Black Cohosh
Botanical name: Cimicifuga racemosa
This herb is primarily used in menopausal women for menopausal symptoms. This is largely due to its oestrogen modulating effects. It is beneficial for hot flushes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood issues and arthritic aches and pains. It is also thought to have its effects due to its effect on regulating serotonin in the body, which is involved in mood regulation and temperature regulation in the body. It can be used alongside or when weaning off Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), under direction of a qualified herbalist.
It can also be considered for PCOS and other cycle irregularities in younger women, not just exclusively for pre or post-menopausal women.
False Unicorn Root
Botanical name: Chamaelirium luteum
This beautiful herb unfortunately is endangered and so its use can be controversial and should be limited. However, it is useful in fertility contexts due to its ovarian and uterine tonic effects and can be beneficial to support ovulation, regulate cycles and prevent miscarriages.
Ladies mantle is a great herb to use for complaints of heavy menstrual bleeding or bleeding outside of the normal period (Metrorrhagia), due to its astringent properties.
Ladies Mantle
Botanical name: Alchemilla vulgaris
Ladies mantle is a great herb to use for complaints of heavy menstrual bleeding or bleeding outside of the normal period (Metrorrhagia), due to its astringent properties. This makes it a great herb for both young women and perimenopausal women with heavy bleeding. Of course, in these cases, underlying issues should first be investigated as to why the bleeding is heavy or abnormal in the first place.
It is magical what can occur when you correctly select and formulate herbal medicine for women’s health or a hormonal health issue. A woman can be experiencing an issue for months or years and, once starting their herbs, they can see amazing changes either immediately or progressively cycle by cycle. Herbs are particularly amazing because they often work to modulate the body’s natural hormone production and reproductive functions, not to the point where women will need to take them for the rest of their life, but rather they bring them to a natural homeostasis where the body relearns to function optimally with and after the herbs.
References
Trickey, R. (2011). Women, Hormones & The Menstrual Cycle (3rd ed.). Fairfield: Trickey Enterprises Pty Limited.
Bone, K. (2007). The Ultimate Herbal Compendium. Warick: Phytotherapy Press.
Chelsey is an Endeavour College Alumni and qualified naturopath practicing at Perth Health & Fertility in City Beach, Perth. She is passionate about all things women’s health and specialises in, among general naturopathic medicine, treating hormonal conditions such as PCOS, cycle irregularities, endometriosis, PMS and acne.
In Chelsey’s graduating year, she graduated with the Naturopathy Academic Excellence Award and Dux Medal Award. Her goals are to continue her studies alongside clinical practice with hopes to one day complete a PhD and help contribute to the naturopathic research field.
She is one half of @peppermintandsage_ on Instagram and has interests in health education and regularly conducts public based health education talks in the community.
