6 Herbs for Women’s Wellness

In the interest of optimal health, many women choose to move away from chemical and pharmacological remedies. Believing our innate bodily power to heal can be accessed through organic means, the use of natural properties has become a thriving second option. Modern approaches to women’s wellness through herbs are not new, however. Combinations of pure plants and herbs have been utilized for centuries. Here are six of them.

Rose, also known as Rosa damascene or Damask rose, has documented origins of rose water in Iran while its oil and extracts are evidenced as originating in Greece from the late 7th century. Used for abdominal pain among other ailments, one of its traditional uses has been for menstrual bleeding. Although it is found in many countries, it is mainly cultivated in Kashan, Iran where it was the main producer of rose oil until the 16th century. It is a highly concentrated extract. Using 3000 parts of the flowers it yields only one part of oil which consists of stearoptene containing mostly saturated aliphatic hydrocarbons. Because of the low oil content and lack of natural and synthetic substitutes, essential rose oil is one of the most expensive essential oils in the world.

Clary Sage, also called Salvia Sclarea, has exhibited anti-depressant like effects in menopausal women. A group of women in their 50’s who were given Clary Sage oil, found their cortisol levels significantly decreased and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) concentration significantly increased after inhalation. This indicated changes in neurotransmitter concentrations on depression severity was significant.

Shatavari, also known as Asparagus racemosus or Satawar, meaning “who possesses a hundred husbands or is acceptable to many” is the herb for enhancing sexual energy. It is known as the “Queen of herbs” and may be translated as meaning “100 spouses” which is meant to signify its ability to increase fertility and vitality. It is found in low altitudes in India and is consumed as a female reproductive tonic and is also used to stimulate milk secretion during lactation.

Hypericum Perforatum, commonly called St. John’s wort, showed a decrease in hot flashes and fewer sleep problems in menopausal and perimenopausal women in a twelve-week study. Quality of life improved as a result from the use of St. John’s wort.

Dandelion, whose scientific name is Taraxacum officinal, is an herb that reduces oxidative stress and reduces risk factors of coronary artery disease. Dandelion root and leaf parts positively changed plasma antioxidant enzyme activities and lipid profiles.

Passionflower, also called Passiflora incarnata, exhibited efficacy in reducing stress reactivity, insomnia, anxiety, and depression-like behaviors. Noting passionflower’s, anti-anxiety effects to be comparable to drugs such as oxazepam or midazolam, it is important to recognize this plant is comparable to pharmaceutical grade substances.

In another study, however, the herbal combination of St. John’s wort and passionflower proved effective on many levels including as a viable option to hormone therapy. For those unable to have traditional hormone therapy this combination of herbs offers a suitable alternative.

With all the rich and varied plants the earth has to offer, it is good to know these herbs are a realistic option for support of women’s wellness.