Herbs no woman should be without

 Part of Traditional Chinese Medicine for millennia, dong quai is one of the strongest herbs available for feminine needs.  For heavy and/or painful menstruation it is ideal.  It also does double-duty when your hormones finally begin to run out, in perimenopause and the real thing.  It can often be found in capsule form as well as a tea. Drink tea made from black cohosh daily during PMS as well as menopause to reduce symptoms.  As a phytoestrogen it is highly geared toward easing the symptoms at both stages of female life, before and after the change. The flowers as well as leaves of this common legume are another effective phytoestrogen.  They assist in menstrual difficulties and especially menopause, being often used instead of hormone replacement therapy.  It can also boost fertility.View the list »
 Red raspberries are usually considered the ideal variety but the black (wild) kind are equal to the task.  An infusion (tea) made from these leaves will give you a dose of phytoestrogens to aid in PMS, dysmenorrhea, menorraghia, and menopause.  

Holistic Health newsletter

There are herbs for pretty much any condition, any purpose; for women, whether of childbearing age or beyond, these can be your best friend at certain times. From PMS (premenstrual syndrome) to the raging overheating of menopause, you should keep a good supply of specific plant remedies on hand for whatever comes into your life.

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Some of them are effective in different stages of feminine life, helping with the misery of cramps and heavy flow as well as the absence of estrogen later on in your middle years. There are also herbs that can ease the pain of childbirth or even aid in conception. The reason many of these wonderful plants are so versatile is that they balance the hormones. When your estrogen is either too high or too low, everything else is going to correspondingly be thrown out of whack, so to speak, as well. If you feel like your entire body is going to hell in a hand basket, you can thank this imbalance for it. The great relief you can experience from herbal remedies, without the concurrent dangers of elevated cancer risks in many instances, will allow you to carry on with normal life. No one gets off scot-free when you tamper with nature. Women’s bodies are so naturally designed to be in tune with the natural world and its patterns and cycles, it is best to stick to that way of living for the best maintenance of your health.

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  •  Red raspberries are usually considered the ideal variety but the black (wild) kind are equal to the task.  An infusion (tea) made from these leaves will give you a dose of phytoestrogens to aid in PMS, dysmenorrhea, menorraghia, and menopause.  
  •  The flowers as well as leaves of this common legume are another effective phytoestrogen.  They assist in menstrual difficulties and especially menopause, being often used instead of hormone replacement therapy.  It can also boost fertility.
  •  Drink tea made from black cohosh daily during PMS as well as menopause to reduce symptoms.  As a phytoestrogen it is highly geared toward easing the symptoms at both stages of female life, before and after the change.
  •  Part of Traditional Chinese Medicine for millennia, dong quai is one of the strongest herbs available for feminine needs.  For heavy and/or painful menstruation it is ideal.  It also does double-duty when your hormones finally begin to run out, in perimenopause and the real thing.  It can often be found in capsule form as well as a tea.
  •  Not generally considered for period pain, ginger is good because it helps ease spasms and nausea.  Also during pregnancy, morning sickness can respond well to this common household spice without harm to you or the baby.
  •  Ginger is a powerful friend to have when your “friend comes to visit”, as women used to say a few years back.  It helps relieve cramps, works as a sleep aid, and calms the nerves.  This is also highly helpful for menopausal difficulties, as insomnia and mood swings often cause trouble at that time of life.
  •  This has to be the super-herb of women’s remedies.  It can treat almost any menstrual or premenstrual problem you can have.  Chasteberry also is effective in helping increase female fertility as it regulates the cycle.  In cases of fibrous cysts in the breasts this herb is also helpful since they are frequently affected by hormonal fluctuations.
  •  Another beneficial plant to women, cramp bark is aptly named due to its effectiveness in treating menstrual problems from cramping.  Its astringent qualities also assist in quelling heavy bleeding during menstruation and following childbirth.  Cramp bark relaxes uterine muscles that contract during the period as well as delivery.  
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, LA Alternative Medicine Examiner

Vickie has certificates as a Holistic Health Consultant, Clinical Nutrition Counselor, and Herbal Medicine Counselor. She sees great potential in LA for promotion of these fields. She is also a member of the Dinshah Health Society. Vickie can be reached at: vljackson@hotmail.com.

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