Herbs for Women
Help to cultivate a community of deeply nourished people
Women are incredible beings.
Our innate wisdom, the power of our bodies to create in every sense, the amazing things we can do when we come together as a group - there is nothing small about the fierceness of a woman.
What we have had to endure through the ages is agonising. Is it part of a bigger picture? I’ve never really considered that if I’m honest. The pain and suffering of women throughout time is unfathomable, and this continues on to this very day and age. This is an incredibly painful time in women’s history, with violence against women in this country and on a global scale becoming more and more visible and yet still, not enough is being done to stop men from committing these acts.
While this isn’t directly what this post is about, I was actually meant to be writing about herbs for mothers. Instead, I am listening to whispers from the universe to share herbs that can benefit a spectrum of women.
If there is anything we need, its a greater community made up of really deeply well-nourished, well cared-for women.
So in saying this, how can we work with herbs to support our wellbeing as women in a society that is not designed for us to thrive according to our innate rhythms, needs and desires?
Women have always been keepers and teachers of medicine. Reclaiming our natural connection with the plant world will be pivotal in this time as a way to support and care for ourselves and our kin.
Some of the most important actions and energies to look for with the plants we would use to support us and begin cultivating a vibrant state of wellbeing are nutritive, carminitive, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, adaptogenic, nervine and alterative. There are so many other actions that might support our individual needs, however these are some of the primary actions that I think would be key for helping the majority of women. To translate this for beginners, we are looking at mineral-rich and nutrient-dense herbs that calm the tummy, protect the heart, help our bodies to deal with stress better, regulate our nervous systems and assist the body in coming back to a state of good health.
This is what it means to look at something holistically, rather than prescribing medicine with a ‘green allopathy’ approach, which is what we call it when someone is constantly prescribing and/or taking herbs to treat only a symptom, and not addressing the underlying root cause of a condition.
It’s essentially the same as a doctor using a cortisone cream to treat a persistent rash or a pain medication to treat a recurring headache - this doesn’t actually discern and then remedy why these symptoms are coming up in the first place, and this just isn’t what traditional medicine was about. Just because you are using herbs (I use this term intentionally here), doesn’t make what you are doing natural, holistic or safer for the body necessarily.
To work with plants and our bodies really well and very effectively, addressing the root cause of our issues, we need to take into account all body systems, a person’s constitution, even the region in which we live or our ancestry. Our remedies need to be specific to us and our needs. An example of working holistically would be someone with tension headaches. We need to alleviate the symptom for them (this is still important, but just can’t be the sole focus of a treatment), but then address why the tension is happening in the first place.
This client may be very stressed at work which is leading to very little downtime and poor sleep, as they are having insomnia due to overwhelm with all the things they have to get done. This is leading to fatigue and anxiety, which ends up causing digestive issues resulting in some malnutrition and stomach cramps. This person has a net-like iris constitution and is quite sensitive and empathic. If we only treat the headache, the tension headaches will continue to occur indefinitely. If we send this client to a chiropractor, make them up a flower essence, help them to come up with a plan to balance their work life better and set boundaries with their team, support good healthy sleep, support digestion and ensure they are adequately nourished you can see how this will result in a much better outcome for this client long-term.
I wanted to explain all of this to show you that with women, we often get pushed aside by the medical field. Our symptoms are just ‘women’s problems’ or it’s ‘just in our head’, which leads to very poor treatment and many unnecessary medications - often including the oral contraceptive pill for cisgendered women as a panacea for all that ails the female body. As a society we have largely lost the art of truly holistic medicine, and so while these herbs that I’m listing aren’t hormone-specific herbs, they are very relevant to supporting a well-functioning body, healthy mind and sound spirit.
So, without further ado I am so happy to share with you some of the plants I feel can be the most helpful for surviving as a woman in this current time.
Cacao
GABAminergic, dopaminergic, cardiotonic, cognition-enhancing, neuroprotective, antioxidant, nutritive, neuromodulator, anti-inflammatory
Oh cacao, how I love thee. Cacao is such a nutrient powerhouse, and was known as the “food of the gods” throughout its native lands. It was a staple across Mesoamerican cultures, featuring heavily as a sustaining and nourishing drink that would provide communities with the strength to work in the fields all day and stay healthy and well. Today cacao is well-known to have many neurotransmitter-like compounds that we know help to boost mood and enhance brain performance, and in its ceremonial form it contains beautiful minerals, vitamins and macronutrients that are ideal for keeping us satiated, happy and well-nourished. It is very safe, and can be enjoyed by the whole family, but keep in mind if you are highly sensitive this plant can be quite stimulating. Many love to connect and work with the powerful feminine energy of cacao, and it is very protective of our heart, our mind and our soul. Read more on the nutrients in ceremonial cacao here.
Chamomile
Carminative, nervine, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, sedative, gentle bitter/digestive stimulant
Chamomile is the perfect remedy for those who feel frazzled, overwhelmed and can’t help but unload everything that happened in their day on anyone who will listen. This isn’t an insult, but rather a reflection on when we are so overwhelmed we are looking for someone to help us to unpack and perhaps share our load. Chamomile is ideal when we can’t stop recounting our stressors. It’s anti-inflammatory (as are most herbs), but it really shines with nervous, crampy tummies and anxious digestion. If brewed as an infusion for a longer period of time, chamomile can take on a bitter flavour profile, actually helping to gently stimulate digestion. If you are stressed and feeling heightened, a cup of chamomile tea might just do the trick. Also amazing for little ones with gas or painful tummies.
Dandelion Root
Hepatic, kidney tonic, diuretic, alterative, bitter, mineral-rich, antioxidant
Dandelion is a remedy everyone should have in their homes in some form. The leaf and the root have slightly different actions, but the root is what I use most often. Dandelion has an affinity for the liver, helping to support effective detoxification and keep the liver healthy if it has been a little burdened. It is rich in minerals, and helps to support elimination channels of all kinds, including with the kidneys. My favourite way to use dandelion through my diet is to finely chop the fresh leaves and add them into salads, or to use the dried root to make a dandelion root latte with a touch of maple syrup. Trust me on this one, you’ll love it.
Hibiscus
Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, antibacterial, antimicrobial, diuretic, astringent
Hibiscus is not only beautiful to look at and has a really pleasant tart flavour that pairs well with other plants (often mixed with rose), it really is underrated as a medicinal herb. Hibiscus has a strong affinity for the heart, and is astringent, meaning that it helps to tone up leaky tissues. Hibiscus is a great source of vitamins, including vitamin C, and would be great to have on hand when feeling run down and depleted. It would also be great in combination with some of these other herbs as a mood lifter.
Motherwort
Antispasmodic, cardiotonic, nervine, sedative, anti-inflammatory, diaphoretic, uterine tonic, bitter, hepatic, emmenagogue
Motherwort’s latin name translates to the lion-hearted herb, and in herbalist circles we turn to this plant for broken hearts, heavy hearts and hearts under stress. These times are so heavy, and motherwort is uniquely designed to offer us a heart-centred remedy that is so helpful when things feel painful or weighty. Motherwort is bitter, offering great digestive and gentle liver support and has qualities that support menstruation, particularly in cases of those who have been without a bleed for a period of time. Sajah Popham talks about this plant being a cardiac nervine, meaning that it is well-paired with those who experience cardiac symptoms associated with stress and anxiety (think heart palpitations). You can read more about motherwort on the Evolutionary Herbalism blog.
Lemon Balm
Anxiolytic, nervine, sedative, antiviral, antioxidant, carminative, diaphoretic
Lemon balm is a little ray of sunshine. This gentle, lemon-scented mint family plant is a voracious grower and a herb I believe should be growing around every home. It is so easeful with the way it works to calm anxiety-related symptoms, supporting a calm temperament and helping the body to stay well and at-peace. It is known also as an antiviral that works against the herpes viruses, but you will get best benefits when using it topically in this way. An example of this is using it to treat cold sores, which are a common recurring symptom that pops up when someone is run down and stressed. It can help with an upset, bloated or gassy tummy, and is a wonderful and enjoyable herb for kids to use. It lends itself really well to drinks and food, so get creative in the kitchen and find plenty of delightful ways to enjoy lemon balm regularly. This plant pairs well with some of the other herbs including oats and withania as a tonic for stress.
Nettle
Mineral-rich, alterative, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, nutritive, diuretic, antiallergenic, astringent, adrenal support, kidney tonic
As the famous David Hoffman quote says, “when in doubt, use nettles”. But really, nettles are such a wonderful ally to have close to us in so many different ways. Nettles tend to be abundant growers verging on ‘weedy’, which is great considering they not only make a fantastic tincture or tea, but also a deeply nourishing food! Nettles are so rich in essential minerals and nutrients that are important for vibrant health, and there are so many good recipes using nettle available in both cookbooks and on the internet. Nettle pesto, nettle soup - this plant is just so versatile. One thing some people don’t realise is that the nettle herbalists refer to is indeed stinging nettle, but the sting is removed with blanching, boiling or blending the plant. Just wear gloves for collection if you don’t want to be stung, but don’t let this stop you from working with nettle. Sometimes the sting is actually used to bring blood flow to an area in need, like in cases of arthritis, so it’s not all bad! Nettle is also known for its affinity for reducing the severity of allergic reactions such as in hay fever (not anaphylaxis), and is a great kidney tonic too. Nettle’s alterative, anti-inflammatory and astringent actions make it a beautiful herb for so many acute and chronic conditions, so start getting to know nettle as soon as you can. Nettle makes a great nourishing infusion.
Oats
Nutritive, mineral-rich, nervine, tonic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, demulcent, nervous system trophorestorative, cardiotonic
Green/milky oat tincture is by far my most used herbal in the clinic. It may seem strange for this to be one of my favourite herbs, but oats are such an accessible remedy that is so relevant for these times we are currently existing in. You can eat them and reap the benefits of their mucilage and fibre, you can steep the straw overnight for a deeply nourishing mineral infusion or you can use the tincture for a strong and more immediate action on the nervous system - there are just so many ways to work with this plant. Overall, oats have a really gentle and loving effect on the nervous system. I like to think of them as a kind hug in a tough time, offering support, good nutrition and some nervous system regulation for when we are feeling unsure and highly stressed or anxious. I don’t use oats like I would passionflower (passiflora can stop a panic attack in its tracks if you get the dose right), but rather as a more tonic herb, to be used consistently over a long period of time. I personally include oats in some form every single day. A herbal infusion will extract more of the mineral content, however for more fast-acting benefits on anxiety the tincture might be more appropriate.
Red Clover
Nutritive, mineral-rich, alterative, lymphatic, kidney tonic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, phytoestrogenic, antispasmodic
I don’t find that red clover is given the respect it deserves, at least here in Australia. This plant is very similar to white clover, both of which are edible and have an abundance of powerful health benefits. This plant helps to open up elimination channels, assisting the body with releasing waste products and toxic build-up, relieving stagnation and helping to bring the body back to a state of good health. It is rich in minerals, vitamins and antioxidants, and also acts as an antispasmodic with an affinity for the respiratory tract (helping to relieve conditions resulting in a dry, irritating cough). It does contain phytoestrogens and some research has shown its ability to support women who may be experiencing symptoms of low oestrogen, such as in menopause or perimenopause.
Reishi Mushroom
Adaptogenic, nervine, immune-modulating, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergenic, tonic, sedative, anxiolytic, cardioprotective, antioxidant
Reishi mushroom is a fabulous tonic for the whole family, and has an affinity for the nervous system specifically. As with most of the medicinal mushrooms, it has potent antiviral and immune-modulating benefits, as well as reducing inflammation and oxidative stress (the kind of stress that puts a strain on our biology and contributes to premature ageing). What makes reishi different is its ability to really help to regulate the nervous system and bring the HPA axis back into balance. Reishi may help to improve energy by supporting adrenal function, and may contribute to bringing on general feelings of calm. This mushroom is known to be great for children, and is relatively well-researched.
Rose
Cardiotonic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, astringent, vulnerary
Rose is an all-time favourite for women across the Earth. Rose is known for its ability to shift vibration in a positive way, lifting the mood and bringing on a sense of wellbeing and peace. It has a strong affinity for opening and supporting the heart, while reducing inflammation and oxidation. It is both antibacterial and astringent which has led to it featuring heavily in women’s skincare. I personally love using a rose water spray to shift my mood and improve my skin at the same time. Rose flower essences are very powerful and can be helpful in times of emotional turmoil or for times where a greater capacity for self-love is needed. Rose’s astringent nature can also be helpful for supporting the gut in times of distress, including diarrhoea, leaky gut or gut inflammation.
Schisandra
Hepatic, adaptogenic, astringent, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, trophorestorative, nervine, antibacterial, neuroprotective, cardioprotective
Schisandra is plant that has been featuring more and more in my clinical practise, as it is such a wonderful ally for women in stress who also need some liver support. It is generally protective for most parts of the body, astringent and tonifying on the tissues while helping to regulate the nervous system and also the central nervous system. The NHAA in Australia touches on some studies that are looking at schisandra and its benefits when used in cases of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease, as well as fatty liver disease and so much more. This plant has long been revered in Traditional Chinese Medicine, and is regularly worked with to tonify the Qi and increase a person’s vital force.
St John’s Wort
Antidepressant, nervine, trophorestorative, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, anxiolytic, nervine, neuroprotective
St John’s Wort is an incredible plant that often is misused as it is one of the few plants you can almost always find on the shelves of a pharmacy and gets thrown around by people who don’t respect or understand this plant and how powerful it truly is. Tinctures and oils of St John’s Wort are regularly referred to as “liquid sunshine”, and it really does bring that sunny, bright quality to those who work with it. St John’s offers a ‘light at the end of tunnel’ energy that is uplifting and a welcome relief during heavy times. This herb has a strong affinity for all nerves of the body, making it a great option for those who suffer from nerve pain, sciatica, neuralgia or any injury with nerve involvement. It is a strong antiviral and is wonderful for acute and chronic viral conditions. It is very well known to have a stimulating effect on the liver, which is helpful for moving through unwanted waste products, however one thing everyone should know about this plant is that it most definitely interacts with the vast majority of medications. If you are currently taking a medication you should definitely speak to your healthcare provider before deciding to work with St John’s Wort.
Tulsi
Adaptogenic, antiviral, immune-modulating, nervine, neuroprotective, antioxidant, alterative
Tulsi is a plant that I really deeply believe should be in every person’s garden. Tulsi is so willing to provide, and I have found this plant to grow easily in my garden and in pots - the only condition being that I speak to them often and offer my love and gratitude. I use this plant as a substitute for Thai basil in cooking, I love the dried leaf as a tea and I think it is a wonderful plant for all people of all ages. Tulsi is also known as Holy Basil in India, and it is used as a general tonic there - a remedy for all. It helps to offer energy, support cognitive function, regulate the immune system, reduce feelings associated with anxiety and stress, and as an alterative herb it really just helps to bring the body back into a state of balance and wellbeing. This plant is also regularly used in times of acute sickness, helping to move stagnation and damp conditions.
Turkey Tail Mushroom
Adaptogenic, immune-modulating, anticancer, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immune-stimulating
This mushroom is one of my favourites, and is one of the most consistently available mushrooms on the planet! It shows up in a native form on almost every continent, making it also a really sustainable fungi to work with. Turkey tail is so relevant for what we deal with in modern society, helping to regulate our immune systems and also stimulate an immune response when we need it (for example, with cancerous cells, but please note that I am not suggesting that this mushroom is a cure for cancer in any way. It can, however, make a wonderful adjunct therapy and is readily used in this way). It reduces inflammation, reduces oxidative stress, supports our nervous system and helps to prevent viral infections from taking hold. I try to incorporate turkey tail in some way every day, and this is why it will always be included in my OG Tonic Blend. It also features in my Adaptogenic Chai Spice mix. We are exposed to so much in our environments, in our food, in our water and in our interactions with the outside world, so this remedy is absolutely a top pick for me. I have another blog post where you can read more on this mushroom here.
Withania (Ashwagandha)
Adaptogenic, anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, nervine, neuroprotective, immune-modulating
For those feeling ‘wired and tired’ Withania is the perfect herb to lean on. For example, have you ever known a person (particularly a woman) who has been up since 4am, done a work out, done the washing, made a cooked breakfast for their partner and kids, answered emails and then doesn’t stop again until midnight, yet they say they feel energised and well? These people are in a state of adrenal depletion that makes them feel like they have false energy (also they are likely running on caffeine), and this stage comes before full-blown adrenal burnout. Withania might be for this kind of person, but not only for this kind of person. It’s worth noting that this herb may have an effect on the thyroid, so if you suspect or know you have a thyroid condition it is definitely worth consulting a practitioner (I would recommend this, again, for any of these plants). Withania can help to regulate the immune system, which goes hand-in-hand really well with burnout or fatigue. I have a blog post on this herb which you can view here, an it also features in my Adaptogenic Chai Spice.
I hope that you can take something helpful away from this article, and that you can use it to build a relationship with nourishing and balancing plants that can help you to care deeply for yourself in such an uncertain and rapidly changing time.
Alongside working with plants we also need to care for ourselves in other ways, such as with deep rest, good nutrition, gentle movement, hydration, sunlight and community.
It’s not fair to expect the plants to ‘fix’ everything for us if we don’t take active steps towards helping ourselves alongside working with our herbal allies. As I’ve already touched on, using plants as a bandaid is just as unhealthy as using a pill to mask a symptom.
I call this inspired action.
I always say that inspired action is a crucial part of manifestation (including manifesting and cultivating good health) - we have to take steps that move us more into alignment with where we want to end up, creating a forward momentum for spirit to work with, helping us to get closer in a more easeful way.
If you have an experience with any of these plants, or have something to share we’d love to see you comment or send a message in the chat.