Herbs for Women

Ingredient descriptions:

Black Cohosh root (Cimicifuga racemosa)

Actions: Emmenagogue, antispasmodic, alterative, sedative, nervine, hormonal balancer.

Common Use: Traditionally used as a powerful relaxant, useful in the relief of rheumatic pains, rheumatoid arthritis, osteo-arthritis, muscular and neurological pain and rheumatoid neuralgia, and to beneficially aid the female reproductive system, normalizing menstruation, relieving menstrual cramps and regaining normal hormonal activity. 10 to 45 drops 1-3 times daily or as needed. During pregnancy, use only under the guidance of a trained medical professional.

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Blessed Thistle herb (Cnicus benedictus)

Actions: Bitter tonic, astringent, diaphoretic, depurative, antibacterial, febrifuge.

Common Use: Primarily used for helping with female problems such as painful menstruation and associated headache. This herb also has bitter properties and has been used (but should not be overused) as a digestive tonic. Works well with burdock root to cleanse the blood. Not recommended if nursing or pregnant. 15 to 30 drops 2-3 times daily.

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Blue Cohosh root (Caulophyllum thalictroides)

Actions: Uterine tonic, emmenagogue, antispasmodic, nervine, antirheumatic.

Common Use: Considered an excellent uterine tonic, this herb has been used safely for toning the uterus and easing false labor pains. Its antispasmodic properties can be useful in colic, asthma or nervous coughs. It also has a reputation for easing rheumatic pains. 5 to 15 drops 1-3 times daily. Avoid in first trimester of pregnancy.

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Cramp bark (Viburnum opulus)

Actions: Stimulant, carminative, aromatic, antibacterial, antiseptic, stomachic, parasiticide, rubefacient.

Common Use: Cloves are said to have a positive effect on stomach ulcers, it may be used to lessen nausea, vomiting and flatulence and to stimulate the digestive system. It has powerful local antiseptic and mild anaesthetic actions. Cloves contain sesquiterpenes, these have been shown to have significant activity in inducing the detoxifying enzyme glutathione S-transferase in mouse liver and small intestine; the ability of natural anticarcinogens to induce such detoxifying enzymes correlates well with their ability to inhibit chemical carcinogenesis. Hulda Regehr Clark, Ph.D., N.D., in her book "The Cure for all Cancers", says,"[cloves have a great parasite killing abilitiy], nothing else known can kill the eggs of parasites in the body. Available in formula only.

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Chinese Dong Quai root (Angelica sinensis)

Actions: Female tonic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, sedative, anti-spasmodic, immune stimulant.

Common Use: Dong Quai is the most important female tonic remedy in Chinese Medicine. It is used for debility and poor vitality, convalescence and tiredness in women as well as all kinds of gynecological, menstrual, or menopausal symptoms. Dong Quai is also used to provide energy, vitality and resistance to disease and is a wonderful blood tonic, promoting its production and circulation. It is therefore used in treating anemia, boils, headaches, venous problems, low immunity and problems of peripheral blood flow. This plant also has a reputation as a liver tonic, protecting the liver against toxins and stimualting liver metabolism. 10 to 30 drops 3 times daily. Not recommended if nursing or pregnant unless under the guidance of a medical professional.

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Helonias False Unicorn root (Chamaelirium luteum)

Actions: Uterine tonic, diuretic, emmenagogue, antispasmodic, anthelmintic, emetic.

Common Use: An excellent tonic and strengthener of the reproductive systems for both sexes, although used primarily for women. The body may use this herb to help balance, tone and normalize female functions. While being helpful in all uterine problems, it is especially useful in delayed or absent menstruation and ovarian pain. Also indicated to prevent threatened miscarriage and ease vomiting associated with pregnancy. However, large doses will cause nausea and vomiting. 10 to 30 drops 2-3 times daily.

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Fenugreek seed (Trigonelle foenum-graecum)

Actions: Expectorant, demulcent, tonic, galactagogue, mucilage.

Common Use: Fenugreek is an herb that has an ancient history. Its use has been valued in healing and reducing inflammations in wounds; easing bronchitis and sore throats; soothing digestive problems and is a strong stimulator of milk production in mothers, for which it is perfectly safe, and has a reputation of stimulating development of the breasts. 10 to 20 drops 2-3 times daily.

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Chinese Fo-Ti root (Ho-Shou-Wu) (Polygonum multiflorum)

Actions: Tonic, hepatic, cardiac tonic, anti-inflammatory, vasodilator, sexual tonic, rejuvenator.

Common Uses: In China Fo-Ti known as Ho-Shou-Wu in that country, is one of the most popular herbal tonics among the elderly. It is said to tranquilize the spirit, nourish the blood and invigorate the meridians. The properties of this herb are often compared to Ginseng, but it has not yet been subjected to rigorous experimental study. In Oriental philosophy, it is said to increase Yin, thereby improving physical and mental health. Research indicates Fo-Ti can lower blood cholesterol levels, help prevent atherosclerosis, reduce hypertension and lower incidence of coronary heart disease. Chinese Medicine also indicates Fo-Ti as having anti-toxic, anti-swelling and tranquilizing properties as well as being useful for liver and speen weakness, vertigo, scrofula, constipation and as a sedative for insomnia. Also indicated as having beneficial effects on fertility and other female functions involving ovulation. 10 to 30 drops 2-3 times daily.

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Peruvian Maca root (Lepidium meyenii)

Actions: Nutritive, aphrodisiac, tonic, adaptogen.

Common Use: Peruvian Maca root, or Amazon Ginseng as it is sometimes referred to, is a vegetable root or tuber, related to the potato and the Mexican Wild Yam. Maca root has been used by the native Peruvians since before the time of the Incas for both its nutritional and medicinal properties. It contains significant amounts of amino acids, complex carbohydrates, vitamins B1, B2, B12, C and E and minerals, including calcium, phosphorus, zinc, magnesium and iron. This herb has been traditionally used to increase energy, vitality, stamina and endurance in athletes, promote mental clarity, as an aphrodisiac for both men and women, for male impotence, menstrual irregularities and female hormone imbalances, including menopause. Due to the number of steroidal glycosides present in Maca root it is gaining popualrity amongst weight lifters and body builders as a natural alternative to anabolic steroids. 20 to 45 drops 2-3 times daily. Not recommended if nursing or pregnant.

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Motherwort flowering herb (Leonurus cardiaca)

Actions: Cardiac tonic, sedative, nervine, antispasmodic, emmenagogue.

Common Use: The name of this plant show its range of uses. 'Motherwort' shows its relevance to menstrual and uterine conditions (due to its alkaloid content) while 'cardiaca' indicates its use in heart and heart circulation (due to its glycoside content). It has been shown to calm palpitations and normalize heart functions in general. Recently, Motherwort extract was shown to inhibit myocardial cells, improve mesenteric circulation and increase coronary perfusion, in other words, to improve several aspects of coronary health. As a nervine this herb is particularly effective in treating menstrual and uterine conditions, especially those influenced by anxiety or tension such as delayed or suppressed menstruation, menopausal changes and false labor pains. 10 to 40 drops 2-3 times daily.

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Brazilian Muira Puama root (Ptychopetalum olacoides)

Actions: Aphrodisiac, stimulant, astringent, nervous system tonic.

Common Use: Muira Puama or Liriosma, is a tree that grows in the rain forests of Brazil. Commonly referred to as Potency Wood or Raiz del Macho (Root of the Male), these names give a good indication of the aphrodisiac qualities this root is said to possess. Used as a mild tonic for depressed basal metabolism, it often exhibits distinct sexual stimulation in both sexes. This herb is influential in treating the symptoms of nervous problems and disorders, such as neurasthenia, neuralgia and nervous depression. It makes an excellent tonic for the nervous system. Also indicated for those with low energy levels but no particular organic or emotional problems, impotency, frigidity, general lassitude, poor sacral stimulation, cold hands and feet, menstrual cramps and PMS and is thought to fortify the stomach and intestines. This root combines well with Brazilian Catuaba bark. Not recommended if nursing or pregnant. 20 to 40 drops twice daily.

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Skullcap herb (Scutellaria lateriflora)

Actions: Nervine tonic, sedative, antispasmodic.

Common Use: Skullcap is one of the most widely relevant nervines available. It relaxes states of nervous tension while at the same time renewing and revivifying the central nervous system. It has a specific use in the relief of seizure and hysterical states as well as epilepsy. Also beneficial in exhausted or depressed conditions, and can be used in complete safety in the easing of pre-menstrual pains. 30 to 60 drops 2-3 times daily or as needed.

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Squawvine (Mitchella repens)

Actions: Emmenagogue, diuretic, astringent, tonic.

Common Use: This is an excellent herb to take during pregnancy, to prepare the uterus and the whole body for a safe childbirth. For this purpose it is taken for some weeks before the child is due. It is also very effective in relieving painful periods. Its astringent qualities prove useful in treating colitis, especially when accompanied by excess mucous. 20 to 40 drops 2-3 times daily.

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St. John's Wort flowering tops (Hypericum perforatum)

St. John's wort achieved instant fame in the US when clinical studies confirmed its effectiveness in the relief of mild-to-moderate depression. The news came as no surprise to herbalists, who have long used St. John's wort not only for depression, but also for the relief of wounds, burns, injured nerves, inflammations, ulcers, anxiety, and other ailments. Today, St. John's wort is one of the most frequently used relief for mild-to-moderate depression in Germany, and it seems destined to become just as popular in the US. The plant has also generated intense scientific interest because of its potential as an antiviral agent.

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Brazilian suma root (Pfaffia paniculata)

Actions: Adaptogen, tonic, aphrodisiac, restorative, astringent.

Common Use: Suma root, also known as Para Todo (For All Things) is called "Brazilian Ginseng" by some herbalists and is one of the most highly regarded South American herbs. While not a true member of the Panax ginseng family, it is an authentic adaptogenic herb, and as such exerts a normalizing influence on your body and can help regulate and enhance your endocrine, nervous, digestive, cardiovascular and immune systems. South American Natives have used Suma for centuries to treat wounds, skin rashes, low energy and sexual disinterest. The overall effect is to give you an increased resistance to stress while having a cell-building and regenerating effect. It also has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate chronic and acute pain. Suma root is also quite valuable nutritionally as it contains essential vitamins, minerals, amino acids and trace elements. Researchers have identified 152 chemical constituents in the root, including 19 amino acids, electrolytic and trace minerals such as iron, magnesium, cobalt, silica and zinc, as well as vitamins A, B-1, B-2, E, K and pantothenic acid. It contains high amounts of the trace element germanium, which is a powerful immune stimulator. The germanium may be partly responsible for Suma's powerful ability to bring more oxygen to the cells. Suma root is becoming quite popular because of its high content of several palnt hormones. It is considered one of the richest sources of B-Ecdysterone, a plant hormone that can help maintain your youth and strength. B-Ecdysterone can also accelerate wound healing , along with allantoin (comfrey also contains allantoin), a known cellular rebuilder that is present in this plant. Research in Brazil, Japan and the United States has found unique natural substances in Suma called pfaffosides which are believed to reduce tumors and regulate blood sugar levels. Suma helps regulate your blood pressure, cholesterol, hormones (especially estrogen) and acid-base balance. Doctors and herbalists in South America, North America and Europe have successfully treated people with conditions as diverse as chronic low energy and weakness, recurrent infections, viral syndromes, early onset of various cancers, diabetes, hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis, PMS, benign prostrate enlargement, impotence, rheumatism and peptic ulcers. You can benefit by using Suma root as a healing agent, tonic or aphrodisiac. 15 to 40 drops 2-3 times daily. Not recommended if pregant or nursing.

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Valerian root (Valeriana officinalis)

Actions: Sedative, nervine, hypnotic, antispasmodic, anodyne, hypotensive, carminative.

Common Use: Valerian is one of the most useful relaxing nervines available. This fact is recognized by orthodox medicine as is shown by its inclusion in many pharmacopoeias as a sedative. It has been safely used to reduce tension and anxiety, over-excitability and hysterical states. It is an effective aid in insomnia, producing a natural healing sleep. As an anti-spasmodic it will help in the relief of cramps and intestinal colic and will also be useful for the cramps and pain of periods. As a pain reliever it is indicated when pain is associated with tension, migraines and rheumatic pain. Experiments in Italy and Germany conducted for the past 15 years have found that valerian preparations are effective in treating children with psychomotor agitation (hyperactivity) and behavioral disorders. Unlike other medications for hyperactivity, valerian root has no side effects, even at rather high doses. In fact, in these children, the preparation enhanced motor coordination and maintained reaction time, while calming anxiety and fears, curing restlessness and curbing aggression. 20 to 60 drops 2-3 times daily or as needed. Overuse May Cause Mental Agitation.

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Vitex Chastetree berry (Vitex agnus-castus)

Actions: Tonic for the reproductive system.

Common Use: Chaste tree berries, or Vitex, has the effect of stimulating and normalizing pituitary functions, especially its progesterone function. It may be called an amphoteric remedy, as it can produce apparently opposite effects, though in truth it is simply normalizing. It has for instance a reputation as an aphrodisiac and an anaphrodisiac! It will always enable what is appropriate to occur. The greatest use of this plant lies in normalizing the activity of female sex hormones and it is therefore indicated for menstrual cramping pains, premenstrual stress and other disorders related to hormone function. It is especially beneficial during menopausal changes. In a similar way it may be effective in helping the body to regain a natural balance after the use of birth control pills. 15 to 30 drops 2-3 times daily. Or 30 to 45 drops once in the A.M. Not recommended if pregnant or nursing.

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Mexican Wild Yam root (Mexican Wild Yam root)

Actions: Antispasmodic, hepatic, anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic, cholagogue, uterine tonic.

Common Use: This valuable herb was at one time the sole source of the chemicals that were used as the raw materials for contraceptive hormone manufacture. In 1936, Japanese researchers discovered glycoside saponins in several Mexican yam species, from these, steroid saponins, primarily diosgenin, could be derived. These derivatives could then be converted to progesterone, an intermediate in cortisone production. Steroid drugs derived from diosgenin include corticosteroids, oral contraceptives, androgens and estrogens (yams do not contain , as sometimes believed, full blown estrogens or other hormones - these substances are produced after four processing steps). Such findings might help explain why, during the previous two centuries of American medicine, wild yam roots have successfully been employed in treating menstrual cramps, ovarian neuralgia and cramps, after pains and other problems of menses and child birth. Also known to have a therapeutic action on overall liver health, it is believed that wild yam root's ability to lower blood cholesterol levels and lower blood pressure indirectly helps the liver by increasing its efficiency and reducing stress. Also indicated in the relief of rheumatoid arthritis, especially the acute phase where there is intense inflammation. 20 to 45 drops 2-4 times daily.

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Catuaba / Fo-Ti Plus

Female Sexual Tonic. This formula contains herbs traditionally believed to have sexually stimulating effects. These herbs have been used to nourish, tone and stimulate the sexual glands, enhancing the production of sexual hormones. They are used as tonics to help maintain good sexual health, restore sexual prowess and possibly induce a feeling of sexual arousal.

Contents: Brazilian Catuaba bark, Chinese Fo-Ti root, Brazilian Muira Puama root, Peruvian Maca root, Mexican Damiana leaf, American Ginseng root, Chinese Cordyceps fungus, Chinese Schizandra berry, Brazilian Suma root and Ginger root in a base containing 100% pure, fresh and natural Royal Jelly. Maintenance Tonic: 15 to 30 drops 1-2 times daily. Restorative Tonic: 20 to 45 drops 2-3 times daily or 45 to 60 drops 1 hour before needed. Not recommended if nursing or pregnant.

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Cramp Bark / Chamomile Plus

PMS and Menstrual Cramps. The herbs in this formula have traditionally been used to relax the uterus and therefore relieve painful menstrual cramps while also reducing tension, anxiety, over-excitability and depression associated with PMS. Some of these herbs have been shown to have mild sedative properties that can calm the nerves and induce a state of pleasant relaxation without disrupting normal function or interfering with motor coordination.

Contents: Cramp bark, German Chamomile flower, Black Cohosh root, Chinese Dong Quai root, Squawvine herb, Milk Thistle seed, St. John’s Wort flowering tops, Polynesian Kava Kava root, Vitex (Chastetree) berry, Valerian root and Ginger root.

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Dong Quai / Fo-Ti Plus

Female Tonic. This formula can have a beneficial effect on the female reproductive system and can also be useful as a uterine and menopausal tonic. Chinese Dong Quai (Chinese Angelica) root is the most important female tonic remedy in Chinese medicine, since it is said to help with all kinds of gynecological, menstrual and menopausal symptoms. Fo-Ti is indicated in Chinese Medicine as having a beneficial effect on fertility and other female functions.

Contents: Chinese Dong Quai root, Chinese Fo-Ti root, Vitex (Chastetree) berry, Helonias (False Unicorn) root, Blue Cohosh root, Black Cohosh root, American Ginseng root, Indian Gotu Kola herb, Licorice root and Blessed Thistle herb. 15 to 45 drops 2-3 times daily. Not recommended if nursing or pregnant.

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American Ginseng / Kava Kava Plus

Anti-Stress, Anti-Anxiety and Relaxation Tonic. This combination of herbs can be used when one feels over stressed. Some of these herbs have traditionally been used to bring about a more relaxed physical and mental state while also sharpening rather than dulling the senses.

Contents: American Ginseng root, Polynesian Kava Kava root, Brazilian Suma root, Chinese Dong Quai root, German Chamomile flower, Green Oat seed and straw, Indian Ashwagandha root, Chinese Fo-Ti root, Siberian Ginseng root, Chinese Schizandra berry and Passion flower. 15 to 40 drops 1-3 times daily as a tonic or 30 to 60 drops as needed. Not recommended if nursing or pregnant.

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Vitex / Black Cohosh Plus

Women’s Menopausal Tonic. This formula contains herbs that have been used to help bring about a more comfortable and normal estrogen/progesterone balance. As the hormones come into balance, symptoms that are prevalent during menopause normalize, enabling the body to establish a new level of hormonal function and integration. This helps the body adapt to the changes taking place, reducing hot flashes and their frequency, night sweats, depression and anxiety during menopause.

Contents: Vitex (Chastetree) berry, Mexican Wild Yam root, Black Cohosh root, Chinese Dong Quai root, Motherwort flowering herb, Helonias (False Unicorn) root, Licorice root, Passion flower, Peruvian Maca root and St. Johns Wort flowering tops in a base containing concentrated Alfalfa leaf extract. 15 to 45 drops 2-4 times daily and/or as needed. Not recommended if nursing or pregnant.

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