMS.
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3972521/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6852652/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26351143/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2586261/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7324885/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5871149/
