JOIN USWith cosmetics and modern medications increasingly leading to side-effects in the long run, doctors are going back to nature for health solutions.
Herbs, which are available in variety and abundance, offer an easy and safe way to remedy medical conditions. Women, especially, need to take medications regularly to keep fit in the face of health issues peculiar to them. For such needs, herbs are ideal as they cure the body gently from within.
A woman’s life can be summed up in three stages: pre-puberty, child-bearing age and post-menopausal. These three phases require different kind of herbs to suitably take care of the reproductive, bone and blood circulation systems. Herbal experts tell us more about which plant parts to include in the diet at different stages of your life.
Vanita Nath, researcher at Herbal Solutions, an ayurvedic products brand, says, “Young girls often face the problem of scantly periods also known as Amenorrhoea. Some herbs which can definitely help remedy this are Jangli jeera or Bupleurum, Vacha or Calamus root, Choraka or Angelica root, Bicchu booti or Stinging Nettle, Ginger Root, Dong Quai, Motherwort, Pleurisy Root, Tansy and Pennyroyal. All of them are known to stimulate the onset of periods, though these should be avoided if you are pregnant.”
Another issue faced by women of child-bearing age is hormonal imbalance, irregular or heavy periods, pain during periods and little sexual interest. “Ashvabala or Alfalfa leaves, seeds and sprouts contain phytoestrogens that are proven to balance estrogen and testosterone in the body. Also, Shatavari or Asparagus racemosus has been widely referred to in Ayurveda as a natural remedy to infertility and lack of libido in women. Aluka or Wild Yam and Blessed Thistle are two other herbs which ease menstrual cramps and ease life,” says Vanita.
When approaching menopause, women often suffer from hot flashes, mood swings and depression. Shreshtha Sharma, dietician at Women’s Wellness clinic, advises, “The use of dong quai, alfalfa and black cohosh helps. They are known to relieve hot flashes, insomnia, moodiness, restlessness and irritability. Clary sage oil has a magical effect in calming the body when used in bathwater. Eucalyptus and peppermint have similar effects.”