Tuesday, January 17, 2017

Women Benefit From Feminine Herbal Supplements

By Deborah Morris


Women have particular health needs, many of which have not been well understood by the medical profession. A woman needs wisdom, humor, flexibility, strength, energy, and serenity to meet all the demands of work, home, and family. Feminine herbal supplements have helped women cope for centuries, and research has validated folk lore passed down through the ages.

Health and balance depend on the proper functioning of the endocrine system. This system consists of a number of glands that produce hormones. Hormones regulate every function of the body: growth and development, metabolism, energy production, reproduction, and mental and emotional stability. Improper nutrition, lack of some essential nutrient, a stress overload, and environmental pollution are some things that can disrupt the hormonal balance so vital to health. Fortunately, nature is a treasure house of beneficial herbs that help women maintain or regain this balance.

People learned to depend on the plants around them for healing long before recorded history. We are indebted to ancient herbalists for a long list of beneficial herbs. Modern research has validated much of this folk lore, and exploration of the corners of our planet has expanded the list. The wealth of knowledge and options might seem overwhelming. However, herbs are remarkably safe when used properly, and people can simply try a tincture, tea, or pill to see if a particular herb gives them what they need.

Hormonal balance is important during all the stages of a woman's life, from puberty, through childbearing, into menopause, and beyond. Many herbs are helpful in every phase, while others have more particular applications. For example, Vitex is used for menstrual problems, fertility issues, and menopausal symptoms. Red raspberry leaves are well known as a pregnancy tonic, but they are also useful in preventing uterine prolapse in the elderly. Dandelion, dong quai, hawthorn, nettle, and oat straw nourish the body, helping to restore and replenish during the years of menstruation and childbearing.

Menstruation, a natural function of the reproductive system, can cause so many problems that it has been considered a curse. Licorice is particularly helpful in regulating the cycle, while ginger and black cohosh ease menstrual pain. Lady's mantle and cayenne are useful when bleeding is excessive. The list of PMS symptom relievers is a long one.

During pregnancy, ginger and wild yam are used for morning sickness. Nettle, red raspberry, and dandelion nourish mother and baby. Not yet pregnant? Maca, vitex, and lady's mantle are said to boost fertility. Dandelion and milk thistle are especially good for the liver, which produces hormones important for conception.

Women often complain of fatigue as they try to balance home, family, and career. Blue vervain and licorice root restore energy. Maca root has become popular for its energizing effects. There are over a dozen forms of this South American root, some which work best for women and others that benefit men. Schizandra, hawthorn, and evening primrose are among the herbs that help with mood swings and mild depression, both of which can sap energy.

Hormone levels decline with age. In women, this stage of life is called menopause. Women may experience mood swings, mental confusion, weight gain, hot flashes, night sweats, dry skin, sleep disruption, and thinning hair. Herbs help here, too. Black cohosh, soy extracts, Asian ginseng, dong quai, vitex, wild yam, maca, sage - the list goes on. Each of these herbs helps with one or more symptoms. Many contain phyto-estrogens, which are bio-identical hormones compatible with the human body.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment