Nature's way of taking care of a woman

Many medicinal plants can make up effective remedies to relieve female discomforts. Essential oils made from herbs and flowers, mentioned in Essential Oils from A to Z box, are used topically, according to aromatherapy recommendations, and help the overall well-being of women.

+ Nothing is better than natural remedies to relieve symptoms that are also, on the whole, natural such as most female discomforts. Many medicinal herbs provide a gentle remedy without side effects. The following are effective medical plants and herbal remedies to fight back pains and ailments. Some plants may be easier to find than others depending on where the plants are cultivated. You can find some as fresh plants or dried, and others in liquid form, tinctures, tablets or powder.

Chasteberry

(Vitex agnus castus)

1. • Parts used. The fruit, which is used to make capsules and extracts.
2. • This tree grows in the Mediterranean countries and Central Asia. The dried fruits, which has a pepper-like aroma and flavor, is used.
3. • Chasteberry could be considered a women's herb. It has the effect of stimulating and normalizing pituitary gland functions, especially its progesterone function. The greatest use of chasteberry lies in normalizing the activity of the female sex hormones, it is thus indicated for premenstrual stress and other disorders related to hormone function such as migraines, acne during puberty, menopause and infertility.
4. • Warning. Chasteberry is not recommended for use during pregnancy or while breast-feeding. If taken in excess it can be toxic.

Angelica

(Angelica sinensis)

1. • Parts used. Roots, hips of the root, leaves, stems and seeds are used to make capsules and tinctures or in infusions.
2. • There are three variants of angelica: European, American and Chinese. The Chinese species is recommended to treat female discomforts.
3. • This herb may be very useful for painful or irregular menstrual periods, or as a tonic during menopause to improve circulation for cold hands and feet.
4. • Warning. Angelica should not be used during pregnancy.

Shepherd's purse

(Capsella bursa pastoris

1. • Parts used. The entire plant, especially the stem. It is commercially cultivated to dry for making infusions.
2. • This plant belongs to the crucifer family. It gets its particular name from its fruits, it looks like the bag shepherds carry in some regions.
3. • It's principal use is to regulate menstrual flow, in cases of excessive menstruation and when your menstrual flow is little or irregular; it is an effective tonic for the uterus. Because of its anti-hemorrhage properties it is used for nosebleeds.

Marigold

(Calendula officinalis)

1. • Parts used. Flowers and leaves, for infusions.
2. • Native to Europe, this plant is grown in gardens. It looks like a daisy, but with yellow or orange petals.
3. • The plant can be used internally for the reproductive system, because it relieves menstrual problems, regulating the cycle. Because of its antiseptic, antibacterial and fungicidal properties, it's recommended to treat candidiasis.

Cinnamon

(Cinnamomum verum sin.)

1. • Parts used. The inner bark of young tree branches.
2. • It's cultivated in Southeast Asia, in India, Madagascar and other tropical regions in South America.
3. • It's normally used for its digestive properties, helps to relieve nausea and vomiting, making it recommended during pregnancy. It also helps to improve the appetite and improves digestion in general.
4. • Warning. Not recommended for those who suffer from peptic gastric duodenal ulcers.

Milk Thistle

(Carduus marianus)

1. • Parts used. Seeds and leaves.
2. • This stout, annual or biennial plant is found in dry, rocky soils in Southern and Western Europe and in some parts of the US.
3. • An excellent remedy to increase the production of breast milk. Recommended for people who suffer from low blood pressure, to prevent sudden drops in pressure.
4. • Warning. Not recommended for those who suffer from high blood pressure.

Black cohosh

(Cimicifuga racemosa)

1. • Parts used. Roots and root heads.
2. • Native to Canada, United States and Europe. It gets its name from the root, a black color.
3. • Used to relieve female discomforts such as pains and menstrual cramps, lack of estrogen or excess progesterone, high blood pressure and symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes and depression.
4. • Warning. Do not take during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or if you suffer from low blood pressure.

Dill

(Anethum graveolens)

1. • Parts used. The seeds and leaves are used in infusions and to make essential oils.
2. • Its properties have been understood for millenia, its use is mentioned in Egyptian papyrus and later in the Greek and Roman cultures.
3. • Coumarins, flavonoids, phenolic acids and chlorogene are the active compounds in dill for nursing mothers, to promote the flow of milk. It can also be used as a mild diuretic, and for light cases of bruising, water retention and small changes in blood pressure.

Raspberry

(Rubus idaeus)

1. • Parts used. The leaves and flowers.
2. • Raspberry bushes grow mostly in mountainous regions.
3. • Raspberry is used as a diuretic, laxative and anti-inflammatory. One of its most important uses is against feminine and menstrual pains. It is very useful against water retention and swelling. In addition, it is high in vitamin C.

Fennel

(Foeniculum vulgare)

1. • Parts used. Roots, seeds and leaves are used to make infusion and decoctions, they are also used to make an essence, which can be ingested. But the essential oil is only for topical use.
2. • Fennel is a biennial or perennial plant that grows wild in the Mediterranean area and in Asia Minor, but is commonly cultivated in the US and Europe.
3. • The essence is extracted from the leaves and is an excellent remedy for colic and for breast-feeding mothers. Fennel has been used to promote menstruation in women. It may be useful to relieve the pains of menopause in older women.
4. • Used externally, fennel has anti-inflammatory properties, effective in fighting pain. The root is a diuretic (helping to drain liquids) which is why it is used for cystitis.
5. • Warning. In high doses, taking the flowers can provoke convulsions. It's not recommended for epileptics. Do not use during pregnancy or for small children or newborns.

St. John's Wort

(Hypericum perforatum)

1. • Parts used. Leaves and flowers are used fresh or dry to make infusions.
2. • Native to Europe, today it is grown in many parts of the world.
3. • Calming agent against slight and moderate depression. Acts as a tonic for the nervous system and especially for the reproductive system during menopause and during physical changes that cause mental or emotional instability.
4. • Warning. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight if you are taking St. John's Wort for treatment, because it increases your skin's sensibility and can cause your skin to react with spots and inflammations.

Flax

(Linum usitatissimum)

1. • Parts used. The seeds, called “flax”.
2. • Native to the Mediterranean but is cultivated in a number of countries in Europe and the American continent where the climate is moderate.
3. • For menstrual pain, apply a compress with flaxseed flour as an effective remedy, because of its antispasmodic, sedative and anti-inflammatory properties.
4. • The seeds, when ingested with abundant liquid can act as a gentle laxative, indicated for fighting the abdominal ailments that accompany menopause.
5. • Warning. The oil found in flaxseed flour makes the flour turn rancid rapidly, this can irritate the skin.

Camomile

(Chamomilla recutita)

1. • Parts used. The flowers to prepare infusions or to make essential oils.
2. • An effective sedative, helping to bring on sleep and relieve stress and tensions brought on by PMS and menopause. It is also recommended for cases of nausea, especially morning sickness during pregnancy, although only in infusions.
3. • Warning. Pregnant women should not use camomile essential oil during pregnancy, topically or internally. Some people can become sensitive or develop skin allergies in contact with this plant or taking infusions made with it.

Rosemary

(Rosmarinus officinalis)

1. • Parts used. The leaves are used to prepare infusions or make essential oil.
2. • Native to the Mediterranean, this plant is known throughout the world for its culinary uses.
3. • Carries anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antioxidant and toning properties. It's recommended for menopause, because it helps to drain fluids to the brain, improving memory retention and concentration. It can also be used for depressive states and apathy. To use on the hair, there are shampoos with rosemary essences added to help prevent hair loss, which is sometimes common during menopause.
4. • Warning. Shouldn't be used in cases of high blood pressure.

Sage

(Salvia officinalis)

1. • Parts used. The leaves are used to make infusions.
2. • Although it's native to the Mediterranean it's cultivated in many countries throughout the world.
3. • It helps blood circulation and stimulates digestion. In the reproductive system it acts as an emmenagogue, provoking menstrual periods; during menopause it can be taken to relieve hot flashes (especially in the hands) and to balance hormonal changes.
4. • Warning. Do not take during pregnancy.