Top 10 Herbs for Your Womb Woes
“The uterus is the woman’s center; if it is out of balance, everything in her life, physically, emotionally, and spiritually, will be out of balance.
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Nestled in the center of a woman’s lower pelvic cavity is the uterus – the womb. The uterus is primarily seen as the temporary home for growing a fetus, but it’s so much more than that. The uterus has many other jobs that support female health, and nurturing it is so essential to our overall well-being.
Millions of women suffer from PMS, PCOS, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, fertility issues, hormonal concerns, and menopause. The use of pharmaceutical drugs for fertility, hormone regulation, pregnancy, and these health conditions has gradually increased over the past couple of years, and not without risk or harmful side effects.
Thankfully, nature has come to the rescue again. Various cultures have used natural herbal remedies to support female health for many, many years. From balancing hormones to reducing those irrepressible mood swings, here are ten healing herbs for the ever-evolving womb.
1. Nettle
Nettle is a great gift from the Earth regarding its abundance of multivitamins. This herb is rich in nutrients and is especially useful to the uterus pre- and post-cycle. Nettle is often used to increase fertility, for postpartum, after birth, and in the case of miscarriage. Nettle can be consumed in various ways, including using it fresh or dried as a tea, in food, as a tincture, or in the form of extract powder.
2. Red Raspberry Leaf
This herb has a rich history as a unique medicinal food. Raspberries are high in many powerful antioxidant compounds like quercetin, ellagic acid, and vitamin C and contain various other nutrients, including potassium, magnesium, calcium, vitamin K, and iron. This herb is beneficial thanks to its ability to strengthen the luteal phase of the cycle and promote a strong uterine lining. Red raspberry leaf has been used for a variety of other uterus-related conditions over the years, like PMS, cramping, irregular periods, and supporting fertility. You can enjoy this herb by using the fresh or dried leaves as a herbal tea or taking it as a tincture.
3. Shatavari
This herb is a beloved adaptogen used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine for women in all stages of life. Shatavari is a super tonic for the womb and is great for reducing the physical and psychological stress related to hormonal imbalances and reproductive disorders. Shatavari works to balance a heavy flow or sluggish menstruation. It may improve reproductive health and assist with conditions like follicular growth, PCOS, and infertility. Shatavari is also used for hot flashes and vaginal dryness. You can ingest this herb as a tea, herbal tincture, or in food.
4. Black Cohosh
Black Cohosh is a great herb for uterus care in all stages of life. This herb is often used as hormone replacement therapy, to ease menopause symptoms and for PMS, PCOS, and painful menstruation. Black cohosh can also be used to reduce body pains, irritability, and mood swings. It’s recommended to consume this herb as a herbal tea, capsule, or tincture.
5. Dong Quai
Dong Quai is also known as female ginseng. This herb helps with irregular or infrequent menstrual cycles, cramping, PMS, and menopausal symptoms. Dong Quai is potent and can support the regulation of estrogen levels. It’s also used to strengthen and tone the uterus. In Chinese medicine, this herb is believed to relieve sluggish periods that may lead to endometriosis, PCOS, ovarian cysts, and uterine fibroids. The best way to take this herb is as a tincture or root decoction.
6. Adaptogenic mushrooms
While mushrooms are not the first thing that pops into mind when you hear “healing herb,” they are some of the greatest medicinal foods on Earth. Adaptogenic mushrooms are packed with nutrients and are vital for immune protection, strength, and resilience. Mushrooms like turkey tail, lion’s mane, oyster, chaga, shiitake, reishi, and maitake are exceptional for adding to your diet. If you are pregnant, consult your healthcare practitioner first and consume them in small doses in foods, soups, and tea. Adaptogenic mushrooms can also be taken as tinctures, decoctions, or extract powders for general health maintenance.
7. Red clover
Red clover is chock full of vitamins like calcium, vitamin B, vitamin C, beta-carotene, and essential trace minerals. Red clover also contains phytoestrogens, which support menopausal symptoms like mood swings, night sweats, and hot flashes. Red clover is used for fertility and as a tonic to prepare the uterus for pregnancy. It’s also an effective galactagogue, which increases milk production. This herb can be taken as a herbal tea or tincture.
8. Chasteberry
Chasteberry directly enhances the functioning of the pituitary gland, which is responsible for hormone secretion. It’s used to enhance fertility and reduce the risk of miscarriage in the first stage of pregnancy. Chasteberry stimulates milk production and may help with PMS, PCOS, irregular menstruation, fertility issues, and menopause symptoms. It’s also used to bring back menstruation in those suffering from amenorrhea. This herb is best consumed in tincture or capsule form.
9. Maca Root
Maca root is an energizing adaptogen known for its power to increase sexual desire in both women and men. This root has a high nutrient content which also increases stamina and energy. Maca is a great ally for women in menopause, especially if you struggle with hot flashes. This herb is used to regulate hormone levels and decrease moodiness and PMS symptoms. The best way to consume maca root is in powder form. It has a malty flavor and can be used in tonic lattes, smoothies, and other food.
10. Ashwagandha
Of course, this miracle herb made it onto this list as well. It featured in our last blog among the top energizing herbs too. Ashwagandha is known as nature’s chill pill and is used to greatly reduce stress levels thanks to its direct effect on the adrenals and central nervous system. In Ayurvedic medicine, this herb is used to enhance fertility and replace HRT during menopause. You can take ashwagandha as a capsule, tincture, or tea or use it in foods like soups and smoothies.
In Summary
Beyond adding these healing herbs to your life, other factors like regular exercise, a nutritious diet, and quality sleep are all ways to support a happy, healthy womb. Remember that you can also use glycerite tinctures instead of ones with an alcohol content if need be. If you are pregnant (or even if you’re not) and looking to incorporate these herbal remedies, please consult with your healthcare practitioner first.