Herbal Medicine was traditionally prepared by Women and used extensively in Women's health for menstrual conditions, pregnancy, birth and post partum support.
Due to this long standing practice there is an abundance of work recorded on the healing benefits of Herbal Medicine for Women.
Traditionally Woman where the healers and wise medicine dwellers of the village. Herbal remedies where a part of every day life and remedies such as teas, balms, soaks, powders and tinctures where all made in the home kitchen. Wise Woman healing practices where the norm, not an alternative medicine.
Sadly now many of these attitudes and practices have been lost or are considered ineffective. Fortunately we have an abundance of literature and now current research to back up what we have always known, that plant medicine has an amazing ability to restore wellness, and particularly in women, restore hormonal balance.
Women who are experiencing hormonal imbalance often complain of symptoms such as PMS, heavy bleeding, irregular cycles, erratic bleeding, pain and infertility however there are many natural remedies that can be used during this time to support your hormones, mood and energy including:
- Vitex is a wonderful herb for regulating your cycle, specifically your Luteal Phase (Post Ovulatory Phase) as it boosts progesterone and reduces PMS symptoms.
- Black Cohosh is great for balancing estrogen and for delayed mensturation
- Dong Quai is useful for pain, estrogen excess as well as anemia from heavy bleeding
- Lemon Balm for anxiety, low mood and stress
- Red Raspberry Leaf for toning the uterus and easing cramps
- Nettle Leaf for fluid retention as well as an iron tonic
- Cramp Bark and Chamomile for relieving menstural cramping as well ascalming and soothing the nerves.
- Shepards Purse or Yarrow for heavy bleeding as they act as an astringent
- Rosehips and Hibiscus is a lovely tea to have as a monthly ritual with their vibrant red color rich in vitamin c which helps with iron absorption
- Cinnamon, Ginger and Cardamon are all very warming and grounding to help ease cramps and promote a monthly flow free from pain and stagnation
- Passionflower and Skullcap are great for easing stress, tension, insomnia and anxiety.
- Shatavari and Maca are both wonderful herbs for women which help to nurture the adrenals and regulate estrogen levels
- Withania - is great for supporting the nervous system by increasing resistance to stress, decreasing cortisol and boosting energy.
- Rhodiola - is good for supporting adrenal function, boosting energy and suporting mood
- Turmeric and Saffron are both anti inflammatory and help to ease pain and cramping
- St Johns Wort is great for those who suffer with low mood around the pre menstural time and during mensturation
- Evening Primrose Oil can help to ease pms symptoms as well as pain and cramping
- Castor Oil Packs are great for promoting circulation and easing pain and cramping (do not use once mensturation begins)
- Clary Sage for clarity and calm as well as easing cramps
- Lavender, Rose, Geranium, Neroli and Mandarin are all great for boosting the spirits, easing sadness and anxiety
- Juniper for bloating and fluid retention
- Wild Yam Cream – Rubbed into breasts and abdomen has a natural progesterone boosting effect to ease pms symptoms
- Burdock – A depuritive herb for cleansing the blood of toxins and wastes
Consider your symptoms and look at how you could possibly include some of these remedies specific to your individual needs into your cycle in order to restore hormonal balance.
For a customised Naturopathic treatment plan and tailored herbal formula posted to you, you can book a free 15min chat to see how I can help!