A woman's life stages center around the reproductive cycle that begins with menstruation and ends with menopause, according to the Mayo Clinic. During this approximate 40-year span, a woman may experience a number of health concerns, including menstrual pain, hot flashes and vaginal dryness. As a woman ages, she may also be at a greater risk of breast cancer, heart disease and bone loss. A number of Chinese herbs may be good for a woman's health.
Black Cohosh
Black cohosh may be effective for relieving common menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, vaginal dryness and insomnia, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC).
Since black cohosh appears to contain plant-based estrogens known as phytoestrogens, it may help guard against bone loss that can lead to osteoporosis in post-menopausal women.
Common side effects of black cohosh include headaches and gastrointestinal problems.
Dong Quai
Dong Quai, also known as Angelica sinensis, is often called female ginseng because of its purported benefits to women in all stages of life. This Chinese herb may also contain phytoestrogens, but it's uncertain what effect it may have on the female body.
Dong quai may help treat painful menstruation known as dysmenorrhea as well as help regulate erratic menstrual cycles, according to the Mayo Clinic. It may also diminish menopausal symptoms.
The UMMC cautions that women who are at risk of hormone-related cancers should not take dong quai because of its possible estrogen-like effects. Side effects can include diarrhea and irregular menstrual bleeding.
Chasteberry
Chasteberry, also known as vitex, is most often used to to treat dysmenorrhea and premenstrual syndrome (PMS). It's suggested that chasteberry has the ability to normalize the activity of female hormones, according to OvulationCalculator.com.
Chasteberry may also benefit women with an amenorrhea, the absence of menstruation, according to the UMMC.
Chasteberry is not recommended for women who are already taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT). It may cause dizziness, acne-like rashes gastrointestinal problems.
Red Clover
Red clover may decrease menopausal because of its estrogen-like effects. This herb may slow bone loss and diminish hot flashes. The UMMC says further studies are needed to substantiate these assertions. No adverse reactions to red clover have been reported.
Green Tea
Green tea may help protect women against cancer, according to the UMMC. A Japanese study involving 472 women with breast cancer found that those who consumed the greatest amount of tea experienced the least spread of cancer or a recurrence. The findings were published in June 2001 in the Cancer Letter.
Asian Ginseng
Asian or Panax ginseng may enhance low libidos in women and improve sexual function when taken in combination with other herbs and vitamins. However, the Mayo Clinic has stated that more studies using Panax ginseng exclusively are needed before it can be recommended to improve sexual function in women.
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