Herbal Healing for Women

In times past, village herbalists were healers who tended to the sick, advised the healthy and presided over ceremonies. Their knowledge has been handed down through generations into the modern age, where it has met with scientific method and has often---but not always---been validated. Women, in particular, can benefit from this timeless wisdom as they begin to understand their own bodies and the common imbalances that may occur. Before using herbs to treat any condition, talk to a doctor.

Considerations

Although herbs and supplements are "natural" remedies, they cannot automatically be considered safe. Please consult a physician or health-care practitioner before using medicinal herbs, especially during pregnancy.

Herbs for Menstruation

One of the most bothersome symptoms of menstruation is painful cramping. When compared with ibuprofen, one study found that ginger was just as effective in relieving pain in women with menstrual cramps when taken in dosages of 250 mg four times a day, according to an article in the "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine." In addition, chasteberry---the fruit of the chaste tree---has also been shown to relieve the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome when taken twice a day. There are no reported herb-drug interactions, and it is known to be well-tolerated, says an article in "American Family Physician."

Herbs for Pregnancy

During the first trimester, all herbal remedies and essential oils should be avoided unless specifically prescribed by a professional. The scientific community is largely conflicted about the safety and efficacy of most traditional herbal treatments during pregnancy. However, two remedies---cranberry and ginger---seem to have merit. Pregnant and lactating women experience hormonal fluctuations that can create a susceptibility to urinary tract infections. Cranberry is one of the best-known treatments for these infections, and has been shown to be safe during pregnancy, according to "The Canadian Journal of Clinical Pharmacology." For nausea and vomiting associated with pregnancy, ginger has been found to be an effective remedy. However, more studies are needed to determine its effects, if any, on the fetus.

Herbs for Menopause

A professionally prescribed combination of black cohosh and St. John's wort is helpful for both physical and psychological symptoms of menopause. Black cohosh is an indigenous plant of Eastern-North America, and has been shown to relieve hot flushes, while St. John's wort has long been used as a mild antidepressant. The combination of the two has proved to be more effective than treatment with either of these herbs on its own, says "Yonsei Medical Journal."

Herbs for Breast Health

Green tea has recently enjoyed a positive reputation as a highly antioxidant and healthful beverage, and now it appears to be even more beneficial for women. A 2009 study in the "Journal of Nutrition" showed that regular drinking of green tea was associated with a significantly lower risk for breast cancer than nondrinkers. Calendula officionalis, or pot marigold, has been used by herbalists for years to help heal wounds and soothe skin. Now, researchers have found that an extract of this plant has the ability to inhibit the growth of cancerous tumors. Calendula petals are edible and can also be made into tea.