Red Raspberry (rubus idaeus)
This leaf contains a host of vitamins and minerals including, vitamin A, C, E, magnesium, calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, B vitamins, zinc, manganese and chromium, which are all important for women’s health. It has been used for centuries by women to alleviate menstrual pain, regulate menstruations, slow heavy menstruations, balance hormone levels and aid in fertility. It is also recommended for pregnant women in their last weeks of pregnancy to aid in birth. A study concluded that raspberry leaf was effective in shortening labour length, decreasing the likelihood of pre- and post-term gestation and making it less likely for women to rupture their membranes, or require a caesarean section, forceps or vacuum birth.
Aniseed (pimpinella anisum)
This seed in rich in micronutrients such as iron and manganese, making it a great addition to women’s health. It has soothing qualities for the stomach and bowels, in both infants (as a colic tea) and adults. It has shown to be effective in treating depression, including postpartum depression and is thus recommended for women who experience late menstruations due to stress as well as menstrual cramping. It is also believed to have an oestrogen like effect on the body, helping to relieve menopausal systems as well.
Chasteberry (vitex agnus-castus)
The berries of the Chaste tree are primarily used to treat premenstrual syndrome (PMS), menstrual disorders, symptoms of menopause, infertility issues and other issues that affect women’s reproductive systems. It is believed that chasteberry helps to decrease levels of the hormone prolactin, helping to rebalance other hormones including progesterone and oestrogen. Symptoms that may be alleviated are, constipation, irritability, depressive mood, migraines, breast tenderness and pain.
Lady’s Mantle (alchemilla vulgaris)
The aerial parts of this wonderful herb are mainly used to help rid the body of menstrual cramping and may even make menstrual flow lighter. Lady’s Mantle is a vasorelaxant, which means it can help to reduce tension in blood vessel walls. It also strengthens the endometrium (the uterine lining or wall) by toning the muscle. It reduces irritability, breast tenderness and binge eating while also making the womb more fertile. For after birth care, women drink this herb to help strengthen their uterus and regain its shape.
Yarrow (achilea millefolium)
The leaf and flower of yarrow is used as an emmenagogue to tone the muscles and increase activity of the uterus to aid in the absence or irregularity of menstruations. It can also reduce heavy bleeding during menstruation due to its antispasmodic properties that can relax uterine muscles, thus also helping to relieve menstrual cramps. Yarrow also contains alkaloids that may help reduce stress and anxiety.
Spearmint (mentha spicata)
This leaf is commonly known for its soothing qualities with indigestion, nausea, gas and its ability to reduce stress and anxiety. However, spearmint also holds a great benefit for women by decreasing male hormones and increasing female hormones necessary for ovulation such as luteinising hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone and estradiol. Spearmint may have the possibility to increase the number of viable eggs in the ovaries.
Red Rose (rosa centifolia)
These lovely petals are a good source of vitamin A, C, E, iron, calcium and other plant chemicals that make it useful in blood purification and immunity. Traditional uses for rose petals consist of alleviating stomach and digestive problems (including bloating), improving sleep, fatigue and mood. Most importantly, is its use for menstrual cramping and menopausal symptoms. Rose petals soothe and protect all in one.
