Let’s start by saying there’s no such thing as herbs only for women or herbs or herbs “just for men”. Nature provides generously for all and we are eternally grateful that we can harness the powerful properties of her bountiful botanicals.
But if you have ever felt like your body is a mystery through different life stages, just know you aren’t alone. Nature has been providing the ‘instruction manual’ in the form of herbs for centuries. Nourishing herbal remedies provide effective, time-tested support throughout all cycles of a woman’s life – from puberty to pregnancy, menopause through post-menopause.
Hormonal Balance & Cycles
These herbs are traditionally used to promote balance and overall well-being:
Chaste Tree aka Vitex (Vitex agnus-castus)
Think of Chaste Tree Berries as a conductor for your hormonal orchestra. It is widely used to promote a healthy menstrual cycle by supporting the delicate estrogen-progesterone balance. It’s also a favorite for managing hot flashes during the transition into menopause.**
Red Clover (Trifolium pratense)
The nutritious tonic provides beneficial phytoestrogens, which promote menopausal comfort and promote hormonal balance. Enjoy Red Clover Blossoms as a mild-tasting tea hot or iced.**
Menstrual Comfort
Maintaining a steady rhythm is key to feeling your best. These herbs are the “balancers” of the botanical world, helping to smooth out the highs and lows of your natural cycles.
Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa)
The legendary menopause wellness herb also provides menstrual comfort (antispasmodic to soothe cramps), promotes hormonal balance, and supports emotional well-being. **
Cramp Bark (Viburnum opulus)
Just as the name implies, yes, Cramp Bark is one of nature’s most effective herbal remedies for relaxing muscular tension as well as menstrual cramps.**
Dandelion Root (Taraxicum officinale)
The liver supports the metabolism of hormones, such as estrogen. That’s why PMS and menstrual comfort formulas will always include dandelion and other liver-supporting herbs.** Plus, it’s helpful for bloating and temporary water weight gain too.
Dong Quai aka Tang Kuei (Angelica sinensis)
All hail the “queen of women’s herbs”. Dong Quai is so-called because the Chinese root encourages circulation to the pelvic area, supports reproductive health, eases menstrual cramps, supports uterine health, calms menopausal discomforts…and the list really does go and on.**
Vitality & Sexual Wellness
Gently boost vitality, lower your stress levels, and heighten your libido with:
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
Ashwagandha is for the woman always on the go and who finds she’s putting out more than she put back in. The Ayurvedic tonic boosts energy & stamina, lowers stress, and promotes women’s libido.**
Maca (Lepidium meyenii)
The 2,000-year-old Peruvian power root is a traditional ally for women’s hormonal balance, reproductive health, and sexual well-being.**
Oat Straw (Avena sativa)
Another nutritive tonic like Nettle leaf, Oat Straw is an herbal source of calcium, magnesium, silica, and other bone-supporting nutrients. Blend this mild-tasting tea with Nettle and Alfalfa for herbal hair, skin & nails formulas.**
Uva Ursi (Arctostaphylos uva ursi)
Urinary tract imbalance affects millions of people but especially women. So what can you do? Consider herbal helpers such as Uva Ursi. The urinary antiseptic promotes urine flow while helping to flush and cleanse the urinary passage.**
Pregnancy & Post-Partum Support
It goes without saying that using herbs during pregnancy should only be done under the care of a qualified practitioner. During this special time, the following herbs help to nurture your changing body:
Red Raspberry (Rubus idaeus)
Herbalists and traditional midwives alike praise Red Raspberry as a revitalizing tonic for ALL stages of a woman’s life. It promotes balance throughout the menstrual cycle, supports a healthy female reproductive system, strengthens the uterus, and eases menopause discomfort. **
Blessed Thistle (Cnicus benedictus)
Blessed Thistle was a well-known 17th-century remedy for female complaints. Today, it’s a popular herb to help supports breast milk production, especially in combination with Red Raspberry and Fennel. **
Nettle (Urtica dioica)
Nettle leaf is loaded with vitamins, minerals, trace minerals, and a host of beneficial nutrients, including chlorophyll. Find the nutritive leaves in premenstrual bloating and rejuvenating postpartum tea blends. **
Menopausal Wellness
Create a comfortable transition and manage your symptoms herbally with:
Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa)
Black Cohosh makes the list again becauuse it is nature’s answer for the uncomfortable changes that accompany menopause.**Â
Hawthorn Berries (Crataegus oxyacantha)
Nature’s Heart Helper supports healthy blood flow and cardiac muscle tone – important for post-menopausal health.**
Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca)
Motherwort is a powerful relaxant that calms menopausal stress AND supports healthy heart function. **
**Caution: Consult a healthcare practitioner before using any of these herbs if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition.
But Wait, There’s More…
In nature’s vast worldwide wonderland, there are many more herbal treasures to discover for feminine vitality: Blue Cohosh, Damiana, Eleuthero, Fenugreek, Licorice, Sage, Shepherd’s Purse, Yellow Dock, and Wild Yam to name just a few.
Did I miss your favorite? Which stage of life are you looking to support right now? Let us know in the comments!
Women’s Wellness Resources
There are also numerous resources where women can obtain reliable information to inform their decisions about herbs, supplements, and therapies tailored to their unique needs. Some of my personal favorites are Dr. Aviva Romm, she’s an MD, midwife, and herbalist who offers great info in an easy-to-understand way sometimes with a bit of humor. Dr. Tieroana Low Dog is another medical doctor that integrates knowledge of midwifery and herbs to create an amazing resource for all women. Linda Rector-Page, a Naturopathic Doctor, herbalist, and formulator of women’s remedies is also on my list. She’s written quite a few books on fertility, menopause, fibroids, and other women’s issues.
There are so many more resources, remedies, and wellness tips to promote female health and vitality. Please share any books, websites, podcasts, or go-to herbs you love.
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