--- title: Does an Ayurvedic treatment called Brahmi Shirodhara reduce PMS mood swings? description: The treatment showed a 25.3% improvement in overall PMS symptoms. However, this was a very small pilot study with no control group, so we cannot be confident url: https://niyora.com/research/papers/role-of-brahmi-siddha-ksheer-shirodhara-in-premenstrual-syndrome-induced-mood-2026/ --- - [Niyora](https://niyora.com/) - [Research](https://niyora.com/research/) - [Library](https://niyora.com/research/library/) - Does an Ayurvedic treatment called Brahmi Shirodhara reduce PMS mood swings? Non-randomised trial, 2026 # Does an Ayurvedic treatment called Brahmi Shirodhara reduce PMS mood swings? The treatment showed a 25.3% improvement in overall PMS symptoms. However, this was a very small pilot study with no control group, so we cannot be confident this will work for everyone. Early or limited evidence 30 women aged 16-40 with PMS ## What they did Pilot study of 30 women aged 16-40 with PMS. They received Shirodhara (a treatment where medicated liquid is poured rhythmically on the forehead) with Brahmi (an Ayurvedic herb) for 7 consecutive days, starting 10 days before their period, for 3 menstrual cycles. PMS symptoms were measured before and after using a standard questionnaire. ## What they found Total PMS symptoms improved from 28.43 to 21.23 (25.3% improvement, p < 0.05). How much symptoms interfered with daily life improved from 14.33 to 10.90 (23.9% improvement). Participants reported better emotional stability, reduced anxiety, and improved daily performance. ## What it means for you This treatment may help with PMS mood swings, but the study is too small and had no control group to be confident. We do not know if improvement came from the treatment itself or from the time and attention participants received. Much larger studies comparing this treatment to a placebo would be needed to know if it really works. 30 women studied 25.3% improvement in total symptom score 23.9% improvement in daily function ## About the study Original title Role of Brahmi Siddha Ksheer Shirodhara in Premenstrual Syndrome-Induced Mood Swings - A Pilot Study Authors Tejas N. Wanjari, Pratiksha P Rathod, Nishigandha A. Kubade Journal Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences Year 2026 Study design Non-randomised trial Participants 30 What was tested Brahmi Siddha Ksheer Shirodhara for 7 days, starting 10 days before period, for 3 menstrual cycles Open access Yes Read the paper [doi.org/10.21760/jaims.11.1.7](https://doi.org/10.21760/jaims.11.1.7) Original abstract Background: Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) is a common condition characterized by emotional and physical symptoms that interfere with daily functioning. Ayurveda describes Shirodhara—the rhythmic pouring of medicated liquids on the forehead—as a therapy to pacify Prana Vata and restore psychosomatic balance. Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), a renowned Medhya Rasayana, possesses neuro-cognitive and stress-modulating properties. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of Brahmi Siddha Ksheer Shirodhara in alleviating mood swings associated with PMS. Methods: A pilot interventional study was conducted on 30 female participants aged 16–40 years. Shirodhara with Brahmi Siddha Ksheer was administered for seven consecutive days, commencing ten days before menstruation, for three consecutive cycles. Outcomes were assessed using the Premenstrual Symptoms Screening Tool (PSST) before and after treatment. Results: A significant reduction was observed in both Total Symptom Score (28.43 → 21.23; 25.3% improvement) and Functional Impairment Score (14.33 → 10.90; 23.9% improvement) with p < 0.05. Participants reported better emotional stability, reduced anxiety, and improved daily performance. Conclusion: Brahmi Siddha Ksheer Shirodhara demonstrated promising results in mitigating PMS-induced mood swings through its calming, neuro-endocrine-balancing, and Vata-Shamaka effects. Its non-invasive nature and absence of internal medication suggest potential as a safe, effective adjunct in holistic PMS management. Reproduced under CC-BY. ## Topics [Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)](https://niyora.com/research/topics/condition-pms/)[Mood swings and emotion regulation](https://niyora.com/research/topics/symptom-emotional-regulation/)[Other herbal medicine](https://niyora.com/research/topics/treatment-herbal-other/)[Quality of life and daily functioning](https://niyora.com/research/topics/life-area-quality-of-life/) 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 Study, 2026 What coping strategies help women manage PMS symptoms? Randomised trial, 2025 Which is more effective for PMS - Vitagnus, soy, or both together? Systematic review, 2025 Does teaching adolescent girls about their menstrual cycle and health help reduce period pain and PMS? Systematic review, 2014 Do acupuncture and herbal medicine help PMS or PMDD symptoms? Randomised trial, 2025 Does Nigella sativa reduce PMS symptoms in women? Survey study, 2025 Can a smartphone app help diagnose and monitor PMS? Ask AI about this page Copy prompt ChatGPT ↗ Claude ↗ Perplexity ↗ Google AI Mode ↗ Grok ↗