Women’s Herbal Health
One of our instructors, Kimberly Thompson, has focused on Women’s Health in her private practice since 2000. Along with being an herbalist, Kimberly is an aromatherapist, licensed massage therapist, and licensed aesthetician. She is truly a Medicine Woman, knowing how to help and heal someone from many different wellness angles. One of her niche passions is helping other women heal. The below information is written from Kimberly, sharing her wisdom and experience with you just as she shares with our herbalism students in classes and clinic:
There are so many plant allies for Women’s Health care. The following are my Top Five Favorites:
Stinging Nettle
Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica) is one of my top allies for women. Stinging nettle supports women with its anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce pain and swelling. It is a reliable diuretic that helps increase urine production, which will detoxify, minimize bloating, and support the health of the urinary tract. Nettle is a powerhouse of nutrition that promotes hair and nail growth, strengthens the immune system, and is an overall tonic for maintaining healthy blood pressure and blood sugar.
Motherwort
Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) is another one of my best plant friends. Motherwort has seen me through some of the hardest times. Motherwort is a nervous system relaxant that slows heart palpitations and anxiety while also lowering blood pressure. The perfect nervous system support for any tired and stressed Mom. I reach for Motherwort for its uterine stimulating properties for amenorrhea, or when a woman’s period is absent. I use a tincture of Motherwort combined with Cinnamon and Crampbark for painful periods. She is also used to calm PMS, Menopausal, and Perimenopausal symptoms. Motherwort is a true hero for women!
*A note about Motherwort Flower Essence:
It allows us to have a sense of courage and confidence that comes from knowing that we can be vulnerable and still be okay.
Angelica
Angelica (Angelica archangelica) is the next shining star for women’s health. It’s also known as the herb of the Angels. Angelica is specific for cold and congested tissue states. Angelica is good for multiple body systems: It is one of our best plant expectorants, nutrient dense, and a circulatory tonic that normalizes abnormal rhythms of the heart. Angelica is a tonic for women that is hormone balancing, regulates menstrual bleeding and cramping, and for the menopausal years.
Shatavari
Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) is the female version of Ashwagandha. Shatavari and Ashwagandha are often taken together in equal parts as a balancing tonic (balancing the yin and the yang energies). Shatavari is a supportive adaptogen for calming stress and anxiety. Another herb that helps women during every stage of life. I use Shatavari for PMS symptoms, to increase libido, boost fertility, and to calm hot flashes and mood swings. No wonder this Asparagus family plant made it on my top five list!!
Raspberry Leaf
Raspberry Leaf (Rubus idaeus) is a uterine tonic that helps strengthen and tone the uterus, promote fertility (building a healthy nest), aid in labor, and prevent hemorrhage postpartum due to its astringent effects. Raspberry leaf is a high-mineral tonic that nourishes the whole system. It’s also used for conditions of excess fluids like diarrhea, heavy periods, sore throats, and to reduce inflammation.
Women’s Vitality Tea Blend
INGREDIENTS
1 part Stinging Nettle
¼ part Shatavari
¼ part Raspberry Leaf
¼ part Tulsi
½ part Oat straw
½ part Freeze Dried Raspberry/Tart Cherries
1/8 part Licorice Root
Vanilla Bean Extract to taste
1 drop Angelica Tincture
1 drop Motherwort Tincture
DIRECTIONS
Mix the first 7 ingredients (Nettle – licorice Root) in a bowl.
To make a single serving (1 cup), place 1 tablespoon of the herbal mixture in a reusable tea bag and let it steep for 10 – 15 minutes.
Remove the tea bag from the water and add the Vanilla bean extract along with the Angelica and Motherwort Tincture to the infusion.
You can also make a quart size (4 cups), which is considered a more therapeutic dosage of tea – so you have the tea to drink all day, or you can drink some of it warmed, then refrigerate the rest for the next day (will last for 24 hours once refrigerated).
The best way to make 1 quart of tea is to use a French press like this one.
You should do 1 Tbsp of herbal mixture for every 1 cup of water, so you’ll add 4 Tbsp of the above tea blend to the French Press, add water, let it steep for 10 – 15 minutes, then press it down, pour, and enjoy. The French Presses are easy to keep in your fridge after the steeping, and you can enjoy the tea iced at that point too.
“I am so grateful for the wisdom and the knowledge that has been passed down by all of my mentors and all the wise women/men who have helped make this article and this amazing life possible! Thank you, plants, for all the beautiful wisdom, support, and empowerment that you provide.”
Kim