January 27, 2017
Herbal remedies and teas have been around for a very long time, and for good reason!
There is something so humble and satisfying about heating up some water and making yourself an herbal tea which you know will help you feel good. Whether it is spring, summer, fall, or winter, these teas can be consumed regularly in your home. There are many herbs out there which can be very effective in aiding what ails you. It is also, at most times, a milder way to experiment with herbs in your own home. Because, though herbs are all natural, they are also strong and it is important to know what you are working with and how much is safe to consume.
For some reason, us women have been blessed with a reproductive system that can be quite challenging with hormones and changes. From our monthly visitor starting at a young age to when we reach menopause in our later years. Here are some favourite herbs to help you cope with your lady bits.
Red Raspberry – This well known herb is excellent for all females. Not only does it taste good as a tea it is also known to relax the uterus, and strengthen the female reproductive system. Making this a great addition for anyone experiencing pre-menstrual symptoms. When combined with red clover this herb will help increase fertility pre-pregnancy. Red raspberry is also an excellent choice for pregnant women or nursing mothers, while easing morning sickness and helping with the production of breast milk. Red raspberry also reduces pain by toning the muscles used during labour and delivery. Drink this on its on or try it with other great herbs!
Nettle Leaf – Another great addition to any tea for women and is also helpful in many other ways as well. Nettle leaf is known to ease cramps and spasms when Aunt Flow comes to visit, and much better for you than something like Midol. It is safe to drink for a pregnant women and with help to nourish you and your fetus. Containing nearly every vitamin and mineral necessary for human growth along with more chlorophyl than any other herb. Not only is this herb helpful for the reproductive system but it will also aid in urinary tract health and gently eases constipation. If constipation is a problem for you, you may also have hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids can be painful and irritating, this herb can reduce hemorrhoids by strengthening and tightening the blood vessels.
Alfalfa – Another beneficial herb to help relieve morning sickness. It is also high in vitamin K and if drank during your pregnancy it will improve the babies vitamin K levels at birth. Alfalfa is also high in calcium and iron which are both very important to a women’s health.
Lady’s Mantle – Lady’s Mantle is beneficial for many female discomforts, though it is not to be used by pregnant women. It is used by those who suffer from heavy menstrual bleeding and may also help ease cramps. In herbalism is is used to reduce common hardships that come with menopause. Not only does Lady’s Mantle work well with our reproductive system but it has also been used for uterine fibroids and endometriosis.
Ashwaganda – Another great herb for women, this root has been known to support sexual vitality by increasing blood flow and reducing bodily tension. Different from many of the other herbs which help directly with the female organs, ashwaganda is commonly used to reduce anxiety, irritability, and edginess. By controlling the stress hormone cortisol, it is found that women are more fertile and have increased sexual health.
Maca Root – Maca is used extensively to balance sex hormones, which also balances your mood, making it easier to become aroused. This root from the Peruvian Andes has long been used as a potent aphrodisiac, Maca is believed to increase sexual libido immensely. It also has menopause, infertility, and menstrual benefits.
After highlighting some of the amazing benefits these herbs have for women, I want to share with you some tea combinations for your specific needs. Many of the local health food stores in your area will have a bulk herbs section which are in individual jars or containers. This is a great place to start blending your own herbal teas.
Hormone Balancing Tea – Red clover, red raspberry, nettle leaf, comfrey, peppermint, and maca. Blend in equal amounts with significantly less maca root and peppermint to taste. Maca root comes in a powder and there for is very condensed depending on how much tea you are making, you want about 1/2 teaspoon of maca per tea bag or add it separately when brewing each individual tea.
PMS Tea – Calendula, lady’s mantle, white peony, valerian root, lemon balm. This makes a very nice blend with a bit of a lemony flavour. Blend these herbs in equal amount with about half the calendula to other herbs.
Menopause Tea – Maca, ashwaganda, liquorice, red raspberry leaf, chamomile, lady’s mantle. Again with Maca root you only need about 1/2 teaspoon per cup of tea and no more than a teaspoon per day. You can easily add this to each individual cup of tea. Ashwaganda is another herb that is heavier and more potent and you won’t need as much in your tea blend as the other herbs.
Fertility Tea – Maca, ashwaganda, red raspberry, red clover, alfalfa, damiana. mix equal amounts red raspberry, red clover, and alfalfa. with significantly less damiana and ashwaganda and about 1/2 teaspoon maca per cup of tea.
** Always use caution and get the ok from your practitioner or doctor before ingesting herbal tea if you are on medications, are using other herbal remedies, if you suffer from a medical condition, or are pregnant or nursing.
