Feminine Herbal Supplements Benefit Women

By Deborah Morris


Being a woman is a wonderful thing. She is a complex and complicated mixture of wisdom, humor, emotion, intuition, pliability, and strength. The medical profession, dominated by men for much of its history, has failed to unravel the true nature of women and their health needs. Fortunately, wise students of nature have discovered a bounty of feminine herbal marvels that nourish, soothe, energize, and balance the female body.

Physical well-being and emotional stability depend on a healthy endocrine system. This is the network of glands that produce hormones in the human body. Hormones regulate every metabolic process and every stage of life from birth on: growth and development, puberty, reproduction, and menopause. The smooth transition from one stage to the next can be disrupted if hormones are out of balance. Imbalances can be caused by glandular disorders, improper diet, deficiencies, stress overload, environmental pollutants, and emotional or physical trauma.

Since the dawn of time, people have relied on plants for healing. Some of the earliest historical documents concern herbal medicine. As modern research has proved, 'old wive's tales' are often true. As cultures intermingle, more valuable healing plants become available. There is so much knowledge it may seem overwhelming, but there's no need to try it all. Find an herbal remedy that works for you and stick with it. Fortunately, the safety of herbs properly used is so great that it doesn't hurt to experiment. Read up on herbal supplements and then try one in a tea, a tincture, a capsule, or an oil.

Hormonal balance is key to a happy life. Herbs can enhance puberty, childbearing, and menopause. Vitex is one traditional plant known to ease menstrual pain, boost fertility, and help with hot flashes and vaginal dryness during menopause. Red raspberry leaves, a popular pregnancy tonic, also help prevent uterine prolapse. Dandelion, nettle, hawthorn, oat straw, and dong quai are nourishing herbs that support every part of a woman's body.

Menstruation is a natural function of the female body, but it can be so out of balance that it used to be called 'the curse'. Licorice regulates the cycle, lady's mantle and cayenne help curb excessive bleeding, ginger and black cohosh help with pain. Many more herbs help with PMS symptoms.

There are many herbs for the childbearing years. Nettle and dandelion are valuable sources of minerals that keep blood rich and bones strong. Maca, vitex, and lady's mantle boost fertility. For morning sickness, try wild yam or a cup of ginger tea.

A lack of energy is one of the most common complaints of modern women, who often have to balance the demands of both workplace and home. Blue vervain and licorice root are specifics for an energy boost. Ashwaghanda can increase stamina and promote sound sleep. Maca, a South American root, has become popular for its hormone balancing and energizing effects. Hawthorn is heart healthy and also helps with mood swings and depression; evening primrose and schizandra may alleviate these enervating problems.

Hormone levels decline with age. In women, this stage of life is called menopause. Women may experience mood swings, mental confusion, weight gain, hot flashes, night sweats, dry skin, sleep disruption, and thinning hair. Herbs help here, too. Black cohosh, soy extracts, Asian ginseng, dong quai, vitex, wild yam, maca, sage - the list goes on. Each of these herbs helps with one or more symptoms. Many contain phyto-estrogens, which are bio-identical hormones compatible with the human body.




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