Basic women herbs.

These are some special herbs for women which can be used in overcoming various reproductive and pregnancy cases, treatment of diseases and disorders. You will find a wealth of information on purchasing, gathering, storing, preparing and using the herbs.

1. Ashwagandha (Winter cherry);

(Withaninia omnifera) root. In India, it is valued as a rejuvenative herb as highly as ginseng is in Chinese medicine. Among other properties, it helps weak, pregnant women and is said to stabilize the embryo. It acts as a tonic to the hormonal system and is recommended for sexual debility, infertility (in men and women), and promotes conception

2. Bayberry (Myrica cerifera)

Root. Douche made with tea. / Prolapse of the uterus, excessive menstrual bleeding, vaginal infections, and leucorrhea.

3. Beth Root (Trillium pendulum)

Root. Tincture (1-2 tsp. 3 times daily) or fluid extract ( ½ tsp. 3 times daily). / Excessive uterine bleeding (menorrhagia and metrorrhagia).  Controls excessive menstruation and vaginal discharges

4. Back cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa)

Rhizome. Tincture (½ - 1 tsp. 3 times daily) or fluid extract (5-30 drops 3 times daily). / American Indian women used it for all female complaints, pelvic conditions, uterine problems, cramps, and to relieve pain in childbirth and menstrual cycles. Helps induce menstrual flow that has been retarded by exposure to cold.

Warning: An overdose will produce nausea and vomiting

5. Black Haw (Viburnum prunifolium)

Bark of the root. Tincture ( ½ -1 tsp. 3 times daily) or fluid extract ( ½ -2 tsp. 3 times daily). / Afterbirth pains, cramps, dysmenorrheal, irregular menstrual flow, leucorrhea, uterine inflammation, congestion, scanty menstrual flow, and the threatening of miscarriage. It is tonic and sedative to the female reproductive organs. Gives a good tonic effect during pregnancy

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6. Blue Cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides)

Rhizome. Tincture ( ½ -1 tsp. 3 times daily) or fluid extract ( 10-30 drops 3-4 times daily). / American Indians used to ease childbirth and relieve associated pains. Regulates menstrual flow, useful for suppressed menstruation.

Warning: Pregnant women should not use except during last month of pregnancy.

7. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)

Flowers. Tincture (30-60 drops ( ½ -1 tsp.) 3 times daily) or fluid extract ( ½ - 1 tsp. 3 times daily). / Menstrual cramps ( 6 oz(fluid ounce). Infusion or 1-2 tsp. Infusion at time

8. Chaste tree (vitex agnus-castus)

Seeds. This Mediterranean shrub stimulates and balances the pituitary in relation to female hormones, by its effect on the follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), produced by the anterior pituitary gland. It helps the work of producing hormones in the second half of menstrual cycle. It appears to have a more progesteronic than estrogenic action, and makes a fine remedy for PMS and a range of menstrual and gynecologic problems that are related to hormone imbalance. It can be used effectively for irregular and painful periods, heavy bleeding, fibroid, and to re- establish hormone balance after stopping use of the contraceptive pill. It is a good remedy for menopausal problems and stimulates milk production in nursing mothers. Because it has a calming and relaxing effect, it can be used for any emotional distress associated with the reproductive system, such as PMS and menopausal depression.

9. Cramp bark (viburnum opus)

Bark. Tincture ( ½ -1 tsp. 3-4 times daily) or fluid extract ( ½ -2 tsp. 3-4 times daily). / Menstrual cramps, dysmenorrheal, menorhhagia nervous condition during pregnancy, prevents miscarriage.

10. Dong qui (Dang gui; angelica sinensis)

  Root. This is the best Chinese herb for women, and is the most highly valued blood tonic in East. It tones the reproductive system and maintains normal function of the sex organs. It regulates hormones, menstruation, brings on delayed or suppressed periods, relieves menstrual cramps, and can be used during menopause. Eaten raw or taken as a tincture, it relaxes the uterus; used with water, it tones the uterus stimulates uterine contractions, increases circulation and relieves congestion in the pelvic area. As a tonic, it is used in convalescence and to speed recovery and increase energy after birth. When cooked, it improves the circulation and helps speed tissue repair.

Warning: Do not take during pregnancy.

11. False unicorn (Chamaillirum luteum; Helonias)

Root, Tincture (15-30 drops 3 times daily) or fluid extract ( ½ -1 tsp. 3 times daily). / Amenorrhea female hormone imbalances, infertility, irregular menstruation, leukorrhea, menorrhagia, miscarriage, prolapse  

Uterus, threatened abortion, uterine and ovarian problems, uterine displacement. False unicorn is a common herb for female infertility, impotence, and other problems. It can be taken for several months. Generally combined with cramp bark or black haw, but can be taken alone. During especially difficult situations, 15 drops of tincture or ½ tsp. of fluid extract can be taken each hour. Do not confuse with True unicorn herb.

12. Mother-wort (Leonurus cardiaca)

Tops. Tincture (30-60 drops ( ½ -1 tsp. ) 3-4 times daily) or fluid extract ( ½ -1 tsp. 3-4 times daily). / Amenorrhea, suppressed menstruation, cramps, dysmenorrhea, uterine pains. For female cramping and suppressed menstrual flow, combine mother-wort with cramp bark and squaw vine. To relieve cramps and pain during menstruation, use a hot fomentation made from strong tea.

13. Mug-wort (Artemisia vulgaris)

Tops. Tincture (30-60 drops ( ½ -1 tsp.) as needed) or fluid extract ( 1 tsp. as needed). / Menstrual cramps, menstrual obstruction, suppressed menstruation. Best combined with cramp bark, marigold, and black haw.

14. American Pennyroyal (Mentha Pulegium)

Tops. Tincture (30-60 drops or ½ -1 tsp frequently) or fluid extract (1 tsp. frequently ). / Delayed or scanty induce menstrual flow, use hot foot-baths of penny-royal tea

15. Pulsatilla (Pasque flower); Anemone pulsatilla

Dried aerial parts (everything above ground) . Best used in small doses: 1-2 ml of tincture or half of a tsp. of herb to a cup of boiling water as tea, 3 times daily when necessary. / Helps debilitated women and children who feel depressed, irritable, and weep easily. It promotes sleep and rest and thereby helps recuperation. It is particularly helpful for spasm, pain, and inflammation of the reproductive system. It relieves premenstrual tension, period pains, scanty or suppressed periods, uterine colic, and inflammation and pain in the ovaries. Its analgesic (pain-relieving) properties are useful during childbirth. Its properties promote and facilitate birth. It is good for sluggish, ineffectual and weak labor pains, and for peevishness and irritability in labor. After the birth, it is helpful for over-excitement, depression, and anxiety about the birth of the new baby.

Warning: Never use this plant fresh, for it will be poisonous. Do not store it for more than a year.

16. Saw Palmetto (Serenoa serrulata)

Fruit. Tincture (15-60 drops 2-3 times daily) or fluid extract (10 drops 2-3 times daily). / Ovarian enlargement, dysmenorrhea, sterility. Very useful in the treatment of diseases in the reproductive organs. Helps speed recovery afterward. It also increases milk flow in nursing mothers. It helps relieve painful periods, regulate the menstrual cycle, and for inflammatory condition such as salpingitis and ovarian pain.

17. Shatavari (Tian men dong); Asparagus racemosus)

Root. This is one of the most important herbs for women in India. Its main action is on the female reproductive system. Use it for sexual debility, infertility, and to balance hormones. It increases milk production in nursing mothers and is excellent during menopause, as it supplies many steroidal precursors (building blocks for production of sex hormones). It nourishes and strengthens the reproductive system. It is so valued in India that its name (shatavari) means “who possesses a hundred husbands.”

18. Squaw Vine (Mitchella repens)

Whole part. Tincture (15-60 drops 3-4 times daily) or fluid extract ( ½ -1 tsp. 3-4 times daily). / Leukorrhea, painful menstruation, uterine and ovarian pains, cramping and pains before and during labor in childbirth. American Indian women used squaw vine as a tea or infusion throughout pregnancy in order to produce a safe, easy delivery and help proper lactation. Relieves congestion of the uterus and ovaries. Very good for painful or absent menstruation. Good combined with raspberry leaf during pregnancy. Crush the barries and add to a tincture of myrrh, allow to steep for three days and strain; then use as fomentation for one sore nipple. Combined with witch hazel, it makes a very good injection for leucorrhea.

19. Tormentil Root (Potentilla tormentilla)

Root. Tincture (15-30 drops 3 times daily, 5-10 drops in water every hour) or fluid extract ( ½ -1 tsp. 3 times daily).  Prolapsed uterus, leukorrhea.

20. White Oak Bark (Quercus Alba)

Bark. Tincture (15-30 drops as needed) or fluid extract ( ½ -1 tsp. as needed). / This is one of the best astringent herbs known. Outstanding for stopping bleeding. Also good for vaginal infections, leucorrhea, prolapsed uterus.

21. Witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana)

Bark. Tincture (15-60 drops as needed) or fluid extract ( ½ tsp. as needed). / Leukorrhea, prolapsed uterus, stops uterine bleeding. A powerful astringent. Excellent for stopping excessive menstruation, hemorrhage from the uterus. Use as retention douche in leukorrhea; as a fomentation or salve for sore breasts; as an injection for vaginal discharges and infections.

22. Wild Yam (Dioscorea villosa)

Root. Tincture (10-40 drops 3-4 times daily) or fluid extract (1 tsp 3-4 times daily); 5 to 10 #0 capsules (30-60 grains) 3-4 times daily. / Cramps, morning sickness, nausea, neuralgic, dysmenorrhea, ovarian neuralgia. Wild yam contains a steroid-like substance, and is used in many gland-balancing formulas. An excellent antispasmodic, it is used for abdominal cramps and menstrual cramps. To prevent miscarriage, combine 1 tsp. Wild yam with ½ tsp. powdered ginger. Also helpful: Add 1 tsp. red raspberry to that formula, strain, and take a mouthful every half hour in times of danger of miscarriage. For afterbirth pains, use 10 drops of tincture in cold water .Do not use hot; for it may overly relax uterus and cause hemorrhage.

 The wild yam is so unusual that it deserves special attention. It is a perennial twining vine. The heart-shaped leaves have conspicuous, deep-set veins and are hairy beneath. The leaves are arranged in an alternating pattern, with the lower ones in whorls of 3 to 8. The flowers are green and not showy. It grows from may to august in wet woods from Connecticut to Tennessee, and from Minnesota to Texas.

  American Indians used tea made from this root to relieve labor pains. Fresh dried root, made into a tea, is good for morning sickness.

  Wild yam contains diosgenin, a chemical used by scientists to manufacture progesterone and other steroid drugs. Wild yam does NOT contain progesterone; yet it has beneficial progesterone –like effect on the human body.

  A majority of steroid hormones used in modern drug medication, especially those in contraceptives, have been developed from elaborately processed chemical components which are derived from yams.

  Drugs made with yam-derived components (diosgenins) are used to relieve asthma, arthritis, and eczema. They also regulate metabolism and control fertility. Synthetic products manufactured from diosgenins include human sex hormones (contraceptives), drugs to treat menopause, dysnenorrhea, premenstrual syndrome, testicular deficiency, impotency, prostate hypertrophy, and psycho-sexual problems, as well as high blood pressure, arterial spasms, migraines, and other ailments. Cortisones and hydrocortisones are other products from the wild yam. They are used for Addison’s disease, some allergies, bursitis, contact dermatitis, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, sciatica, brown recluse spider bites, insect stings, and a number of other diseases. But ignore claims that wild yam is a plant “source” of estrogen or progesterone, for it does not contain human sex hormones.

  With all this in mind, Women would do well to make use of the wild yam herb. But do not use the fresh plant, for it may induce vomiting and other undesirable effects. Only use the dried root.