There are so many amazing herbs for a woman’s body and I feel extremely grateful for this time on the planet, where we are re-gathering this powerful information for the next generation’s toolbox! Imagine your daughters, nieces, granddaughters no longer having to look to pain medication as their only source of relief. Thanks to you, they will be armed with a deeper understanding of their own bodies as well as a slew of natural remedies to support their needs during and after menstruation. Below are just a few of my favorites. I encourage you to do your own research and exploration to find what works for you.

PS: Of course, nothing beats a healthy lifestyle that feeds your womb! xo

1. Red Raspberry(Rubus Idaeus) Leaf:

Known to some as "the woman's herb," Red Raspberry leaf is great for so many of the vitamins and minerals that a woman's body needs such as : magnesium, potassium, iron, calcium, and vitamins A, B (check out the B vitamins article to see why they are amazing!), C and D. It also has easily assimilated forms of iron(supports prevention of anemia due to heavy bleeding), calcium, phosphorus, potassium and silica. It is popularly used as a tonic for pregnancy and labor but all menstruating women can reap the benefits of raspberry leaf.

A few of these benefits are :

Our lovely red raspberry an astringent which can help prevent things like excessive bleeding and hemorrhage, which makes it a great support for the body for everything from uterine fibroids to postpartum healing, miscarriage and endometriosis hyperplasia. It is also a great support for digestive function, toning of the pelvic muscles and alleviating symptoms like diarrhea.

Red raspberry is often used by midwives to prepare for and stimulate labor. My recommendation for menstruating women is to use red raspberry in tea form. You can get an organic red raspberry tea here or make your own with loose leaves found here. Great to keep in your cabinet! You can mix red raspberry leaves with oat straw, nettle, dandelion or all of the above. There are many mixtures that would be greatly beneficial!

“Raspberry leaf works to encourage the uterus to let go and function without tension.”

— Susun S. Weed

2. Cramp Bark (Viburnum opulus)

Cramp bark is thee herb to have in your arsenal for painful menstruation. It is considered one of the most important uterine antispasmodics. It has the ability to relax smooth muscle (ex. intestines, uterus, etc) and striated muscle.It has also been used for hundreds of years to help prevent miscarriage.

Some of Cramp bark’s benefits include:

Ease Painful menstruation by reducing uterine contractions and uterine spasm. (Suggested start of use is several days before the onset of your menses.)

Increase circulation to the uterus, which aids in the its ability to release toxins.
aids the body in relaxation through it’s mildly sedative properties.
Excellent aid for nervous tension.

Cramp bark is useful for:

Premenstrual migraine
PMS
Dysmenorrhea
Pain associated with ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, endometriosis
As part of a heavy menstrual bleeding management plan
Threatened miscarriage
Miscarriage
Incontinence, uterine prolapse due to weak pelvic floor muscles
After birth pains, safe for use when breastfeeding
Postpartum hemorrhage

You can use this as a tea, but I usually recommend a tincture(because it’s easier, and you know, when something is easier, we are that much more likely to do it regularly.) Here’s a link to one that’s been helpful for several clients: cramp bark. I suggest taking before the onset of your cycle, especially if you normally have heavy cramps.

Note: Black Haw (Viburnum prunifolium) has complimentary effects to Cramp Bark and is a native plant for those of us living in the USA (Me lovey native plants!)

3. Vitex (Vitex Agnus Castus) -

Vitex is the fruit of the chaste tree, from which its name derives. It is native to western Asia and southwestern Europe and is one of the most popular herbs for gynecological imbalances in the Western World. It has been used as an herbal remedy for thousands of years. Known for it’s supporting and regulating effect on the pituitary gland and it’s subsequent ability to help balance fertility hormones.

Some of it’s benefits include:

Increased progesterone levels (yes)

Reduces advancement of mild endometriosis (in part)

Helps stimulate milk production in new mothers(yes!)

May help prevent miscarriage(in part)

Relieves PMS(yes)

Lack of menstruation (amenorrhea) (in part):

Uterine cysts(yes)

Stabilization of menstruation after stopping birth-control pills(in part)

Irregular menstruation (in part)

Acne(in part)

4. Motherwort(Leonurus cardiaca)

Motherwort is in the Lamiacea (mint) family. It is primarily an herb for the heart, but one of its main uses is improving fertility and reducing anxiety and depression associated with childbirth, postpartum, and menopause. It is revered by herbalists and midwives for this very reason.

It has been historically used for depression, anxiety, stress, decreasing muscle spasms, and temporarily lowering blood pressure. This is in part due to it’s sedative and relaxing properties. The American Journal of Chinese Medicine stated that out of 105 patients taking motherwort, 94.5% of them showed an improvement in blood viscosity and reduction in clotting.

Motherwort is commonly used to treat:

Amenorrhea (absent period/menstrual cycle)
Dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation)
Depression, anxiety, and stress associated with the menstrual cycle, or in life
Uterine Fibroids
Ovarian Cysts
Endometriosis
PMS
Anxiety
Ease labor pains and support the uterus as it prepares for birth
Find it here in loose herb or tincture.

5. Stinging Nettle (URTICA DIOICA)

Nettle is an amazingly nutrient dense and detoxifying herb. It is particularly rich in chlorophyll, vitamins A, C, D and K, proteins and minerals (iron, calcium, potassium and magnesium). It works to tone and strengthen the muscles of the uterus, and it’s chlorophyll content assists in toxin elimination and purification of the blood. Nettle helps reduce the harmful effects of stress that can hinder the ability to conceive.

Nettle is easiest taken in capsule form but a tea or infusion is also possible.

6. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Yarrow is a personal ally of mine, it grows freely all over North America and has a million and one uses. It is a special friend to women during their menstruating years.

Some of Yarrow’s benefits include:

Pain Relief for Painful Menstruation (Dysmenorrhea)
Yarrow relieves inflammation and congestion of the uterus, which aids in pain reduction, as well as proper circulation to the reproductive organs.

Yarrow is one of the best herbs to stop heavy bleeding and internal bleeding due to uterine fibroids, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, or for women who have heavier than normal menstrual periods.
It has been used traditionally to stop hemorrhage during miscarriage or after childbirth.
Stimulate Menstrual Flow. Yarrow aids in toning the muscles of the uterus and increasing muscular activity of the uterus. Stimulation of the muscles of the uterus aid in the shedding of the endometrium this makes it a wonderful herb for women with absent periods(Amenorrhea)
Caution: Do NOT use Yarrow if you think you may be pregnant.

“Women could be spared many troubles if they just took yarrow tea from time to time.”

— Abbe Kneipp

This is ,of course, not an exhaustive list. There are MANY amazing herbs that facilitate support for menstruation (Fennel, ginger, cinnamon, maca, Ashwagandha (more on this great herb here!) black cohosh, the list goes on and on..), as there are a variety of reasons you could be experiencing discomfort or irregularity. My suggestion is to do your research, and seek out a trained herbalist/naturopath who specializes and understands fertility. This person can talk you through what is actually happening in your body and what herbs may best facilitate your individual needs.

Disclaimer:
This information is intended to motivate and encourage readers to make healthy decisions and if needed, consult with a qualified health care professional. Information contained is not intended to be construed in any manner as medical advice. All decisions for your medical health should be made with approval of your health care provider. Therefore, please read and use the information that you derive from it appropriately and at your own risk.

6 Herbs every Menstruating Woman should know