---
title: Can diet and herbal medicine help with PMS symptoms? | Niyora
description: Few studies exist, but the review suggests eating well is important for managing PMS. Three herbal medicines show potential: Vitex Agnus Castus, Angelica sine
url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/nutricao-funcional-e-aplicabilidade-de-fitoterapicos-na-saude-da-mulher-com-2022/
---

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- Can diet and herbal medicine help with PMS symptoms?

Systematic review, 2022

# Can diet and herbal medicine help with PMS symptoms?

Few studies exist, but the review suggests eating well is important for managing PMS. Three herbal medicines show potential: Vitex Agnus Castus, Angelica sinensis, and evening primrose oil, though stronger evidence is needed.

 Early or limited evidence

Women of reproductive age with PMS (from limited available studies)

## What they did

Researchers reviewed studies from 2010 to 2020 on whether diet and herbal medicines help women with PMS. They examined research in women of reproductive age and discussed how eating patterns change during the cycle and how foods and herbs affect symptoms.

## What they found

Food consumption changes across the cycle. In one study of 30 women, 53 percent showed increased appetite and 43 percent craved sweet foods during certain phases. The review identified three herbal medicines with potential benefit: Vitex Agnus Castus, Radix Angelica Sinensis, and Oenothera biennis (evening primrose). The reviewers concluded that adequate nutrition is essential for reducing PMS symptoms.

## What it means for you

Healthy eating may help with PMS, and some herbal medicines might work too. The main limitation is that very few rigorous studies exist in this area. Much more research is needed before doctors can make strong recommendations about diet and herbs for PMS.

75-80%

Of women experience PMS

53%

Had increased appetite in study

43%

Craved sweet foods in study

## About the study

Original title Nutrição funcional e aplicabilidade de fitoterápicos na saúde da mulher com Síndrome Pré-Menstrual: revisão sistemática / Functional nutrition and applicability of herbal medicines in the health of women with Premenstrual Syndrome: systematic review Authors Maria Gabriela Gregolato Ferrão, Maria Vitória Machado, Evandro Marianetti Fioco Journal Brazilian Journal of Health Review Year 2022 Study design Systematic review What was tested Functional nutrition and herbal medicines: Vitex Agnus Castus, Angelica sinensis, Oenothera biennis Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.34119/bjhrv5n4-067](https://doi.org/10.34119/bjhrv5n4-067)

## Topics

[Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Diet and nutrition](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-diet/)[Vitex agnus-castus (chasteberry)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-vitex/)[Evening primrose oil](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-evening-primrose/)[Other herbal medicine](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-herbal-other/)

Research tells you what helps on average. Niyora helps on the day it hits.

Calm down, see it another way, and decide what to say, with a PMS and PMDD app built by a doctor.

## Related studies

Review, 2023

Can herbs and supplements help with PMS symptoms?

Randomised trial, 2006

Which dietary supplements and herbs work for PMS?

Review, 2003

Do complementary and alternative medicine treatments work for PMS and PMDD?

Review, 2024

Can herbal remedies and lifestyle changes help manage premenstrual syndrome?

Randomised trial, 2010

What treatments work for premenstrual syndrome?

Systematic review, 2009

Which herbs, vitamins and minerals help treat PMS?

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