In our times, herbal medicine distinguishes specific needs of modern women and offers them great solutions for their specific problems, including PMS and menopausal disorders, menstrual cramps and irregularities, hormonal imbalances, as well as depression,  mood swings and other related conditions.

For a good health and vitality, a woman should follow a healthy diet (in particular, provide her body with sufficient amounts of zinc and iron), support her liver and badder health, get sufficient amount of sleep, rest and relaxation, do anaerobic and yoga exercises, as well as use the benefits of medicinal herbs for women, which promote health and normal chemical processes in female body. Below, you can see some of the most effective herbs for women.

• Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca). It is one of the best known tonics for the urinary system and an excellent anti-inflammatory agent. Motherwort is a very valuable herbal remedy for those ladies who suffer from menstrual irregularities: it can assist in cramp relieving, regulating menstrual cycle and relieving stress.
• Nettle (Urtica Diocia). One of the most important medicinal herbs for women, nettle can provide a female body wit great amounts of iron and natural vitamins. It can be used to increase blood quality, stimulate blood flow, as well as enrich mother’s milk.
• Yarrow (Achillea Millefolium). It is another very effective herbal remedy to assist in avoiding menstrual delays and excessive bleeding, as well as for relieving spasms and cramps. For centuries yarrow has been used to support the function of urinary and digestive systems.
• Raspberry Leaf (Rubus idaeus). This herbal remedy can play a role of great natural support for pregnant women, and regular consumption of raspberry leaf tea is linked to boosted urinary health. This herbal remedy is rich in vitamins A, B group, C and E, therefore, it helps to support the immune system. Also, it has alcaloids and a variety of minerals which tone the uterus and help to minimize the effects of losing too much blood during delivery.
• Cramp Bark (Viburnum opulus). This herbal remedy is reported to have special relaxing and soothing effects linked specifically to reproductive systems and uterine. Cramp Bark tea should be used as an irreplaceable tonic and relaxant for those pregnant women who are under a risk of miscarriage.
• Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris). This medicinal herb is rich in flavonoids and is widely used in Ayrvedic medicine as a powerful natural heart and liver tonic. Mugwort is mostly recommended to young ladies who are looking for natural solutions to regulate their menstrual cycle.

Wild Thyme (Thymus serpyllum) is a medicinal herb which is native to dry regions of Europe, especially high valleys of the Alps, plateaus, moorlands and so on. It is distinguished from Common Thyme and is cultivated separately for its high therapeutic values.  This medicinal herb has been used for a long period of time: in particular, in Ancient Greece its name was associated with power and high spirit. Also, it was used in Tibetan medicine as an effective tonic and relaxant.

Aromatic properties of this herb are used not only in medicine, but also in culinary, where this herb plays a role of taste enhancer for stews, red and white meat, soups and other dishes. To benefit from its curative properties, this herb is commonly used in the form of wild thyme tea, famous for its pleasant taste and delicate aroma. Wild thyme benefits include sedative, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, diuretic, calming, expectorant, emmenagogue, carminative and other powers of this herbal remedy.

This herbal remedy is rich in organic acids, carotene, flavonoids, vitamins D and C, thymol and cymol, as well as other useful nutrients and microelements. For centuries, wild thyme has been used to treat depression, mood swings, nervous tension, alcoholism, headaches and other related problems. Also, wild thyme tea or infusions can aid those people who suffer from respiratory problems of various nature: bronchitis, sore throats, coughs, sinusitis and so on. Wild thyme tea is recommended to everyone who has minor digestion problems like weak stomach, colic, spasms, gas, etc.

Besides, regular consumption of this herbal remedy is linked to better muscle tone, lower occurrence of cramps and spasms, relieving discomfort and pains caused by mastitis, and other effects. Wild thyme benefits include external use of the infusion to treat cuts, insect bites, wounds and other physical damage of skin. Unique aroma of this herbal remedy can be applied for treating headaches, nervous agitation, migraines and nightmares. In aromatherapy, in order to achieve excellent relaxing effects, wild thyme is commonly mixed with rosemary or other calming essential oils.

Common Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is a quite popular medicinal herb which is used for its therapeutic benefits and as a culinary spice. The herb originates from the Mediterranean region and is known since the times of Ancient Egypt where it was widely used for embalming. In Ancient Greece, thyme was considered to be a symbol of courage and used to rise the spirit of the warriors. But the Romans were the first to start using thyme in culinary for its specific flavor: they were adding dried thyme leaves to their cheeses and wines.

Also, since early times thyme has been used for producing essential oil – thyme oil. This herbal oil has very strong flavor due to a high content of thymol, a natural phenol that is found in common thyme. Thyme oil can be diluted both from dried and fresh thyme leaves by steam or water distillation. Thyme oil is a source of such natural phenols as carvacrol, linalool, cineole, borenol and others. It is one of the principal oils that is used in aromatherapy, first of all, for its strong antibiotic properties.

Since ancient times thyme herbal remedies have been used for easing restlessness, stimulating sleep and combat nightmares. Common thyme is considered to be the greatest natural antibiotic and antispasmodic. Its antibiotic powers are used in many of natural mouthwashes and other dental products. Thyme herbal products can relieve the spasms of respiratory tract, and also thyme herbal tea can be used to ease the symptoms of indigestion, meteorism and other digestion problems. Common thyme is a good herb to be used for cleansing and stimulating detoxification.

Health benefits of thyme oil embrace its excellent antibacterial, antiseptic, stimulant, vermifuge, hypertensive, expectorant, diuretic and other powers. It can help us strengthen our nervous system, lower the effects of depression, improve memory and lower the chances of Alzheimer’s disease. Also, this oil has wonderful warming effects and can assist in blood flow normalization, relieving arthritis pains and muscle aches. Finally, health benefits of thyme oil also include its properties to fight respiratory infections and boost our immunity. Thyme oil can be used externally to treat skin infections, cuts, acne and other skin problems.

Pot Marigold (Calendula Officinalis) also known as Calendula is a medicinal herb with high stems and charming bright yellow flowers. It received its name from the Latin word “Kalendae” meaning the first day of the Roman calendar. This flower can be used for predicting weather as it is believed that if in the morning calendula flowers did not open, one should expect a rainy day. Marigold flower petals can be used in culinary for spicing fish, meat or soups, as well as giving color for butter and cheese. This herbal remedy can be also used for hair coloring.

One of the most common ways to prepare therapeutic marigold flower tea is steeping 2 tablespoons of dried flowers in 250 ml of boiling water. This tea has very pleasant flowery aroma and allows enjoying numerous marigold health benefits. It has strong anti-inflammatory powers and for centuries calendula has been used to reduce inflammation of mucous membrane, to ease the symptoms of cold and soothe sore throat. Also, marigold flower tea is rich in vitamins C and E, enzymes, lycopenes and other useful phytochemicals, which can lower the risks of having prostate problems in men and assist in menstrual cycle regulation in women.

Other marigold health benefits include its properties to calm down digestion problems and stomach upsets, to combat liver failure, cramps and muscle spasms. Marigold flower tea can be used to normalize the function of the urogenital system, relieve toothache and neuritis. If used externally, marigold flower extracts can effectively treat various skin imperfections, wounds, abrasions, as well as renew and rejuvenate your skin.

In addition, pot marigold has very powerful anti-fungal properties and can be used for treating any sorts of candida infections, athlete’s foot and other related problems. Calendula can be used even for hair loss treatment as it is reported to improve blood flow to our body areas. Finally, calendula can be a safe and affordable herbal treatment for a common baby problem, diaper rush. However, it is recommended to avoid any treatment involving marigold products and marigold flower tea for pregnant and breastfeeding women.

In Western herbal medicine, the herb alfalfa (which is also known as Father of All Foods, Buffalo herb or Buffalo grass, lucerne, Chilean Clover, Purple medic and other names) is used for a wide variety of medicinal purposes. Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is a perennial plant with small  leaves and purple flowers. It originates from Asia and in the 4th century BC Persian King Darius imported this herbal remedy to the Europe during his march on ancient Greece. For many centuries alfalfa has been used as a natural nutrition tonic.

However, nowadays this herbal remedy has a great number of therapeutic uses. Health benefits of alfalfa are attributed to its high mineral and vitamin content. Alfalfa is a great source of organic minerals, such as potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, zinc and copper. This rich mineral content helps to promote excellent dental and bone health. Besides, this plant contains almost all known natural vitamins, as well as such important elements as protein, chlorophyll, beta carotene, sugars, amino acids, flavonoids, sterols, alcaloids, saponins, coumarins, trace elements and other valuable nutrients.

Health benefits of alfalfa include diuretic, hemostatic, antipyretic and antibacterial properties of the plant. Alfalfa herbal tea is used to promote appetite and normalize nutrition, calm down anxiety and depression, boost body energy, as well as for its high antioxidant content to lower the risks of cancer and increase vitality. Alkaloids in the plant can assist in normalizing the function of liver, reducing constipation and relieving the symptoms of colon disorders. High chlorophyll content is an important factor that assists in tissue regeneration and rebuilding. Alfalfa health benefits also include the properties to calm down the symptoms of PMS, helps in treating chronic ulcers and prostate problems.

Specialists recommend using alfalfa to treat such serious health conditions as rheumatoid arthritis and type 2 diabetes. Alfalfa products can assist in combating immune disorders, such as various allergies. Alfalfa tinctures can be used externally to treat bruises, cuts, wounds, insect bites and other skin problems. Finally, benefits of alfalfa products include even the role of this herbal remedy as a treatment for drugs and alcohol dependence. Try to use this highly therapeutic and nutritious herbal remedy for treating your particular health condition and strengthening your overall health. However, do this only after your therapist or other health care specialist, especially if you intend to start a serious therapy involving alfalfa products.

All of us are very well familiar with peppermint. It is one of the most favorite flavor for candies, chewing gums, toothpaste, soaps, shampoos, gels and other popular consumer products. Many of us like drinking peppermint tea, and some even like adding peppermint flavoring to a cup of coffee. Weird? Not at all! Try a cup of mint mocha or mint latte. You can prepare it for yourself by adding some fresh mint leaves into your cup of coffee or by using several drops of peppermint extract. Mint is very common to cooking, especially in India and the Middle East. It is used in various salads, punches, milk shakes, as well as as a garnish for chicken and red meat.

Peppermint (Mentha piperita L.) is known as one of the world’s oldest medicinal herbs. It has a great variety of therapeutic properties which have been used for centuries. To the US, peppermint came from England and for centuries it has been cultivated in California, Michigan, Indiana and other states. Sure thing, the cultivated plants have higher-quality oil. In herbal medicine, flowered tops and leaves of the herb are used for preparing extracts and, certainly, for diluting peppermint oil. Peppermint contains menthol and menthyl acetate, as well as pinene, phellandrene, limonene, menthofurane, piperitone and further monoterpene derivatives. The characteristic refreshing odor of peppermint should be attributed to menthol.

The property of peppermint to relax the muscles of the stomach and aid for fat digestion is a wide known health benefit of this herb. Peppermint can be also used to ease the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, including diarrhea, bloating, abdominal pains, etc. Calming and relaxing effects of peppermint are used for treating headaches, vertigo, menstrual pains, anxiety, nausea, muscle and nerve pains, and so on. Besides, this medicinal herb has excellent antiseptic and soothing effects, that is why it can be used for treating various skin irritations, itches, etc.

Oh, and also: we all know that menthol is a universal remedy for various problems of our respiratory system, including a flu, sore throat, sinusitis, bronchitis, etc. Peppermint can ease the symptoms of asthma and substantially ease dry cough. In order to benefit from all these therapeutic effects, it is recommended to use peppermint as a tea, or use some drops of peppermint oil externally (for inhalations, or as an element of aromatherapy to calm down headaches). Remember that high doses of peppermint and peppermint products can cause allergic reactions, fastened heartbeat and sensitization. Therefore, please, consult your health care specialist before staring a therapy involving this medicinal herb.

St. John’s Wort (Hypericum Perforatum, also known as Goat weed) is one of the most popular medicinal herbs, which has been known since the times of ancient Greece and used to treat various problems with cardiovascular and digestive systems, liver and bladder, as well as to relieve certain mental conditions and nerve pain. The herb received its name after St. John the Baptist as it blossoms in the middle of June, around the time for the feast of St. John the Baptist. In herbal medicine, flowered tops of St. John’s Wort are used for preparing tinctures, teas extracts, capsules, dietary supplements or other medicines.

St. John’s Wort is known, first of all, as an effective antidepressant since it has excellent sedative and calming properties. This herb contains hypericin, a chemical that can block the enzyme monoamine oxidase, a substance released in our body in terms of depression. However, there is no trustworthy scientific evidence of the fact that St. John’s Wort can assist in combating a severe and long-term depression, which always require a serious professional attention. Therefore, this medicinal herb can be used for treating mild or moderate depressions, minor mood disorders and sleep disorders. In order to treat neurosis and other related problems, steep 4-5 teaspoons of the flowers in 500 ml of boiled water and drink 100 ml of this tea 2-3 times a day.

In addition, St. John’s Wort has very good antispasmodic, anti-bacterial and cholagogue properties. Herbal tea with this plant can assist you in relieving spasms of your blood vessels, improving your blood circulation and boosting your appetite. If you suffer from a continuing stomach discomfort, steep 1 teaspoon of St. John’s Wort flowers in 250-300 ml of boiled water for 10 minutes (you can also boil the tea on a very small fire for 5-10 minutes), then strain out the flowers and drink 70-100 ml of the tea before having meals. You can add 2-3 drops of blueberry extract to this tea, this way it will have positive effects on your liver. If the tea is too bitter for your taste, you can add a little bit of honey. By the way, this tea can also have positive rejuvenating effects as it contains great amounts of flavonoids and tannins.

It is essential to remember that using this herb is connected with possible side effects and negative reactions with a great number of prescription medicines or supplements (especially antidepressants and birth control pills), the FDA specialists warn. In particular, pregnant and breastfeeding women are recommended to refrain from using herbal products containing St. John’s Wort. Overdosing can result in nausea, headaches, fatigue and restlessness, allergies, dry mouth and so on. In order to avoid unwanted consequences and receive maximum therapeutic effects, it is always better to consult your therapist or health care specialist before starting any sort of therapy involving this medicinal herb.

Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) is a quite a popular herbal remedy in modern Europe and Asia which is used to suppress cough, relieve sore throat and other symptoms of bronchitis. The leaves and blossoms of this plant are used for various herbal teas, tinctures, syrups and infusions, which can be found in the pharmacies of the UK, Japan, Germany, France, Russia, China and many other countries of the world. At the same time, this small perennial plant from the family Asteraceae grows throughout the north, east and central regions of the United States and in the south of Canada. Therefore, those people, who frequently suffer from colds, throat irritations, chronic coughs and other related problems can gather the flowers and leaves of Coltsfoot, dry them and prepare therapeutic teas.

This herbal remedy has a great variety of therapeutic effects: anti-spacmotic, demulcent, soothing, antitussive, diuretic and so on. Active elements of Coltsfoot blossoms include mucilage, carotene and other flavonoids, tannin, arnidiol, taraxanthin, essential oils, etc., and the leaves contain zinc, glycosidal, sitosterol, inulin and so on. Before taking the products with Coltsfoot, it is essential to remember that the pyrrolizidine alkaloids containing in this plant can have negative and highly toxic effects on our liver. However, the majority of such alkaloids is destroyed when the parts of the plant are boiled.

Coltsfoot syrups and teas are very effective for relieving bronchitis attacks and the symptoms of asthma. You can use dry leaves of this plant for preparing a special tea: two table-spoons of the leaves steep in 300 ml of hot wanter and keep for 4 hours. Take 100 ml of the tea before having meal. Or, you can prepare a “fast herbal tea” using 1 teaspoon of the dried blossom and steeping it for 10-15 minutes in 250 ml of hot water. Such teas can help you strengthen your immunity and relieve the symptoms of cystitis. Coltsfoot tincture can be used for the treatment of wounds and various skin infections. Finally, some specialists recommend Coltfoot tea for improving the function of your digestive system and stimulating appetite. Do not forget to consult your health practitioner before taking Coltsfoot products on a regular basis, use this natural remedy for your benefit and be always healthy!

Sage (Salvia officinalis, Salvia grande or Garden Sage) is a perennial herb which is widely used both in cooking (in particular, to flavor various dishes with meat, omelets, soups, cheese, etc.) and in herbal medicine as an effective antiseptic and natural antibiotic. The herb received its name Salvia Officinalis from Latin Salvere - to heal, and such known ancient physicians as Hippocrates and Pedanius Dioscorides studied therapeutic properties of sage. In the Roman Empire, sage was considered to be a “sacred herb”, because it could create and save human life. A sage tea was believed to help women to conceive, as well as to be a perfect tonic for body and mind and a refreshing beverage associated with wisdom, clear thinking, being in good humor and good health.

Sage is used as an effective treatment for a great number of diseases, including various infections of liver and bladder, cholecystitis, gastritis, enteritis and enterocolitis, hemorrhoid, enuresis, hidrosis (especially in tuberculosis sufferers) and many more. Sage extracts have positive effects on our respiratory, immune and gastrointestinal systems, as well as on skin. Bitter components of sage extracts can stimulate digestive secretion, improve intestinal mobility and normalize pancreatic function. In ancient folk medicine, sage has been valued for its therapeutic properties for treating spasms, tremor and problems with spine. Also, it is supposed to be an effective disinfectant, which can be used to fumigate a sick room.

Sage extracts contain up to 2.5% volatile oil (a mixture of thujone, camphor, salvene, borenol, cineole and other constituents), as well as calcium, magnesium, phenolic acids, flavonoids, saponins, tannin, oestrogenic substances and many other useful elements and minerals. This medicinal herb is usually used as an ingredient of various natural mouthwashes and is effective when treating throat and mouth infections, abscesses, gingivitis, stomatitis and other dental problems. Besides, sage has positive effects on our immunity and can normalize our hormonal balance. Sage steams can be inhaled to relief asthma, bronchitis, laryngitis and pharyngitis, sore throat, etc. For inhalations, 1 teaspoon of sage leaves must be steeped for 10 minutes in 250 g boiling water, but if you want to use sage as an ingredient of your herbal tea, it is better to boil sage leaves for at least 3 minutes in order to get rid of volatile oils, which can be harmful for health.

Sage contains great amounts of antioxidants, therefore it has ecxellent anti-aging and rejuvenative effects. Fresh or dried sage leaves can be used for treating wounds, bee or snake bites, and other external skin problems. As an ingredient of herbal teas, sage can be effective for combating headaches, depression, nervousness and dizziness, anaemia and other similar problems. Finally, recent studies of British specialists confirmed the properties of sage to block the breakdown of acetylcholine, that helps prevent and treat Alzheimer’s disease. Remember that high content of thujone in sage extracts can cause toxic effects. That is why sage must not be taken in large doses, and must be avoided by pregnant women and epileptic people, as well as very carefully taken in conjunction with cretain antdepressants and central nervous system stimulants.

Valerian extract is one of the most popular and safest herbal sleep aids, which has been used worldwide for many centuries. Valerian is the most valued for its sedative, relaxing and hypnotic effects, that is why it is considered an effective natural treatment for depression, stresses, insomnia, nervousness, anxiety disorders and other neurological problems. Traditionally, phytotherapistst used herbal preparations and mixtures of Valerian root with other sedative herbs (like Melissa offcicnalis, Anise seed, St. John’s wort or Chamomilla recucita) as herbal teas to promote sleep. Such teas used to be of a great aid in improving sleep patterns, decreasing the number of night wakings, reducing motor activity at night, and so on.

The chemical content of this medicinal herb is quite rich and includes a variety of amino acids: arginine, tyrosine, glutamine and g-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Medical researches showed that such components of Valerian as valeric acid, acetylvalerenolic acid and valepotriades are responsible for strong sedative properties of this medicinal plant to a great extent. However, general biologic and therapeutic activity of Valerian is based on interaction of the acids with neurotransmitter GABA (in particular, inhibition of GABA catabolism). Hydroxypinoresinal is another important constituent of Valerian.

Extracts and medicines containing Valerian can help not only relief nervous tensions and related problems. It is quite effective when combating muscular and menstrual pains, arthritis and pains in joints, cramps, spasms and high blood pressure. Valerian also assists in strengthening our immune system, supporting skeletal strength, reducing migraine syndromes and irritable bowel syndrome. Valerian is rated by AHPA (the American Herbal Products Association) as one of the safest herbal remedies if taken in reasonable dosages. At the same time, some patients can have reactions on this medicinal herb, which include headaches, nausea, blurred vision, chest tightness, high blood pressure and other symptoms. That is why it is not recommended to take Valerian to those, whose activities require alertness and concentration, to those who suffer from liver disease, as well as to pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Valerian can be taken in the forms of tablets, capsules, herbal teas and Valerian extract drops. Those who want to improve the quality of sleep should take Valerian tablets orally 30-60 minutes before going to bed. Valerian can be used as a dietary supplement by those patients, who need to calm down and relief the effects of depression, anxiety and stresses. If you opted for herbal tea with Valerian, remember that in order to benefit from therapeutic effects of volatile oils such teas should be prepared with boiled water at 70-75C. Do not take Valerian products for more than 14 days, and talk to your healthcare specialist who can help you select the best Valerian-containing product for your particular health situation.