Herbs for Woman's Health

Herbal medicine had been widely used around the world for thousands of years to restore the body and replenish vitality. Several herbs are specifically supportive of woman's health, providing benefits such as increased libido, steady energy levels, hormonal balancing, pain relief, and elevated mood.

Here are a few of my personal favorite herbs for healing & support through all stages of womanhood.

Nettle

Rich in minerals and high in iron, nettle is a powerful antidote for anemia. Its deeply nourishing pre & post cycle, after childbirth, and in the case of a miscarriage. Nettle also supports kidney health, clears urinary tract infections and is incredibly effective at reducing seasonal allergies.

Lovely taken as a tea or infusion.

Black Cohosh

This herb has successfully been used for hormone replacement therapy, to support woman during menopause, with few adverse effects. It helps to alleviate symptoms of hot flashes, sleep disorders, body pains, irritability, and mood swings.

Take as a tea, tincture or capsule.

Shatavari

Used in Ayurveda, this a beautiful herb for woman as it is supportive through all phases of womanhood. It helps to balance sluggish menstruation or a heave flow. It also works as an aphrodisiac and a sexual tonic by elevating testosterone levels, and helps to lubricate the vagina when there is vaginal dryness during menopause or low sexual desire.

Shatavari also increases fertility and breast milk production. It elevates estrogen levels, helping to balance hormones during menopause when estrogen is low.

Take as in capsule or powder form.

Red Raspberry Leaf

Red raspberry leaf is a uterine tonic. It helps to support and tonify the uterus pre-menstruation - it relives menstrual cramping and pain, and reduces heavy period flows.

Red raspberry is safe to use in the last stage of pregnancy to prepare the uterus and pelvic muscles for labor and birth (always consult your midwife or doctor first). It can also help relive and treat endometriosis.

Best as a tea or infusion.

Wild Yam

With "antispasmodic" action, wild yam helps in relieving menstrual cramping and pain/ dysmenorrhea, as well as regulating contraction during labor. It also provides pain relief post- surgery in the pelvic region related to endometriosis, fibroid or cyst removal, caesarean section, and post- labor pain.

Wild yam can be used in a progesterone cream, a natural alternative to hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

Red Clover

Red clover has been known to decrease abnormal cervical cell growth/cervical dysplasia. Its anti- inflammatory properties help to reduce PMS- related acne. As it elevates estrogen, red clover supports the menopause phase, and decreases vaginal dryness, hot flashes, and night sweats.

Best taking as a tea or infusion.

Oat Straw

A lovely herb that is gentle and safe, oat straw can be taken during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and by elderly woman. It supports the central envois system, relieving stress, which is tied to sexual health and desire. It has a soothing, calming effect on the body and can elevate mood. It can also relieve cramping associated with PMS and labor pains.

Best taken as a tea or infusion.

Evening Primrose

This is best taken in an oil form, i.e. evening primrose oil. Due to its high levels of essential fatty acids (EFAs), it supports healthy hair and skin growth and relieves inflammation in the body. The EFA content also supports healthy hormone production, relieving PMS pain and hormonal acne.

Best in capsule form.

Benefit from the natural, healing properties of herbs to support your journey through womanhood. Plants provide incredible curative and medicinal uses. Try them out and experience the powerful effects.

*Keep an eye out for my up and coming class's on all things herbal: Healing with herbs through all stages of womanhood. This spring, I will go in to more detail on how to grow theses herbs in your own garden, with showing you how to dry & prepare for personal use. I will be sharing seeds & starts from my prolific herbal garden in the heart of Buffalo, NY.