Sharing some of my favorite herbs for PMS. 

Hi friends! How are you? Happy Valentine’s Day!! I hope you’re having a lovely morning. I’m looking forward to mass with the kids (it’s also Ash Wednesday) and family fancy dinner tonight. I hope you have a great day, too.

For today, let’s talk about PMS and some herbs that may help!

For many women, the days leading up to menstruation can bring about a slew of uncomfortable symptoms, collectively known as premenstrual syndrome (PMS). While managing these symptoms may feel like an uphill battle, nature offers a plethora of remedies in the form of medicinal herbs. In this blog post, I’m going to share some popular herbal solutions for PMS, exploring the benefits, usage, and considerations that may help you find relief naturally.

It’s also to remember that while PMS is common, it’s not *normal*. It is possible to have a completely uneventful cycle, but it takes some lifestyle changes, nervous system resetting, and dialed-in nutrition. While herbs can be a helpful complement to your routine, they can’t makeup for your lifestyle or daily habits.

the best herbs for PMS

Understanding PMS and Herbal Remedies

Premenstrual syndrome encompasses a range of physical and emotional symptoms that occur in the days preceding menstruation. From bloating and mood swings to headaches and fatigue, these symptoms can significantly impact daily life. Herbal remedies offer a holistic approach to managing PMS by addressing the underlying hormonal imbalances and supporting overall well-being.

Herbs for PMS Relief

Chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus):

Chasteberry is renowned for its ability to balance hormones, particularly by increasing progesterone levels. This can alleviate symptoms such as irritability, breast tenderness, and bloating.

Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis):

Dong Quai is a traditional Chinese herb known for its regulatory effects on the menstrual cycle. It can help alleviate menstrual cramps, promote blood flow, and regulate hormonal fluctuations.

Evening Primrose Oil:

Rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), evening primrose oil is prized for its anti-inflammatory properties. It can help reduce breast tenderness, bloating, and mood swings associated with PMS.

Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa):

Black cohosh is beneficial for relieving menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes and mood swings. It may also help alleviate PMS symptoms such as irritability and anxiety.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale):

Ginger is renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties, making it a valuable ally in combating menstrual cramps and digestive discomfort associated with PMS.

Cramp Bark (Viburnum opulus):

As the name suggests, cramp bark is highly effective in relieving menstrual cramps and muscle tension. It works by relaxing the uterine muscles, easing pain and discomfort.

Wild Yam (Dioscorea villosa):

Wild yam contains compounds that mimic natural progesterone, making it beneficial for hormonal balance. It can alleviate PMS symptoms such as mood swings, breast tenderness, and bloating. Wild yam should ideally be used in the luteal phase

(and not just because I’m salty about my results)

Hi friends! How are you? Did you have a good weekend? What did you do for the Super Bowl? We went to an amazing event – I’ll share details in Friday Faves – and the fam came over to watch the Usher concert.. I mean the football game. 😉

For today’s post, I’m finally ready to talk about my MyDNAge test results. It took me a while to marinate on my thoughts because at first, I was a little salty. I’ll share why below, in addition to how this test works. I’m not including a referral link because I’m not quite sure if I recommend this one. I had a much better experience and feel like I got more useful data from InsideTracker. 

I really feel like at-home lab testing is the future, and we’re going to see more advanced methods and data in the future, which is very exciting! In the era of personalized health, understanding our genetic makeup has become a powerful tool for optimizing wellness. MyDNAge takes this concept to the next level by providing insights into the very fabric of our being – our DNA.

 why I didn’t like the MyDNAge test

How MyDNAge Works

MyDNAge utilizes advanced technology to analyze specific markers within your DNA associated with the aging process. The science behind this process lies in the examination of specific regions known as epigenetic markers. These markers provide a unique snapshot of how your genes are expressing themselves over time, offering a glimpse into the biological age of your cells.

The process involves:

DNA Collection:

MyDNAge requires a blood sample, through an at-home fingerpick. (More on this under Cons lol)

Epigenetic Analysis:

The collected DNA is then subjected to sophisticated epigenetic analysis. This involves examining specific chemical modifications to the DNA molecule, known as methyl groups, which play a crucial role in regulating gene activity.

Age Determination:

By analyzing the epigenetic markers, MyDNAge estimates the biological age of your cells. This information provides a personalized and data-driven perspective on how your body is aging at a cellular level.

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Hi friends! Happy Friday! How was the week? I hope you had a great one! Ours was pretty low-key. The Pilot flew nights, the girls had all of their usual events and activities, and I’ve been here working on blog content, client calls, and podcast interviews. We have an event this weekend that I’m looking forward to, and I’m still looking for a dress. If you wait until the last minute, it only takes a minute. 😉

(My fave Sakara goji rose donut)

(Smiling with her lil teeth after her Valentine’s haircut)

Other than the event, I’m teaching barre, working on some fitness programming, and it’s movie night at the kids’ school.

It’s time for the weekly Friday Faves party! This is where I share some of my favorite finds from the week and around the web. I always love to hear about your faves, too, so please shout out something you’re loving in the comments section below.

Friday Faves 2.9

Life:

We went to the Annual Fighter Wing awards banquet in Phoenix and it was a blast as usual. It’s fun to see friends we haven’t caught up with in a long time and also celebrate some hardworking and inspiring squadron members.

It was hard to believe that this was the last time the Pilot will ever wear mess dress. This time next year, he’ll be RETIRED!! Tbh, I’m more than ready, but I can tell it’s going to be bittersweet for him. His military career has been a huge part of his identity for so long, and I know he’ll miss it.

Read more

Today I’m so thrilled and honored to welcome Udo Erasmus to the show. I’ve been a fan of his for years (decades?!) since I discovered Udo’s Oil, which I first started to become interested in a healthier lifestyle. He’s a wealth of knowledge and I enjoyed our conversation so much; I hope you’ll take a listen.

We talk mostly about the elephant in the room: seed oils!

Are they actually *bad*?

Why are some seed oils better than others?

How do we get an ideal balance of Omega 3s and 6s? Why is it important?

Super fascinating stuff. Stay tuned for another interview with him where we discuss his 8-step process 🙂

Here’s a bit more about Udo and his background:

The legendary Udo Erasmus is the co-founder of Udo’s Choice line, which can be found in Whole Foods and other health food stores worldwide. Udo designed the machinery for making oils with health in mind and pioneered flax oil, a billion dollar industry. However, Udo walked a difficult path tobecome the man he is today. Being a child of war, Udo’s life began with intense struggle. As an adult, he got pesticide poisoning in 1980, leaving doctors at a loss regarding treatment. Deciding to take his health into his own hands, Udo began researching, and his discoveries led him to a passion for finding the answers to life’s big questions which would hopefully one day bring him and the world peace.

Today, Udo is an acclaimed speaker and author of many books, including the best-selling Fats That Heal Fats That Kill, which has sold over 250,000 copies. He teaches at events hosted by Tony Robbins and Deepak Chopra, has keynoted an international brain health conference, and has traveled to over 30 countries to conduct thousands of live presentations, media interviews, and staff trainings impacting more than 25,000,000 lives with his message on oils, health, peace, nature, and human nature. Udo has an extensive education in biochemistry, genetics, biology, and nutrition, including a master’s degree in counseling psychology.

You can connect with him on his website and on Instagram.

More resources from this episode:

Join us for Fit Team! This is my online fitness community and you can try it free for 7 days.

I love love love the meals from Read more

Sharing tips on how to stay consistent with working out, even when life gets in the way. 

Hi friends! How’s the week treating you so far? I hope you’re having a great one. I have two podcast interviews this morning (new episode will be up tomorrow!) and am looking forward to coffee with a friend this afternoon.

For today’s post, I wanted to talk a little bit about workout consistency. When I do my annual survey, this is always a common theme. It can be SO hard to stick with a routine, and I wanted to share some tips.

Staying consistent with a workout routine can be challenging, especially when exercise isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. Despite the undeniable benefits of regular physical activity, finding the motivation to lace up your sneakers and GO can be a struggle. If you’ve ever grappled with incorporating exercise into your daily routine, you’re not alone. In today’s post, I’m sharing tips and strategies to help you stay motivated and committed to your workout goals.

How To Stay Consistent With Working Out

Start Small and Build Gradually:

Kickstarting a consistent exercise routine doesn’t mean diving into hour-long intense workouts from the get-go. Begin with manageable durations and intensity, gradually building as your fitness level improves. This approach makes the process more sustainable. Start with just 10 minutes and see how you feel.

Set Realistic Goals:

Trim down your fitness goals into smaller, achievable milestones. Setting realistic expectations prevents overwhelm and allows you to celebrate victories along the way, keeping you motivated for the long term. Check out this post for tips on goal setting!

Choose Activities You Enjoy:

Exercise doesn’t have to be a chore. Opt for activities you genuinely enjoy, whether it’s dancing, hiking, or a favorite sport. When you look forward to your workout, staying consistent becomes much easier. Don’t feel like you *should* only do a certain type of workout. The best workout is the one that you’ll actually do. This means that it’s something you enjoy and look forward to. There are a million types of exercise out there, which means the perfect one for you absolutely exists.

Track Your Progress:

Keep a workout journal or use fitness apps to track your progress. Seeing improvements, no matter how small, serves as a powerful motivator and helps you stay accountable to your goals.

Recruit a Workout Buddy:

Enlist a friend or family member to join you in your fitness journey. Having a workout buddy not only adds a social aspect to exercise but also provides mutual encouragement and support.

Mix Up Your Routine:

Monotony can lead to boredom and decreased motivation. Spice up your workouts by incorporating variety—try different exercises, classes, o