Herbal Heaven: The Best Botanicals for Women :

You don’t have to watch a lot of television to know there’s a drug for just about every ailment known to man. Whether it’s migraines, menopause, cramps or even restless leg syndrome, you can pop a pill to ease your symptoms.

What you’re less likely to hear is that for almost every drug available, there are botanical herbs that not only will treat your symptoms naturally, but also will remedy the underlying problem causing them. Check out these popular wonder herbs for women.

End Menstrual Misery
Chaste tree berry is one of the most popular herbs in Europe for premenstrual syndrome and other reproductive problems. It’s known as an "intelligent" herb because of its ability to act on the pituitary gland to balance our two main hormones – estrogen and progesterone – with precision accuracy. It can also help with a host of other menstrual problems, including irregular or absent periods. Chaste tree berry can even help some women conceive if infertility is due to low progesterone levels.

Precautions: It’s rare, but on occasion, taking the herb can cause a skin rash. Also, you should not take this drug during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Chaste tree berry may also interact with certain antidepressants, so always check with your doctor first before taking it.Herbal Rx: Most herbalists recommend you take 30-40 drops with a little warm water in tincture form, two to three times a day on an empty stomach. You’ll need patience with this herb… It works over a period of three to six months or longer.

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For Menopause Relief
The Chinese herb, Dong quai is known as the "female ginseng" because of its ability to normalize hormone production. It’s often used by Western herbalists to treat symptoms of menopause including hot flashes, night sweats and dizziness. It’s also used to lower blood pressure and remedy a number of reproductive problems.

Scientific studies show it works by affecting the circulatory system and acting as a blood tonic. It’s almost always used in combination with other herbs and is seldom used alone.

Safety Issues: Dong quai can make you sensitive to light, so you should limit sun exposure and wear sunblock. Herbal experts say pregnant women, people taking blood thinners or those with bleeding disorders, such as heavy menstrual bleeding should not take Dong quai.

Herbal Rx: Take two to four grams a day in tablet or liquid extract form. Long-term daily use is believed to provide the greatest benefit .

No More Migraines
For many years, feverfew, a leafy herb that belongs to the daisy family, was thought to relieve fever (thus the name). Today it’s used mainly to prevent and relieve migraines, which in women are linked to menstrual-cycle problems. Feverfew is an anti-inflammatory and works almost like ibuprofen by inhibiting chemicals that cause the blood vessels in your head to spasm.

Safety issues: Chewing fresh leaves may cause skin rash and sore mouth. It’s best to take capsules containing powdered leaves instead. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not take this herb.

Herbal Rx: The most common dosages are between 100mg and 150 mgs per day. Remember, herbs take time to work… You’ll need to take it for two to five months before it has any effect.

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