Female Complaints
A Tea For Nursing Mothers
Some mothers find it difficult to either commence milk production or to maintain a high enough level of production while breastfeeding.
Since it is best for the child to be on breast milk for as long as it is feasible, herbs that will help can be invaluable. For this, herbs such as Aniseed, Blessed Thistle, Caraway Seeds, Fennel Seeds, Fenugreek Seeds, Goat’s Rue and Vervain are available, with Goat’s Rue being perhaps the most powerful.
These seeds, which are rich in volatile oils, are also very effective and can be combined to make a very pleasant tea.
Combine the following:
- 2 parts Caraway seed
- 1 part part Fennel seed
- 2 parts Fenugreek seed
- 1 part Aniseed
Crush two tablespoons of a mixture of the seeds listed above and put them in a cup of cold water. Bring it to simmering point and then remove from the heat. Leave it to stand for 10 minutes, covered to reduce the loss of the volatile oils. Drink a cup of this tea three times a day.
From: The Complete Illustrated Holistic Herbal
Basil Water For Breastfeeding
Basil is believed to stimulate milk flow and an excellent source of carotene, niacin, thiamine and iron. It calms the nerves and initiates the let-down reflex. It aids digestion, reduces flatulence and increases appetite. You can also add basil leaves to your tea, milk, soups and cooked vegetables.
Ingredients:
- 7-8 fresh basil leaves
- 1 cup filtered water
- ½-1 tsp honey (optional)
In a pan add water and crushed/finely chopped basil leaves. Bring the mixture to boil. Simmer and let the leaves steep for about 5 minutes. Remove from the flame and sieve through a cup. Add honey to taste. Serve warm. Have 1-2 cups a day.
Found at: Dr Bar
Flaxseed for Menopausal Discomfort
Safety concerns have reduced the number of women on hormone replacement therapy, but flaxseed is rich in phytoestrogens (plant estrogens) that can take the heat out of hot flashes. At Laval University in Quebec, Canada, researchers gave 25 menopausal women HRT or flaxseed (1.4 ounces per day, mixed into food). After six months, flaxseed relieved hot flashes as effectively as HRT.
~Michael Castleman, Natural Health
Chaste Tree for Premenstrual Syndrome
It won’t preserve virginity, but chaste tree has hormonal effects that minimize monthly symptoms. When 1,634 German PMS sufferers took chaste tree, 93 percent reported benefit. In tests against two other popular treatments, vitamin [B.sub.6] and Prozac, the herb worked as well as the drug and better than the vitamin.
“Chaste tree is the best herb for PMS,” says James A. Duke, Ph.D., author of The Green Pharmacy. “It’s safe and the studies are convincing. “Just be patient: It can take three months to experience benefit. Some women report stomach distress, headache and increased menstrual flow.
~Michael Castleman, Natural Health
Black Cohosh for Menopause
The Algonquin Indians used black cohosh to treat gynecological ills, and it was a key part of Lydia E. Pinkham’s Vegetable Compound, sold in the 1870s to treat “female complaints and weaknesses.” In a recent German study on menopausal hot flashes, subjects were given estrogen, a Valium-like tranquilizer or black cohosh (Remifemin, two tablets twice a day). The herb, which is an option for women who can’t take estrogen, worked best. “The vast majority of studies show benefit,” says Mark Blumenthal, executive director of the American Botanical Council.
~Michael Castleman, Natural Health
Saida: Salves To Heal Up Wounds
Brenda-Lee: Egg White Cough Cure
Pat Scott: Marsh Mallow Ointment
Sharon from Cleveland, Ohio: Egg White Cough Cure
Vagabond Witch: Soapwort Shampoo
I think it's time to go shopping... maybe even buy some really cool stuff at my online shops!!