Using Herbs For:	Womens Health	Herbal Remedies
: Menopause : : Amenorrhea : : Pregnancy : : Rheumatoid Arthritis : : Women's Tonics : : PMS : : Dysmenorrhea : : Menorrhagia : : Fibromyalgia : : Candida/Yeast Infection : : Childbirth :

Yoga Horse (Goddess) Pose In Deadhorse Point State Park
Black cohosh contains numerous chemical constituents, among them isoflavones like formononetin, which mimics hormonal activity. This makes it useful for hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and even the depression sometimes associated with menopause.

Many women's herbs do not have rigorous scientific studies backing their use, however, women over the centuries have used herbal remedies safely and effectively. This tradition is the wise woman's way. Herbs are used in women's health to regulate hormones, reduce water retention, elevate mood, and reduce pain and cramping and are used to treat menstrual problems such as PMS, heavy bleeding, skipped periods, excessive bleeding, and menopause. Pregnancy and natural childbirth are also supported by ancient herbal remedies.

Using Herbs for womens Health

Using Herbs for :Estrogen balance Alfalfa Alfalfa has demonstrable estrogenic activity, the alfalfa leaf contains plant equivalents of human estrogen In women whose own hormone production has declined, phytoestrogens also appear to reduce the risk of estrogen-linked cancers such as breast cancer. 1

Using Herbs for :Arthritis and Menopause Black Cohosh Rheumatoid arthritis is a common affliction among women, and can be aggravated by the hormonal imbalances during menopause. In addition to with its estrogenic properties, Black cohosh also has a pain relieving and anti-inflammatory action that makes it useful for arthritis.

Using Herbs for :Female Tonic damina Tonic herbs for women can help to regulate hormonal activity, support a health libido and calm nerves. The phytoestrogens in herbs like dong quai, black cohosh, alfalfa, red clover, and damina work whether the body's natural estrogen concentration needs to be supplemented or constrained,bringing balance to the system. Natural plant hormones are related to estrogen but are less potent than the body's own estrogens.

Using Herbs for :Bloating, PMS, breast tenderness Dandelion leaf Dandelion leaf is highly effective for menstrual bloating, PMS, and the breast tenderness associated with water retention. Over-the-counter premenstrual diuretics ( such as Fluidex or Odrinil) contain Buchu as an active ingredient. Geranium essential oil can be used in massage blends applied to breasts before and during menstruation, to reduce the pain and swelling associated with PMS.

Using Herbs for :Yeast Infections, Candida albicans Echinacea Echinacea acts against Candida albicans, the microorganism that causes most yeast infections. Echinacea is useful for people with chronic fatigue syndrome because yeast infections often cause or accompany symptoms of this disorder.

Using Herbs for :Menopause - Hormone balance Fennel Herbs that have properties similar to estrogen may benefit women going through menopause. Fennel, red clover, dong quai, angelica, black cohosh and wild yam all fall into this category of herbs that can ease the transition into the post menopausal stage of life.

Using Herbs for :Spice Tea for Morning sickness Ginger tea Hot ginger tea served with lemon and honey is a delicious way to treat morning sickness. Cardamom tea is also a safe home remedy for nausea of all types that can be used during pregnancy.

Using Herbs for :Painful Periods, Bleeding Lady's Mantle Lady's mantle has been used throughout history to treat menstrual irregularities and difficulties. Many believed that alchemical virtues lay in the subtle influence the rich accordion foliage imparted to the dewdrops that lay within it's leaves, these dewdrops were used in many mystic potion The semi-magical healing powers of this traditional women's herb have been found to have a solid foundation in scientific fact. Lady's mantle contains salicylic acid and has sedative properties that help to alleviate cramps and painful menstruation. Rich concentrations of tannin make it especially valuable in curbing heavy or excessive menstrual flow. Similar herbs that help ease pain and heavy menstrual bleeding are Agrimony, Raspberry, and Shepherd's Purse.

Using Herbs for :Childbirth Raspberry leaf tea This herb's most famous for pre­paring mothers-to-be for childbirth. Raspberry-leaf tea appears to tone the uterine and pelvic muscles.

>Womens Health Information

• Menopause : Herbs containing or acting like estrogen may provide some of the benefits of estrogen in relieving menopausal symptoms.
• Amenorrhea : Herbs that bring on menstrual flow when there is delayed menstruation --for whatever reason--are known as emmenagogues.
• Pregnancy : The herbs used for pregnancy are the same herbs that have been used by midwives for centuries.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis : Rheumatoid arthritis has been passed down from mother to daughter for at least 5 generations. It seems I have always lived with the pain of arthritis. I used to just accept the fact that I was helpless to do anything about it. Not anymore.
• Women's Tonics : A healthy, functioning liver is an important part of hormone production and hormonal balance is an important factor in PMS, menopause, regulating menses, and maintaining a healthy libido.
• PMS : The effects of PMS range from mild to devastating an include edema,depression, tension, cramps, cravings, and more.
• Dysmenorrhea : A painful period can range from a dull ache to a violent cramp. When we are in a fragile emotional state, menstrual pain can be even more severe.
• Menorrhagia : Heavy menstrual bleeding, clotting or irregular bleeding are come under the heading of menorrhagia.
• Fibromyalgia :

  Fibromyalgia A herbal approach to treatment will include herbs that address adrenal gland support, stress management, and pain relief, as well as emotional needs.

• Candida/Yeast Infection : Women may be more susceptible to vaginal yeast infections if they are pregnant or have diabetes. Candidiasis is an infection caused by species of Candida fungi, especially Candida albicans.
• Childbirth : These herbs can be used in the last few days of pregnancy to help open the womb and ensure an easier childbirth.

Womens Health Natural Care : References

1. Duke, James The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook .(December 15, 2000)
2. Linda B. White, M.D., Steven Foster. Herbal Drugstore (2003)
3. Robert B Tisserand, The Art of Aromatherapy (1977)
4. Richard Mabey, The New Age Herbalist (1988)
5. Steven Foster and Yue chongxi, Herbal Emissaries (1992)
6. Maud Grieve, Modern Herbal Vols 1, II (1931)
7. Richo Cech, Making Plant Medicine (2000)
8. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed
9. Phyllis A. Balch, Prescription for Herbal Healing (2002)
10. Adele Dawson, Herbs: Partners in Life (2000)
11. Penelope Ody, Home Herbal (1995)

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** Information on the traditional uses and properties of herbs are provided on this site is for educational use only, and is not intended as medical advice. Every attempt has been made for accuracy, but none is guaranteed. Many traditional uses and properties of herbs have not been validated by the FDA. If you have any serious health concerns, you should always check with your health care practitioner before self-administering herbs. **

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