There are certain chapters in life that unfold only to a woman such as pregnancy, motherhood, menstruation, menopause, etc. Although these experiences are unique they come with side effects such as cramps, morning sickness, mood swings, etc. that prove to be a barrier in the woman’s day-to-day life.
Further there are certain diseases such as Rheumatoid Arthritis that tend to affect women more than men. Here are some of the nature’s best herbs that prevent these diseases and conditions from troubling a woman’s normal life.
Herbal Remedies For Women’s Health Issues
Chaste Tree
Also known as Vitex, Chaste tree herb is often considered a woman’s best companion. This particular herb normalizes the estrogen and progesterone hormonal levels thereby resolving most women problems such as menstrual cramps, irregular menses, infertility, and menopause symptoms. Chaste tree contains flavonoids that behave like the hormone progesterone. Hence, this herb increases progesterone production and thus regulates and normalizes menstrual cycle.
By acting on the pituitary gland, chaste tree herb releases both LH (luteinizing hormone) and FSH (follicle stimulating hormone). Apart from flavonoids, chaste tree also contains terpenoids and iridoid glycosides that together normalize ovulation and help in pregnancy by regulating LH and FSH levels. It lowers prolactin hormone levels that cause tender breasts, uterine cramps and other such pre menstrual symptoms.
Motherwort
As the name itself suggests, motherwort herb is helpful in treating pregnancy-related conditions in women. Being a galactogogue, this herb promotes milk flow in pregnant women. It is widely regarded as a tonic recommended before and after childbirth. Besides, this herb is an emmenagogue that helps in regulating menstrual flow thereby normalizing menstrual cycle and treating related conditions. Leonurine component in this herb increases uterine contractions.
It is also a really helpful herb for menopausal women as it treats related conditions such as heart palpitations, insomnia, nervousness, etc. It also improves mental outlook and helps in reducing stress. In addition, motherwort is a well known cardiotonic as it keeps heart diseases at bay by preventing blood clots and improving blood circulation. Since it calms nerves and relaxes blood vessels, it is helpful against hypertension. It also alleviates headache, vertigo, and relieves bronchitis, asthma and similar lung disorders.
Blue Cohosh
This particular herb is a well known childbirth aid and treats associated uterine weakness by improving uterine muscle tone. It is also an essential uterine tonic as it also relieves cramps because of its antispasmodic effect. Blue cohosh contains an alkaloid named methyl cytosine that has antispasmodic properties.
It also contains triterpenoid saponin hederagenin that increases uterine tone. Being an emmenagogue, blue cohosh helps in stimulating menstrual flow by dilating blood vessels and promoting pelvic circulation. Hence, blue cohosh is a one-stop remedy for spotty and scanty menstrual flow, painful periods, irregular periods, etc. In addition, blue cohosh helps in relieving pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
Uva ursi
Another common women health issue is UTI – urinary tract infection. Uva ursi is considered to be helpful in treating UTIs caused by bacteria. It contains a compound called arbutin that is converted into a bacteria-killing substance by the body.
However, arbutin works most effectively with alkaline urine. Another herb that helps against UTIs is goldenseal root that contains berberine as well as hydrastine that have strong antiviral and antibacterial properties.
Black Cohosh
This particular herb contains isoflavones that behave in the same manner as hormones in the body. Black cohosh is widely regarded as a treatment of menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, depression, vaginal dryness, etc. Black cohosh root also affects estrogen levels.
Besides, it also treats night time cough. It also has strong anti-inflammatory properties that makes it a useful remedy for rheumatoid arthritis in women. Rheumatoid arthritis is related to the hormonal imbalances inside a menopausal woman’s body.