Herbal remedies often have an affinity for certain organs or systems within the body. Some provide overall systemic support, such as the adaptogenic herbs that have been discussed previously. While others are targeted to more specific conditions or symptoms.

Some herbs have the potential to align with either the male or female body, energy and conditions.

Lets discuss those that align with the female form – and that is not to say that you will never use them if you are a man, its is just that they pair very well with the ladies.

#1 on my list is:

Vitex agnus castus – Chaste Tree Berry.

Vitex is a versatile herb used as a go to for female reproductive health, for a wide range of ages – from puberty to menopause. By helping to balance women hormonally, Vitex is supportive of physical and emotional wellbeing. Employed since the times of Hippocrates for gynaecological health, it is the berries of the Chaste tree that are used to make remedies.

Uses include:

  • moves Qi
  • regulates menstruation – amenorrhoea / dysmenorrhoea / metorrahgia
  • helpful for PMS
  • eases uterine pain
  • used for infertility
  • supportive in the treatment of cysts / fibroids/ abscess or ulcers in the uterus
  • opens obstructions – spleen obstructions (Hippocrates), moves hardness & masses of other organs.
  • calms the mind as it is dopaminergic – esp. for hysteria
  • affects the head – useful for inducing sleep
  • used in Ayurveda for psychosis & drug withdrawal
  • promotes milk production
  • not to be taken during pregnancy

#2 on my list is:

Black Cohosh – Cimifuga racemosa

Supporting a healthy female reproductive system Black Cohosh is no less versatile than its cohort Vitex. Being a powerful anti-inflammatory its uses also stretch to conditions such as arthritis, asthma and headache. It is the root of the Black cohosh plant that is used to create this invaluable remedy.

Uses include:

  • supportive in menopause esp. hot flashes / night sweats / palpitations / vaginal dryness / vaginal atrophy & hyperhydrosis (excess sweating)
  • supportive of healthy menses as well as helping to ease symptoms of PMS & dysmenorrhoea
  • to calm mood swings, anxiety, irritability & depression
  • to ease the pain & inflammation associated with arthritis, Rheumatism, headache, sciatica & colitis.
  • open the airways for asthma, bronchitis, whooping cough
  • used to help reduce breast cysts & symptoms of mastitis
  • aphrodisiac
  • calm convulsions
  • helps lower blood pressure & improve circulation
  • supportive for insomnia
  • help restore balance for vertigo sufferers
  • not to be taken during pregnancy
  • #3 on my list of fav female herbs is:

Shatavari – asparagus racemosa

Sometimes referred to as Queen of the Herbs, Shatavari is a mighty Adaptogenic herb for those of us who are female. Native to India, the Himalayas and Northern Australia it is the root that is valued for its medicinal properties.

Shatavari shines as it helps women to balance the effects of the stress of daily life, as well as supporting reproductive health. Its powerful antioxidant activity protects the body from damage by free radicals and may help improve production of chemicals of the brain that have mood improving qualities.

Uses include:

  • adrenal support – esp. for women trying to conceive or those heading into menopause
  • promotes conception
  • reproductive tonic & aphrodisiac
  • supportive of sexual debility in both sexes
  • impotence
  • infertility in both sexes & threatened miscarriage
  • promotes lactation
  • nutritive tonic
  • used to treat herpes / gonorrhoea / leukorrhoea
  • restore vaginal pH
  • supportive of immune function
  • modulates oestrogen
  • anti-inflammatory for the gastrointestinal and urinary tracts; supportive of conditions such as diarrhoea / cystitis / gastritis / ulceration / preventative of urinary stones

#4 on the list of lady herbs is:

Red Clover – Trifolium pratense

Red clover is a highly nutritious plant, enjoyed by grazing animals; it also helps restore nitrogen to the soil. Boasting nutrients such as calcium, potassium, chromium, magnesium, niacin, thiamine & vitamin C.

Easily grown in many countries around the world – you may have driven past it on the roadside! I do not encourage picking it from the roadside however, as Red Clover is very good at collecting things – especially toxins/chemicals that may exist in the soil.

A diva at restoring overall health and vitality, Red clover is known for its uses in supporting detoxification and reducing inflammation. With an affinity for the female form it is most helpful when trying to balance hormones due to its phyto-oestrogenic properties.

Uses include:

  • supportive in menopause, helpful in relieving hot flashes, & night sweats. May help in the prevention of osteoporosis
  • helpful as a cough remedy particularly for whooping cough, red clover is a wonder at expelling mucous from the lungs and calming the spasm of a cough
  • protection against heart disease, and supportive of cardiovascular health
  • purifies the blood so acts a great detoxifier, also a blood thinner and should not be used by those already taking blood thinning medications. Stop taking two weeks before surgery
  • nourishing tonic – due to its high nutrient content and is safe to drink as a tea every day
  • Do not use in pregnancy

#5 on the list, last but by no means least:

Peony – Paeonia lactiflora

Used medicinally for over 3000 years in China and 500 years in Europe. This perennial herb comes in a variety of medicinal species some reaching heights of 9 meters tall, with large blossoms that come in an array of colours. The root has been traditionally used to treat wounds, fungal infections and spasmodic conditions. Peony is well known for its uses in supporting the female body in a variety of ways and is considered by Traditional Chinese Medicine to be one of the great women’s tonics.

Uses include:

  • liver tonic – soothing and restorative
  • muscle relaxant helpful in treating muscle cramps
  • its anti-convulsant and spasmolytic properties may help to manage conditions such as epilepsy and Parkinson’s disease.
  • may enhance cognitive abilities memory and learning
  • as a uterine/ovarian tonic and HPO axsis-regulator Peony is used in the management of PCOS (poly cystic ovary syndrome) / dysmenorrhoea / fibroids / infertility / PMS /
  • Eases angina and rheumatoid arthritis
  • protective of kidneys in times of acute pancreatitis
  • traditionally used for boils / abscess / swollen painful eyes / wound healing / fungal infections.
  • nourishing to the blood

If you have any further questions about how herbs can support and enhance your healthy life please reach out, we would love to help you.