Menstrual Cycle: Emmenagogues are herbs that bring on menstrual flow. Some good emmenagogues are Ginger Root, Blue and Black Cohosh root infusion or tincture. Other herbs to bring on menstruation include Balm, Basil, Catnip, Mugwort and Chamomile. Herbs used to ease menstrual cramping include those containing high amounts of calcium, such as Oatsraw, Red Raspberry, Comfrey Leaf, Nettle, Dandelion Leaf, Horsetail, and Chickweed. These herbs should be used as tonics, used regularly to tone the body and increase calcium levels. You may choose one of the herbs and drink an infusion one or two times per week, or choose several herbs and rotate their use as infusions. Other herbs that help to ease cramping associated with menstruation are Cramp Bark or Black Haw, Valerian Root, Chaste Tree Berry, Motherwort and Ginger Root. These herbs can be used as a “rescue remedy” in tea or tincture form. Wild Yam Root is a multipurpose herb for women's cycles. It is known for it’s progesterone increasing properties and steroidal saponins that regulate hormones and act as a contraceptive—Wild Yam Root was formerly the source of diosgenin used in production of birth control pills. Wild Yam Root is also used to regulate a woman’s cycle, to prepare for conception and to ease morning sickness. Licorice Root is estrogenic and has other steroidal properties that make it useful as a hormone and cycle regulator. The glycyrrhizin found in Licorice Root aids in addressing infertility due to hormonal imbalance. A potential side effect of Licorice Root use is high blood pressure, as the glycyrrhizin acid in the root increases water retention which may trigger high blood pressure. There are several herbs used to regularize the menstrual cycle. Dong Quai Root (Angelica sinensis) has been found to help make women’s cycles regular and to stimulate ovulation by virtue of regulating the cycle.
Fertility: Herbs to promote fertility include Red Clover flower (infusion only), Nettle, and Red Raspberry. These are very gentle herbs that can be used daily in infusion form. Other herbs useful in promoting fertility are Lemon Balm, Skullcap, Lady’s Mantle, Licorice Root, and Watercress. Please see your healthcare provider if you are trying to conceive or believe you have conceived.
Pregnancy: The most renowned supportive herb during pregnancy is Red Raspberry. It is a uterine tonic that prepares the uterus for child birth, and is also used to ease morning sickness. Red raspberry brings vital nutrients to the body, including calcium. Nettle is another important herb to use in pregnancy as it provides nourishment, eases muscle spasm, prevents varicose veins and hemorrhage and reduces hemorrhoids. Seaweeds (kelp, bladderwrack) supplies necessary calcium in pregnancy. Peach leaf may also help ease morning sickness, as may the Mints, Ginger Root, and Wild Yam Root.
Strawberry Leaf is nutritive and may help to prevent abortion. Other anti-abortives include Wild Yam Root, and Lobelia. Use only under a healthcare providers care. For hemorrhoids, use a Plantain or Plantain/Yarrow ointment. A Comfrey poultice will ease bleeding, swelling and pain. To prevent constipation, eat plenty of fresh Lamb’s Quarter’s and Violet Leaves. Slippery Elm Bark and Mints are good remedies for heartburn.
For headache or insomnia, Hops, Skullcap and Catnip tea is safe and effective.