Top 5 herbs for women

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Botanical medicines have been used since time immemorial, by women and to support women in their daily lives.

Leanne McLean: Botanical medicines have been used since time immemorial, by women and to support women in their daily lives by:

~soothing the stress response
~easing inflammation and irritation
~supporting and helping wound healing.

With such an extensive array of herbs in the naturopathic dispensary, it isn’t easy to choose my top 5 herbs for women.

However, my criterion is simple: must improve the way in which women experience the world.

Asparagus racemosus - shatavari

From the Ayurvedic medicine tradition, shatavari is known as the herb to “give her capacity to have a hundred husbands”. This is probably due to shatavari’s usefulness in supporting dry mucous membranes and low libido.

The herb is said to be “oestrogen-promoting”. The root of shatavari reputedly nourishes and strengthens the female reproductive system while soothing inflamed mucous membranes throughout the body.

Shatavari is traditionally used to increase milk production in the breast-feeding mother.

In Ayurvedic medicine, shatavari is used to increase spiritual awareness and compassion.

In menopausal women, she may be useful for relieving anxiety and stress and as a tonic for the reproductive organs.

This herb is an invaluable herb for women- regardless of age or how many husbands she chooses to have!

Calendula officinalis - calendula

Also known as marigold, this gentle herb is traditionally used to enhance the healing of your physical wounds (cuts, sore throats, ulcers and fungal infections) while calming irritated mucous membranes.

Calendula has traditionally been used for menstrual irregularities, painful periods and premenstrual breast swelling and tenderness.

As gentle on the skin as it is on vaginas, calendula may soothe symptoms of vaginal thrush when not easing your child's latest scraped knee.

This soothing herb can be used internally and externally, in ointments and creams, teas and tinctures.

Withania somnifera - ashwagandha

This is the herb for when the women of the world are spent, having supported their friends and families, and forgotten to refill their cups too.

Traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine as a tonic to strengthen our reserves and assist our stress response, ashwagandha is said to be calmly sedating, rather than stimulating.

It is the root that is most commonly used in botanical medicine. Amongst other conditions, ashwagandha is traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine as a tonic for debility in children and the elderly alike.

Schisandra chinensis - schisandra

Another herb that is traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine and Russia, schisandra helps support the body's ability to
cope with stress.

Also known as Chinese magnolia vine, the fruit of schisandra may support and protect the liver and is believed to be of use in the treatment of coughs and wheezing.

For me, schisandra’s reputation in helping to relieving menopausal night sweats, insomnia, palpitations and poor memory secures its place in the top 5.