No matter what stage of womanhood you’re in, chances are there is some herbal remedy that can help you deal with a nagging discomfort or injury, protect you from illness, or, maybe, even make you feel just a little bit more like a goddess.
Herbs for Women's Health
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Circulation and Dryness
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Dong Quai
Dong quai can offer the added benefits of increasing circulation, decreasing vaginal dryness, and, when used in certain formulas, fighting migraines and hot flashes.
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PMS, Menopause, and Cramps
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Black Cohosh
The troublesome symptoms of PMS and menopause may be alleviated by black cohosh (Actaea racemosa, a.k.a. Cimicifuga racemosa).
This herb controls estrogen and helps relieve pain, swelling, and spasms. It may also ease the pressure of menstrual cramps.
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Perimenopause
According to Harvard University research, progesterone is the first hormone to decline during perimenopause.
Women may experience fatigue, brain fog, low libido, depression, and anxiety as a result.
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Wild Yam
Some synthetic progesterones can intensify symptoms, so consider natural hormone creams use extracts from soy or from wild yam.
Human studies suggest wild yam may protect against osteoporosis, breast, and gynecological cancers.
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Stress, Sleep, and Mood
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Red Raspberry
Expecting mothers may find that red raspberry—found easily in tea form—may relieve stress, encourage sleep, and assist in muscle recovery after delivery.
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Rhodiola
Rhodiola is a root shown to have plenty of positive properties, including boosting overall mood, increasing exercise endurance, and sharpening the mind. Any woman may find those benefits hard to pass up.
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Osteoporosis
Some 40 million Americans either have or are at high risk of being diagnosed with osteoporosis, and 80 percent of people diagnosed are women—most in their menopausal or post-menopausal years.
In addition to weight-bearing exercise and plenty of calcium, magnesium, vitamin D, and other nutrients that help combat this brittle bone disease, consider red clover.
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Red Clover
The herb contains phytoestrogens, natural compounds that may prevent bone loss, and, in some cases, has been shown to actually increase bone density.
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Cardiac Health
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Motherwort
Motherwort could be a good choice to support cardiac health, especially in the treatment of conditions caused by stress or high blood pressure.
Chinese researchers have also found that motherwort improves blood flow to the heart.
The herb comes in capsule, tincture, or dried-leaf form, so you can enjoy it in a comforting, steaming cup.
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