Women's medicinal herbs are the silent heroes that carry centuries of wisdom and healing power. From regulating hormone balance to relieving menstrual cramps, from preparing for childbirth to managing stress during menopause - these herbs have been used by our ancestors. However, the valuable knowledge of past generations is unfortunately increasingly forgotten and instead of picking the wild plants in front of the door, we simply reach for pills, tablets or purchased tea blends.
In this article, I share with you my 4 favorite medicinal herbs that can naturally support women's wellness. You can easily find the wild plants on your doorstep and reacquaint yourself with the natural healing power of these herbs to bring back the little wellness moments into your everyday life.
Lady's mantle
Lady's mantle as a hormone regulator: One of the outstanding features of lady's mantle is its ability to regulate female hormone levels. In particular, a plant compound in lady's mantle resembles the hormone progesterone. During the first half of the menstrual cycle, lady's mantle can support this natural process. However, after mid-cycle, when progesterone levels decrease, lady's mantle should not be taken in high doses to avoid upsetting the natural hormone balance. For special applications, please be sure to discuss intake with a healthcare professional.
Alleviation of menstrual cramps: When menstruation is painful, absent, or excessive, lady's mantle can relieve cramps and restore balance. It may also be helpful for premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
Birth preparation and healing: At the end of pregnancy, women's mantle tea is often drunk to prepare for childbirth. It strengthens the pelvic muscles and supports the healing of birth injuries. After birth, it can stimulate the flow of milk and a sitz bath with lady's mantle promotes involution.
Harvest time and preparation:
The best times to harvest lady's mantle herb are usually between May and September, and all parts of the plant can be used. However, the flowering period is considered exceptional, as the active ingredient content is highest at this time.
To prepare a simple lady's mantle tea, pour 1 teaspoon of dried lady's mantle with hot water that is no longer boiling. Let the tea steep for about 10 to 15 minutes and enjoy.
Mugwort
Ovulation support and pain relief: Mugwort has a long history of providing support for menstrual cramps. It can relieve abdominal pain during periods and promote ovulation when menstruation is absent. Especially after many years of hormonal contraception, mugwort can help restore the natural menstrual cycle.
Labor stimulation and birth support: Due to its labor-stimulating properties, mugwort can be supportive during childbirth.
Relief of abdominal discomfort: Sitz baths and vaginal douches with mugwort can provide valuable relief from various abdominal ailments such as cystitis, discharge, fungal infections, and ovarian inflammation. For abdominal pain, taking mugwort can be soothing and antispasmodic.
Harvest time and preparation:
The best time to harvest mugwort is usually between July and September.
To prepare a mugwort tea, pour boiling water over one teaspoon of the herb and steep for 5 minutes. It is recommended to drink no more than three cups of this tea per day.
Overall, mugwort is a versatile herb and can also be used as a spice and culinary herb to enrich the flavor of dishes and have a beneficial effect on digestion and the gastrointestinal tract. Smoking with mugwort also has a long tradition.
Yarrow
Regulation of the menstrual cycle: Yarrow can help balance an irregular menstrual cycle, whether menstruation is too heavy, too long, too weak, or irregular. Taking yarrow can create balance in the cycle.
Decongestant effect: The bitter substances it contains aid digestion and promote a healthy gastrointestinal system. In addition, yarrow has an antispasmodic effect and can thus provide relief from painful menstrual cramps.
Hemostatic and wound healing effect: Especially for wound healing, heavy bleeding and after injuries, yarrow can be used due to its hemostatic effect. In addition, the connective tissue is strengthened and can thus also support in menopausal symptoms.
Harvest time and preparation:
The best time to harvest yarrow is when it is in full bloom, usually from June to August. At this stage it contains the highest concentration of essential oils and is therefore particularly effective. In the summer I like to use freshly picked flowers, otherwise yarrow, like all other herbs, can be super dried. To prepare a soothing tea, pour boiling water over a teaspoon of the herb and let it steep for five to ten minutes.
Red clover
Hormonal balance: Red clover is known for its ability to promote hormonal balance. This is due to the phytoestrogens contained in red clover flowers, which are similar to the human hormone estrogen. Depending on their ratio to the body's own hormones, they increase or decrease estrogen levels and thus restore hormonal balance.
Reduction of menstrual and menopausal symptoms: During menopause, the isoflavones found in red clover can improve overall well-being and provide relief from hot flashes, mood swings, restlessness, sleep disturbances and sweating. Taking red clover can also reduce abdominal pain in menstrual cramps.
Mood enhancer: Red clover can help balance depressed moods and increase well-being. In times of crisis or PMS, red clover can be a good companion.
Harvest time and preparation:
The harvest season for red clover flowers is from May to September. To prepare a tea, pour hot water over the flowers. Let them steep for about 10 minutes before enjoying the tea. Even freshly picked red clover not only looks pretty in your salad, but also provides many vitamins!
Which women's herb may accompany you in your everyday life and create wellness moments?
With love
Jana Noel 🤍