Women are the pinnacle of the community.
In most indigenous cultures, women play various roles in the home and community (gender roles completely out the window!)
We farm,
educate children,
birth children holistically,
offer herbal remedies when needed,
nourish in providing delicious meals,
create a beautiful living space,
and so much more.
The health of womanhood is reflected in the community.
Today I'd like to offer four staple herbs every woman should have in the cabinet and their purposes:
Ginger
This fiery rhizome is a catalyst in herbal formulations, and so much more.
Ginger supports many systems in the body, namely immune, circulatory, and the digestive systems. In many ancient traditional practices (Chinese, Indian, African, Iranian, and more), ginger is utilized fresh in delicious cuisine. Its warming qualities activate enzymes to work faster which result in increased bowel movements and reduced gut irritability.
In addition to gut health support and improved skin, ginger may soothe period cramps and pain associated with cysts, fibroids, PCOS, PMDD.
Ginger may also assist with battling nausea during pregnancy.
Herbal actions: antioxidant, antiemetic, expectorant, anti-inflammatory, antinausea
Alfalfa
Apart from the legume family, this nutrient-dense plant is optimal for women who aiming to boost fertility and/or trying to conceive.
This plant contains high levels of vitamins and minerals, ranging from vitamin K, E, calcium, carotene, and other trace minerals.
Due to its nutrient profile, it can also be utilized postpartum to improve the quality of breastmilk. Its use during pregnancy, whilst taking blood thinners, certain autoimmune diseases, and particular fertility cases should be avoided or closely monitored due to contraindications.
Lemon balm
A calming and refreshing nervine, lemon balm soothes the nervous system and this benefit can be utilized during pregnancy and thereafter as the hormones shift back into balance.
There are a few small studies that show lemon balm to effect the way GABA performs in the brain. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that blocks certain signals from the nervous system to the brain, such as fear and anxiety. This mechanism allows for the body to experience improved mood and reduced stress and anxiety, which may also lead to better sleep!
It's a mild relaxant, making it perfect for children as well as their teeth erupt or if they need additional nervous support.
Mugwort
Mugwort has a warming touch to the womb.
It is reputably known as a thinning agent for the upper respiratory tract and the same action can be applied to the uterus when there is a surplus of mucus and/or blood. In regard to preparing for conception, mugwort may increase appetite and sustain the body during this time.
On the other end of the spectrum, it may assist the womb in healing after an absence of a fetus in the womb (i.e. miscarriage, postpartum, abortion). As this time may bring one closer to the other side of life, mugwort may assist in healing via the dream realm through meditation or tea ritual.
These four herbs may support a woman during all stages of womanhood. There are many more herbs that can be added to this list, however it is kept short for this post for those new to herbalism.
Let us know which one of the four is your favorite and how you like to prepare them!
