Herbs
for Women’s Health
Blue
cohosh (Caulophyllum
thalictroides)
promotes estrogen
function and acts as a
uterine tonic and
strengthener.
Sage
(Salvia
officinalis) an
estrogen promoter and
strongly anti-hydrotic
(drying). This makes it
ideal as a safe and
effective treatment for
night sweats and hot
flashes which are caused
by declining estrogen
levels.
Oats
(Avena sativa) a
powerful tonic nervine,
soothing and healing to
the nerves, promoting
rest and relaxation. It
is excellent in the
treatment of anxiety,
depression, insomnia,and
irritability.
Blessed
thistle (Carbenia
benedicta) a strong
but gentle liver tonic
herb, promoting
metabolic activities in
the liver cells and
toxin elimination.
Especially noted as a
tonic herb for women.
Black
cohosh (Cimicifuga
racemosa) is an
estrogen balancer. It
contains the so-called
phyto-estrogens,
steroidal molecules with
a structural similarity
to the steroidal
estrogen hormone. The
exact mechanism of
action is not yet fully
understood but it
appears that the smaller
plant molecules can act
in the body to
‘prime’ the receptor
sites on cells that
normally respond to
estrogen in the blood
stream. Thus when your
estrogen reaches the
cell surface, the
response of the receptor
site is augmented or
enhanced.
Licorice
(Glycyrrhiza glabra) another
herb with steroidal
properties, promoting
estrogen production and
supporting the adrenal
glands.
Alfalfa
(Medicago sativa) another
estrogenic herb, also
supplying essential
trace minerals and other
nutrients to the body.
False
Unicorn (Chamaelirium
luteum) a normalizer
of ovarian function and
balances production of
estrogen and
progesterone.
Motherwort
(Leonurus cardiaca) works
as a bitter digestive
tonic, a cardiac
normalizer, calming,
tonic nervine, and a
uterine tonic. It
promotes effective
hormone metabolism by
the liver and reduces
anxiety, insomnia and
palpitations that may be
associated with the
stimulating effect of
estrogen on the brain.
It also nourishes the
uterine tissue by
improving circulation to
the area. It has an
overall quietening ffect
upon the circulation and
so it is useful to treat
palpitations or hot
flashes.
Dandelion
root (Taraxacum
off. radix) a bitter
digestive tonic which
promotes effective
hormone metabolism by
the liver. It also
enhances bowel function,
so increases the
elimination of toxins
and metabolic waste
products.
Vitex
(Vitex agnus-castus) a
regulator of pituitary
function which
specifically promotes
the production of
Luteinizing hormone (LH)
which stimulates the
release of the egg in
the first half of the
cycle and stimulates the
corpus luteum in the
second half to produce
progesterone.
Wild
yam (Dioscorea
villosa) and
Sarsaparilla (Smilax
ornata) contain
steroidal molecules
which appear to mimic
the action of
progesterone in the
body. The exact
mechanism of action is
not yet fully understood
but it appears that the
smaller plant molecules
can act in the body to
‘prime’ the receptor
sites on cells that
normally respond to
progesterone in the
blood stream. Thus when
your progesterone
reaches the cell
surface, the response of
the receptor site is
augmented or enhanced.
Blue
vervain (Verbena
off.) has a broad
spectrum endocrine
(hormone) balancing
effect, is a bitter
digestive stimulant and
a tonic, relaxing
nervine.
Siberian
ginseng (Eleutherococcus
senticosus) an
adrenal tonic, helping
to regulate energy
production and to offset
the depressive effect of
progesterone on the
brain.
Ladies
mantle (Alchemilla
vulgaris) an
astringent uterine
tonic, helping to
regulate the glandular
activity of the uterine
lining and reduce
excessive bleeding.
Partridge
berry (Mitchella
repens) a tonic to
the uterine tissues.
Black
haw (Viburnum
prunifolium) a
relaxant and
antispasmodic to the
female organs that
enhances blood flow to
the tissues.
Dandelion
leaf (Taraxacum
off. folia) a bitter
digestive stimulant,
promoting effective
hormone metabolism by
the liver. It is also a
strong diuretic, helping
to reduce the water
retention and bloating
that frequently occurs
in the second half of
the cycle.
Pasque
flower (Passiflora
incarnata) a bitter
relaxing nervine useful
for anxiety, insomnia,
irritability and
tearfulness.
Herbal
Formulas for Women's
Health
Green
Goddess Tea
A pleasant tasting
blend that tonifies and
strengthens all the
female organs and aids
in regulating the cycle.
Red raspberry (Rubus
ideaus), Nettle (Urtica
dioica), Chamomile (Chamomilla
recutita), Lemon
balm (Melissa off.),
Black haw (Viburnum
prunifolium), Chaste
berry (Vitex
agnus-castus),
Motherwort (Leonurus
cardica), Ginger (Zingiber
off.) and Yarrow (Achillea
millefolium).
Women’s
Balancing Blend
A synergistic blend
of essential oils in a
base of pure grapeseed
oil. To be applied over
the lower abdomen and
lower back daily.
Lavender, Melissa, Clary
sage, Fennel and
Verbena.
Moon
Phase 1
This is a specific
synergistic combination
of herbs designed to
support, strengthen and
tonify the hormonal
systems of the first
phase of the menstrual
cycle (the follicular or
proliferative phase).
Alfalfa (Medicago
sativa), Black
cohosh (Actea
racemosa), Vitex (Vitex
agnus-castus),
Dandelion root (Taraxacum
off. radix), False
unicorn (Chamaelirium
luteum), Licorice (Glycyrrhiza
glabra), Motherwort
(Leonurus cardiaca).
Dosage:
1 tsp. should be taken
morning and night from
day one of the cycle
(first day of menstrual
bleeding) until
ovulation.
*Additionally
40 drops of Dong quai (Angelica
sinensis)
should be taken twice a
day from day 1 to
ovulation.
Moon
Phase 2
This is a specific
synergistic combination
of herbs designed to
support, strengthen and
tonify the hormonal
systems of the second
phase of the menstrual
cycle (the luteal or
secretory phase). Black
haw (Viburnum
prunifolium), Blue
vervain (Verbena off.),
Vitex (Vitex
agnus-castus),
Dandelion root (Taraxacum
off. radix), Ladies
Mantle (Alchemilla
vulgaris), Partridge
Berry (Mitchella
repens),
Sarsaparilla (Smilax
ornata), Siberian
ginseng (Eleuthrococcus
senticosus), Wild
yam (Dioscorea
villosa).
Dosage:
1 tsp. should be taken
morning and night from
ovulation until the
beginning of the next
menstrual period.
Repeated
use over several months
may be required to
obtain lasting change.
PMS
This formula can
help to alleviate
pre-menstrual syndrome
by balancing the
hormones, supporting the
liver, and tonifying the
organs. Specific symptom
patterns can also be
addressed with herbs
chosen for the
individual condition.
These herbs should
generally be used in the
last two weeks of the
cycle.
Blue vervain (Verbena
off.), False unicorn
(Chamaelirium luteum),
Vitex (Vitex
agnus-castus), Oats
(Avena sativa),
Dandelion leaf (Taraxacum
off. folia), Pasque
flower (Pulsatilla
anemone), Dandelion
root (Taraxacum
off.radix).
Herbs to add for
specific symptoms:
For
PMS with bloating &
water retention
Horsetail (Equisetum
arvense), Cleavers
(Galium aparine), Yarrow
(Achillea millefolium).
For
PMS with irritability
and insomnia
Passionflower
(Passiflora
incarnata), Blue
vervain (Verbena off.),
Oats (Avena sativa),
Linden (Tilia europea),
Skullcap (Scutalleria
lateriflora), St.
John’s Wort (Hypericum
perforatum),
Chamomile (Chamomilla
recutita).
For
PMS with weepiness and
moodiness Periwinkle
(Vinca major/minor),
Rosemary (Rosmarinus
off.), Gingko (Gingko
biloba), Gotu kola (Centella
asiatica), Basil
essential oil.
MNPS
This formula
combines a powerful
blend of herbs to
support estrogen
activity in the body and
to reduce hot flashes,
night sweats,
palpitations, insomnia,
anxiety and depression.
Blessed thistle (Carbenia
benedicta),
Motherwort (Leonurus
cardiaca), Blue
cohosh (Caulophyllum
thalictroides), Oats
(Avena sativa),
Vitex (Vitex
agnus-castus), Red
sage (Salvia off.),
False unicorn (Chamaelirium
luteum), Wild yam (Dioscorea
villosa).
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