While traditional medicine has become commonplace in today’s society, herbal remedies have not lost their importance in people’s lives. For centuries, individuals have relied on herbs for their health and wellness, and that’s still true today.
Despite advances in the medical field, research indicates that the herbal remedies market grosses around $60 billion every year. Global demand for these medicines has not decreased in the modern era, and that’s because herbs have so many beneficial properties.
Many of them contain high levels of vitamins A, C, and K. They also have an abundance of protective polyphenols, which are plant compounds with potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It’s reported that the polyphenols in herbs can fight various ailments such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s. And because polyphenols are anti-microbial, they can also combat harmful bacteria.
With herbs, you can experience many benefits, and this is especially true when it comes to women’s health. While herbs provide therapeutic effects for everyone who uses them, there are specific herbs for women’s health and wellness that soothe and alleviate unique issues.
Women’s health issues
Women experience various health issues that are specific to them, and many of those issues revolve around their menstrual cycle. When it’s your time of the month, it’s not uncommon to experience fatigue, pain, and discomfort. These are typical side effects of your menstrual cycle. And depending on their severity, you may even find it necessary to stay at home from school or work because the pain is too much to bear.
Excruciating cramps, lower back pain, and lack of energy can make it incredibly difficult to do anything outside of lying in bed all day, and this is especially true if you’re dealing with women’s health issues like endometriosis or uterine fibroids.
Endometriosis causes severe pain during your period, and it reportedly accounts for nearly a third of infertility in women. Additionally, fibroids are just as uncomfortable as they often lead to heavy bleeding, a side effect that isn’t a normal part of your menstrual cycle.
Your period should be tolerable for the two to seven days that it lasts. Of course, it shouldn’t be totally free of discomfort. After all, you are bleeding 24/7 while you’re trying to go about everyday life. However, your period shouldn’t be so excruciating that you can’t do daily tasks. If you notice anything unusual, you need to speak with a medical professional, and this advice also applies to other women’s health issues.
Research indicates that women are more at risk than men of developing forms of heart disease. Data also suggests that women are more susceptible to certain STIs than men, and they experience specific mental health conditions—like anxiety and depression—at a higher rate than men.
5 gentle and effective herbs for women’s health
Speaking to a doctor about your health concerns is the best step to take when you notice something is off. While women’s health and wellness is still a taboo topic, a medical professional can hopefully provide some insight and advice.
Depending on what’s going on, you may discover that you can benefit from using herbs for women’s health. These remedies are not only great by themselves, but they’re also complementary medicines that you can pair with other treatments. Additionally, herbs for women’s health are excellent for daily use, and they’re gentle remedies that pack a potent punch.
So if you’re interested in using them for your wellness routine, here are five herbal medicines for women’s health that you should try.
1. Motherwort
Native to central Eurasia, motherwort is an herb that’s part of the mint family. The use of this natural remedy dates as far back as the early Greeks, who used this herb for women’s health. The Greeks gave motherwort to pregnant women who were experiencing stress. And today, women still use the herb for reproductive challenges.
For example, motherwort may help regulate your menstrual cycle, tonify your reproductive system, and promote healthy stress levels during your period. Because of its various benefits for women, many herbalists believe motherwort is the best herb for gladening and strengthening the heart.
2. Maca
Maca is a root vegetable that grows best in the high Andes. This herb is excellent at supporting stamina and energy, and it also promotes a healthy libido in women (and even men).
A 2010 review that analyzed four clinical studies with a total of 131 participants found that maca improved men’s and women’s sexual desire after at least six weeks of ingesting it.
Also worth noting is that some studies indicate maca can alleviate menopausal symptoms, including interrupted sleep and hot flashes. Animal studies also suggest that maca may help protect bone health, which greatly benefits women since they have a higher risk of developing osteoporosis after menopause.
3. Stinging Nettle
Out of all the herbs for women’s health, stinging nettle may be one of the most nutritious. This herb is packed with high levels of vitamins A, C, and K and multiple B vitamins. It also contains essential amino acids, iron, magnesium, potassium, calcium, healthy fats, beta-carotene, lutein, and other carotenoids. Another great benefit of stinging nettle is that it may help strengthen your reproductive system and relieve inflammatory conditions.
4. Vitex Berries
Vitex berries are herbs for women’s health that have so many benefits. Women commonly use them for premenstrual syndrome, menstrual disorders, infertility, menopause, and nursing difficulties.
In fact, its ability to decrease symptoms of PMS—such as irritability, migraines, depression, constipation, and breast pain and tenderness—is one of vitex berries’ most researched characteristics. Studies even suggest that vitex berries can help reduce levels of prolactin, which rebalances other hormones like progesterone and estrogen and thus, alleviates symptoms of PMS.
One study also found that when women with PMS took vitex berries for three consecutive menstrual cycles, most of them experienced less stress response, cravings, and sadness.
5. Red Raspberry Leaf
If you want another herb for women’s health that’s packed with nutrients, then red raspberry leaf is the one for you. This natural remedy contains high levels of vitamins B, C, and E. Additionally, it has significant amounts of magnesium, zinc, iron, potassium, and phosphorus.
Red raspberry leaf can also tonify your uterus and help regulate your menstrual cycle. And if you get this herb as a tea, it may decrease labor time when you’re pregnant and reduce premenstrual symptoms.
Enhance your health naturally
While there are many ways to take care of your health, herbs are natural solutions that you shouldn’t overlook. They’ve been tested over time and used for centuries. Multiple civilizations have relied on them to treat women’s health issues, and they still have a place in society today. Herbs for women’s health are excellent remedies to add to your wellness routine, so don’t wait to start taking advantage of their benefits.
Try Kat’s Naturals Rise for an herbal tincture that’s formulated specifically for women and packed with nourishing herbs for your mind and body.