10 Best Herbs for Women’s Health
Presented by: Dr. Manisha Kshirsagar
Aloe Vera is a smooth muscle relaxant that specifically targets the pelvic area and Apana Vayu. It soothes cramps by relaxing muscle tension and spasms.
Recipe:
1/4 cup Aloe vera juice + ó tsp. cumin powder + 2 pinches hing
Musta is used to treat menstrual disorders such as dysmenorrhea, PMS, irritability, menstrual pain and the retention of water. It also helps in the treatment of yeast and Candida formation, parasites, sluggish liver, indigestion, dysentery, loss of appetite, chronic fevers, gastrointestinal problems and menopausal symptoms. Musta also helps to reduce inflammation and heals the skin, making it great for treating breakouts and acne during adolescence.
Asafoetida is known to increase progesterone, a hormone that helps initiate the menstrual process. If your period frequently starts out light, this herb should help to start it on time and maintain more regularity. It also reduces the pain associated with menstruation, gas and bloating.
Dandelion helps eliminate excess water weight associated with PMS and relieves that uncomfortable balloon feeling. Due to its detoxifying effects on the liver, Dandelion can help treat the root cause of the bloating rather than just masking symptoms.
Recommendation:
Drink one cup of dandelion tea 2-3 times daily.
Shatavari is an asparagus root that is used as a rejuvenative tonic, nutritive, diuretic, antispasmodic, emmenagogue and Antacid. Shatavari is considered to be the best herb for the female reproductive system. It is useful for treating infertility, decreased libido, miscarriage, menopause, leucorrhea, dryness in the vaginal wall, and has the ability to balance pH in the cervical area. It contains saponins or phytoestrogens, which has an effect on the female mammary gland.
Fenugreek is considered the finest herb for enhancing feminine beauty. It also aids in sexual stimulation, balances blood sugar levels, and contains choline which aids in the thinking process. It is very useful in the treatment of diabetes and the prevention of breast cancer. Its ability to balance hormone levels helps control the symptoms associated with both PMS and menopause. Fenugreek has been found to promote the growth of new breast cells and increase the size and fullness of the breasts. In addition, the antioxidants contained within Fenugreek help slow the ageing process.
Lodhra is astringent, cold, anti-inflammatory and Grahi in properties. It is predominately used in the treatment of diarrhea, dysentery, bleeding piles, hemorrhagea, metrorrhagea, leucorrhoea, blood disorders, skin disorders and other uterine disorders. Lodhra is also used to treat skin conditions such as acne, redness and inflammation.
Red Clover helps promote fertility and aids in the treatment of hormonal imbalances, PMS, ovulation, lack of menstruation and painful menstruation. Women who are trying to conceive can utilize red clover for its alkalinizing effects, as it balances vaginal pH in favor of conception.
Licorice contains estrogenic compounds and is useful in the treatment of depression. Licorice also reduces stress levels by preventing the breakdown of adrenal hormones such as cortisol, the body’s main stress-fighting hormone, making them more available to the body.
Ashwagandha is considered an adaptogen. It also improves physical energy and increases white blood cell formation, thereby increasing immunity and vitality.
Ashwagandha stabilizes hormonal balance. It helps to reduce panic attacks, insomnia and mood swings. It improves memory and cognitive function. Due to an aphrodisiac property, it helps to improve the libido in women during and after menopause. It also has a mild sedative effect on the central nervous system and acts as a muscle relaxant.
Guduchi works as a rasayana and promotes the reversal of aging. It is an antiinflammatory, anti-pyretic and diuretic alterative. Guduchi is used in the treatment of urinary disorders, general debility, autoimmune diseases and dyspepsia. It also acts as a mild cleanser.
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Thank you for this helpful article! Dr. Manisha’s recipe for Aloe Vera states
0 tsp. cumin powder. What does she mean 0 tsp.?
Thanks for finding the mistake. It is 1 tsp.