What women need
07 Jun 2009
Herbs bring harmony to all areas of women`s health.
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The gentle healing nature of herbs lends itself perfectly to the many imbalances and stressors women face each day and throughout each stage of their life.
Women have always praised the effectiveness of herbs to help manage the seemingly endless mental and physical symptoms associated with menstruation, PMS, menopause, pregnancy and depression.
Here are few of the herbs that have a rich history alleviating imbalances in women to help make life more enjoyable:
FEMALE TONIC HERB DONG QUAI
Dong quai has earned a reputation as being the best female tonic herb, sometimes called “the female ginseng”. It can be applied to almost every female gynecological ailment because if its prized nourishing and strengthening qualities. As a uterine tonic, dong quai is valuable for stimulating blood flow to the pelvic area; restoring strength and balance to the uterus over time. Dong quai has been used to balance and regulate menstrual cycles after child birth, relieve symptoms of menopause, premenstrual syndrome, absent of menses and for its influence on hormonal production. Dong quai is not recommended during menstruation and pregnancy.
HORMONAL BALANCIND AND REGULATING
Chaste tree, also known as vitex is primarily used to regulate and stimulate the pituitary gland. The most valuable action of chaste tree lies in its ability to normalize the activity of the female sex hormones, including progesterone function. Premenstrual syndrome occurs in many women when progesterone levels drop and estrogen levels increase. Vitex has the ability to increase proportionally, progesterone to estradiol which helps to mange PMS symptoms.
Black cohosh is a powerful herb used to help regain normal hormonal activity particularly during menopause and for its relaxing qualities.
Wild yam root is prized for its natural hormone content aiding menopause and all aspects of menstrual dysfunction, as well as, infertility.
IRON PLUS MINERALS AND VITAMINS
Stinging nettle is an herb that most people try to avoid, but not so for herbalists. They praise and even worship this prickly plant as a food and medicine. Considered by many to be as important as the Chinese “long life” herbs, nettles are extremely high in minerals and vitamins, particularly iron. Nettle is a favourite remedy for anemia and an excellent reproductive tonic for women to alleviate symptoms of PMS and menopause.
REDUCING NERVOUS STRESS
Valerian dates back to ancient history where it was highly regarded for its sedating and pain relieving qualities. Today, valerian is still the herb of choice for those who suffer from nervous tension, insomnia, anxiety, mood swings and headaches. Valerian is a safe, non addictive herb being used effectively as long a term nerve tonic and for acute symptoms involving pain.
Skullcap is specially indicated to the nervous system, used as sedative, benefiting nervous exhaustion, stress and depression. While Skullcap has strong effective applications, it is also of great value in rejuvenating the central nervous system.
Passionflower has a long history as a calming and relaxing herb. An effective but gentle herb, passionflower is indicated for mood swings, hyperactivity in adults or children and for transiting into a restful sleep.
LIVER HEALTH
Dandelion is viewed as a universal herb, widely acclaimed for its restorative and purifying effects upon the liver and other body systems. Once a household name, dandelion is ideal for liver ailments, an effective diuretic, a blood purifier and a nutrient rich food source.
Milk thistle is a nourishing herb to the liver and raise glutathione, the livers main antioxidant.
MENSTRUAL CRAMPS
Menstrual cramps are helped tremendously with the uterine nervine crampbark. It relaxes uterine muscles, reduces pain and protects against miscarriage due to stress and tension.
THYROID
Commonly known as kelp, bladderwrack provides the thyroid with essential iodine, a trace mineral to ward off hypothyroidism. The thyroid requires a small amount of iodine daily in order to make thyroid hormone. The absence of this mineral affects every metabolic function from the neck down. Cold hands and feet, low energy, hard to lose weight, heavy menses, infertility, hair loss, and hot flashes are just some of the symptoms associated with a low thyroid.
PREGNANCY THREATENED MISCARRIGES
Black haw is primarily a women’s herb and is identified as uterine relaxant. Herbalists often use this herb to prevent miscarriage and to aid false labour pains. Black haw is also excellent for menstrual cramping and to prevent excessive flow at menopause.
DURING PREGNACY
Raspberry leaf is highly acclaimed as a uterine and pelvic muscle toner which attributes to its fame as the go to herb for preparing mothers to be for childbirth. During the last three months of pregnancy, raspberry leaf tea will enrich and encourage the flow of mother’s milk and ease the muscle with labour.
LATE STAGES OF PREGNANCY
Blue cohosh is a valuable herb during the last few weeks of pregnancy to help mothers prepare for children by making the birth process less painful and swifter. Many herbalists agree that the use of blue cohosh at the onset of labour pains will help ensure an easy delivery. Also during childbirth, if your contractions are weak, try sipping a tea of blue cohosh to strengthen uterine contractions. Talk to your doctor or midwife about the treatment before birth.


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