
Herbs for women
Women should not underestimate the power and usefulness of herbs in treating a range of problems specific to them.
This is especially true now that a cloud has fallen over hormone replacement therapy. Synthetic hormones that have been patented are not identical to the body’s own hormones and are therefore far from natural.
Herbs are natural, and herbs of good quality are packed with powerful nutrients that can assist the body in achieving better health. In this article, Dr Brom explores some commonly used herbs for which there is supportive scientific backing.
CHASTE BERRY (VITEX AGNUS-CASTUS)
One of the best-known herbs for women’s disorders is chaste berry. The name is derived from the fact that it was used in the Middle Ages to suppress sexual excitability. It is a great remedy for women and is especially useful in the premenopausal period, which tends to involve menstrual irregularity and excessive bleeding.
The action of chaste berry is dependent on the following effects:
- It encourages progesterone production.
- It inhibits prolactin production.
- It enhances corpus luteum development and therefore promotes more regular ovulation.
- In low doses, it increases breastmilk production.
- It stimulates dopamine, which in turn inhibits the production of prolactin.
What the above boils down to is that the corpus luteum formed after ovulation is able to produce more progesterone, and menstrual abnormalities, which may be caused by excessive amounts of prolactin, are brought under control by this herb.
While the perimenopausal period is a good time to use agnus-castus, it can be of benefit at any stage between the onset of menstruation and menopause. It is often combined with other herbs for premenstrual syndrome (which is often caused by increased prolactin production), acne, infertility, and painful breasts.
PHYSIOLOGY OF OVARIAN FUNCTION
The ovaries contain all a woman’s eggs, which are enclosed in a single layer of cells making up the primordial follicles. Each month, a primordial follicle develops and matures, moving to the surface of the ovary where it will eventually release its ovum. This development of the maturing ovum is controlled by the luteinizing hormone (LH) secreted by the pituitary gland. The cells left behind in the ovary after the ovum is discharged from the primordial follicle form the corpus luteum. Under the control of LH and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), the follicle continues to grow and produce progesterone. If pregnancy occurs, the corpus luteum will continue to produce high amounts of progesterone; if not, it will degenerate and become fibrotic.
BLACK COHOSH (CIMICIFUGA RACEMOSA)
Black cohosh is another herb I have used in my practice for many years. I learned about it from a German doctor who told me about his success with it and that it was one of the most popular herbs for women in Germany. Black cohosh differs from agnus-castus in that it has specific effects on the oestrogen phase of the menstrual cycle.
Black cohosh is especially useful for menopausal symptoms, where it has been shown to be as effective as conjugated and other oestrogens. There is some evidence that this herb may also reduce the pain of arthritis and other rheumatic conditions that often accompany menopause. This has been another of its traditional uses.
Side effects are unlikely to occur if the herb is used in the recommended doses, although frontal headaches and gastrointestinal symptoms have been reported. The dose is 500 to 1,000 mg of dried berries every morning or 1 to 4 ml of dried plant tincture.
TRIBULUS TERRESTRIS
This interesting herb is used by both men and women to increase libido. In women, it is also used for menopausal symptoms, especially if these include decreased libido. Because it has general tonic properties, it is valuable when the flagging libido is associated with loss of vitality. According to the research work of Kerry Bone, only the Bulgarian form of Tribulus should be used.
MAITAKE
The medicinal mushroom, Maitake, may lower blood sugar levels. Some studies suggest that it could help your heart by naturally lowering cholesterol and boost the immune system. Maitake is also considered an adaptogen and supports the body to modulate the stress response.
PAEONIA LACTIFLORA
Another important herb for female problems, this one influences all aspects of hormonal relationships. It can reduce elevated testosterone levels and support low progesterone. In addition, it modulates estrogen and prolactin. This combination of hormonal patterns is often seen in polycystic ovarian syndrome, endometriosis, and other conditions characterised by excess androgen. Paeonia appears to act on the ovary, promoting the synthesis of oestradiol from testosterone and thus lowering testosterone levels.
It is also used to treat painful periods because of its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties.
MENSTRUAL CRAMPS
Tori Hudson, who teaches health practitioners about women’s problems, suggests the following herbs for menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea): valerian, cramp bark and black haw (both species of Viburnum), black cohosh, pine bark extract, and rose tea. Kerry Bone includes the following herbs in his Cramplex mixture: cramp bark, wild yam, raspberry, ginger, and Corydalis.
Common to both formulas is cramp bark. Adding a sedative and antispasmodic like valerian and black cohosh, especially if symptoms of premenstrual syndrome are present, would be a good idea.
WILD YAM
Wild yam may be used to produce progesterone creams, but the herb itself, even when prepared as a cream, has no progesterone properties. Wild yam is, however, commonly used for female problems. Surprisingly, its steroidal saponins seem to have estrogenic effects by binding with the estrogen receptor sites in the hypothalamus. It must be taken orally to produce this effect and can then be used together with other herbs during menopause.
DONG QUAI (ANGELICA SINENSIS)
A very popular herb used in China for over a thousand years, its main indication is to treat painful menstruation in combination with other herbs. Chinese practitioners believe that dong quai opens the channels when stagnation is present, making it a good choice for treating endometriosis.
BLUE COHOSH (CAULOPHYLLUM THALICTROIDES)
While blue cohosh has been used for hundreds of years as a uterine stimulant, it should nevertheless be administered with caution and only by those experienced in its use. There have been four documented cases of fairly serious perinatal events caused by this herb, and while this may be negligible compared with drug adverse effects, it is nevertheless a warning that very careful use of this herb is required. Native American women used blue cohosh to induce labour and ease childbirth.
SAGE (SALVIA OFFICINALIS)
Sage is used to reduce sweating and is often added to menopausal formulas for women who complain of night sweats.
ASPARAGUS RACEMOSUS (SHATAVARI)
This is an important herb in Ayurvedic medicine. Regarded as an aphrodisiac and female reproductive tonic with rejuvenative actions, it is used by women who have difficulty conceiving but is also good for menopausal symptoms. It is also said to moisturize the mucous membranes, so it would be useful for treating a dry vagina.
KOREAN GINSENG
With its well-known adaptogenic tonic effects, this herb can be used successfully to treat the tiredness, insomnia, lack of sexual drive, and depression that often characterize menopause.
CONCLUSION
While the above are the most popular and frequently used herbs for women’s problems, they need to be combined in specific ways for individual effects. Ginseng may be added if a particular tonic and adaptogenic quality is desired, for example, or St. John’s wort if depression is present.
It is important to remember that pregnant women should be cautious in using any herb except under the supervision of someone with experience. As indicated above, blue cohosh has known toxic effects, and one therefore needs to weigh the risks against the benefits.
Editor's note: Other relevant and very interesting articles include Manage Menopause Naturally, Switch on Those ‘Skinny Genes’ and Burn Fat Fast and Treating Anxiety and Mild Depression – the natural way.
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