Herbs to Support a Woman's Health

Women's health benefits greatly from the use of herbs. Herbs help a woman replenish vital minerals lost during the menstrual cycle, they nourish the body while pregnant and they ease menstrual cramps by triggering the nervous system in a holistic manner. They may be taken as pill supplements or tinctures, if a strong dosage in needed, but taking the herbs in tea form is the best way to slowly receive their benefits. The ritual of making tea becomes a part of the nourishing and healing process of the herbs.

Nettles

• Nettles.

  Women loose a good amount of minerals during their menstrual cycle. Nettles is a great ally for women's health because it is a strong, nourishing tonic herb that is rich in iron, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, chlorophyll and vitamins A, C and K. Due to the rich abundance of vitamin K in nettles, pregnant women throughout the ages have used them during pregnancy to prevent hemorrhage. Nettles also improves the quality of breast milk, filling it with vital minerals and vitamins essential for the newborn baby. Used by menopausal women as a source of calcium to strengthen bones and prevent osteoporosis, nettles is well known to balance blood sugar levels and bring vitality to the entire body. Recommended dosage is 1 to 2 cups of infusion daily.

Red Clover

• Red clover.

  Red clover is another mineral-rich field herb that is loaded with protein and the vitamin B complex. It contains the anti-tumor compounds daidzein and genistein and the antioxidant tecopheral, all of which help prevent and treat breast tumors. It is also known to treat lymphatic and ovarian cancer. The herb's blossoms are filled with phytosterol, which helps balance hormones and promotes the production of estrogen, making it useful in regulating the menstrual cycle and easing night sweats and hot flashes during menopause. The presence of salicylates and coumarins gives red clover a blood thinner quality that helps prevent strokes and strengthens the heart. The herb's rich mineral content also makes it ideal for replenishing minerals lost during pregnancy and lactation.

Roses

• Rose.

  Roses have a tonic and balancing effect on the nervous and female reproductive systems. They are rich in bioflavonoids and phytosterols, which stimulate estrogen production in the body and help regulate hormones. Rose hips are the fruits of the rose and have an abundant supply of selenium, zinc and vitamins C and E. A simple herbal tea with rose blossoms and rose hips is a perfect option for supporting the health of the female anatomy.