Herbs for the menstrual cycle
For years, I was disconnected from my menstrual cycle and its impact on my mood, mind, and energy levels. I also accepted PMS and period pain as “normal.” This is a shockingly common experience: so many of us get deep into adulthood without learning how to gracefully inhabit a cycling body.
Studying herbalism and the fertility awareness method awakened new possibilities. I learned how to listen to my body and support myself naturally in each cycle phase. I now flow with my cycle — harnessing the exuberant energy and creativity of the ovulatory phase; honouring the call for rest and reflection in the luteal. Meanwhile, herbal remedies have nurtured a far more easeful cycle, banishing PMS and period pain. This ease should be the status quo for all women.
Our cycle is an exceptional indicator of our general health. Pain, mood swings, excessive bleeding etc are all vital messages from the body that something’s out of balance. Pharmaceutical painkillers and synthetic birth control suppress these signals; herbs support genuine healing.
Here are 3 of my favourite cycle-supporting herbs:
Luteal Phase — Damiana
I am obsessed with this mood-lifting herb that powerfully relieves the stress, anxiety, and mood swings that are often present in the luteal phase. I handcraft my own damiana tincture but it’s beautiful as a tea as well.
Follicular Phase — Nettle
Full of vitamins and minerals, including iron, nettle is perfect for replenishing the body post-bleed. Its nourishing properties are best extracted by an overnight infusion but you can also make a cup of tea with 1 heaped teaspoon of dried organic herb in 1 cup of hot water.
Bleed — Ginger
A humble yet mighty root that’s likely in your kitchen already, ginger’s warming qualities reduce period cramps quickly and effectively. Grate a teaspoon or two and simmer it in a cup of water for about 10 minutes. Drink up to 3 cups per day until cramps subside.
There is so much more to share. Dive deeper in my 4-week online course where you’ll learn everything you need to use herbs & cycle syncing to support each cycle phase.
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Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash