Wisdom of Healing

We all deserve, at every age, to experience good health and emotional well-being. Women do so much for everyone else in their lives that we’re becoming a society of frazzled, worn out beings on the emotional rollercoaster. Women, it’s time to take better care of ourselves, nurture ourselves regularly and regain our vibrant health and vitality!

Please remember that when it comes to using herbs to support good health, Quality is Everything! Herbs may be purchased in a wide variety of forms and with various processing and extraction methods used. We should purchase organically grown herbs whenever possible, so as to avoid the potentially toxic chemicals that commercial crops are sprayed and fertilized with.

Supercritical extracts, tinctures, herb teas, standardized extracts and powdered herbs (loose or in capsules) containing the same herb can affect us quite differently. Taking herbal remedies consistently for a period of time, is believed to contribute to the effectiveness of many herbs and herbal combinations, while others may be more beneficial when used only for a brief period of time. If you have any questions or concerns about the usage of herbs, please email me or contact an herbalist or other holistic practitioner in your area.

Many of us have heard about using medicinal herbs for safer hormonal balance, and for maintaining or regaining optimal levels of energy and vitality. Here are just a few of the herbs that are considered to be very safe that have been used by women for centuries to support good health and emotional well-being.

Black cohosh is normalizing to the female (and often the male) hormonal system and has been shown to have inflammatory modulating (balancing) properties, used for centuries for arthritis and rheumatism. A gentle and effective muscle relaxant, Black cohosh may be an excellent choice on its own, or used in combination with Cramp bark for cramping or backache. Black cohosh has been safely used by the Native American people since long before Europeans began to arrive, likely for well more than a thousand years. Black cohosh has been widely used in Germany for over 50 years, prescribed by gynecologists for symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes, sweats, vertigo, nervousness, sleeplessness, irritability, depression and headaches.

It is important to choose a certified organic product, as many of the products on the market are extracted with chemical solvents, such as acetone, PERC (dry-cleaning fluid) or hexane. These chemical solvents, although approved by the FDA, may react with the delicate plant phytonutrients, creating a less pure and potentially less effective product.

Vitex helps a woman’s body to self-regulate, both physically and emotionally, when used consistently for 3 to 6 months or longer. Vitex is believed by many to be most beneficial when consumed first thing in the morning, before our feet touch the floor.

Dong quai, often referred to as the female ginseng, can help to regulate the menses and tone the uterus, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine. Dong quai is considered to be potent and safe for both short and long-term use. Purchasing an organic product is imperative; as roots such as Dong quai are prone to concentrations of potential toxins that commercial herb and vegetable crops are usually grown with.

Blessed thistle, a close cousin of the more popular milk thistle, is known to be an effective digestive bitter and a powerful, yet very gentle liver tonic. Blessed thistle increases and enriches the flow of mother’s milk, according to centuries of use. Best of all, for women who are dealing with the difficulties of hormonal imbalances, Blessed thistle helps to balance the emotions for people at all ages, in great part through the detoxification of the accumulating toxins in the liver and blood.

Cramp bark helps the body relax the uterine muscles to reduce menstrual cramps. Cramp bark has been used for centuries for back ache, leg cramps, chronic muscle pain and physical tension.

Dandelion root helps to detoxify the liver and gall bladder, and supports digestive health, while the Dandelion leaves are a superb diuretic, actually providing the body with surplus potassium, and supporting reduced swelling & bloating.

Nettles, considered the most nutritious land plant on Earth, offers us abundant minerals, vitamins, trace minerals and phytonutrients. Very invigorating and purifying, Nettles deep nourishment supports all of the body’s organs and systems. Nettles is an excellent herbal choice for when we feel exhausted and depleted.

Raspberry leaf, a safe, nutritive uterine tonic has been used throughout recorded history for pregnancy, as well as for girls and women of all ages to support hormonal wellness. Children love this herbal tea, either on its own or combined with peppermint or a fruity flavored tea!

Holy basil is a magnificent herb for women of all ages, supporting adrenal balance and soothing the emotions. Calming and centering, Holy basil is excellent for stress, irritability and anxiety, helping stabilize blood sugar balance and mood swings. Research has shown Holy basil to be a potent herb for helping the body to modulate (balance) excess inflammation, making it a wonderful herb to consume regularly for helping with the symptoms of PMS and menopause.

Motherwort, an excellent uterine tonic, has been used for centuries for anxiety and an irregular or skipped heartbeat, regardless of the cause.

These are just a few of the myriad possibilities to restore our vitality and emotional well-being. You may prefer a program more suited for your specific needs, but I’ve chosen to share these herbs with you as they are considered safe and very beneficial. Look for part three of Women’s Health at Any Age in the next month or so. Take good care!

Remember; the information above is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to take the place of a qualified healthcare practitioner.

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