Herbalism treats the whole person, not just the symptom. It strengthens the body and encourages it to heal itself.
Here is a quick summary of herbs, which have been used through the centuries to aid women's health, and are growing increasingly popular today:
Dandelion Root & Leaves: A natural diuretic and laxative and an excellent source of potassium - can be used to aid water retention, constipation and the leaves for anaemia.
Fennel Seeds & Root: Anti-spasmodic and a natural digestive tonic - can be used for breast milk promotion, morning sickness and Indigestion - should be avoided in high doses during pregnancy.
Borage Leaves, Flowers & Seeds (Star Flower): Anti-inflammatory and diuretic - can aid Pre-menstrual tension, breast milk promotion and depression. Has a higher GLA content than Evening Primrose.
False Unicorn Rhizome (horizonal stem of the plant usually found underground) & Roots: Hormone balancer and reproductive system tonic - can aid with miscarriage, irregular periods, and pre-menstrual tension.
Chaste Tree Fruit: Hormone balancer and uterine tonic - helpful for menopausal symptoms and missed periods. Should not be taken with progesterone.
Ginger Root: Emmenagogue (promotes or increases menstrual flow), anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory. Can help with morning sickness, missed periods and indigestion.
Vervain Leaves & Flowers: Nerve tonic, anti-spasmodic and relaxant - Useful for migraine, anxiety, depression and menstrual cramps - to be avoided in pregnancy.
Marigold Flowers: Anti-fungal and healing properties - also emmenagogue (promotes or increases menstrual flow). Can aid thrush, soreness in breast-feeding and delayed periods.
Chinese Angelica Dried Root (also called Dang Gui): Emmemagogue (promotes or increases menstrual flow), anti-spasmodic and tonic. Can help painful or missed periods. Avoid in pregnancy and if diabetic, fresh roots are poisonous.
Chamomile Flowers: Anti-spasmodic, calming, sedative and anti-fungal. Can help with thrush, anxiety, insomnia and menstrual cramps.
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