Women's Health

Applications

AlfalfaAngelicaAshwagandhaBasilBlack CohoshBlue CohoshCalendulaCatnipCelery SeedChamomileChaste TreeChlorellaCinnamonDamianaDillDong QuaiElecampaneEvening PrimroseFennelGingerGinsengGravel RootHopsLavenderLemongrassLicoriceLion's ManeMacaMoringaMotherwortMugwortNeemOreganoOregon GrapeParsleyPartridge BerryPassionflowerPeppermintPygeumRaspberry LeafRed CloverRehmanniaRhodiolaRooibosSageSchisandraShatavariSkullcapSpearmintSpirulinaSt. John's WortThymeValerianWhite Peony RootWild YamWormwoodYarrow

Plants

Alfalfa

Medicago sativa

Traditional Chinese medicine: 'Mu Xu' used as a diuretic and for kidney stones, urinary infections, and edemaAyurvedic tradition: used as a nutritive tonic, diuretic, and to treat arthritis and digestive weaknessArab herbalism: first described as 'al-fisfisa' for horses but also used by humans for fatigue and vitamin deficiency

Angelica

Angelica archangelica

Digestive disorders and poor appetiteRespiratory conditions and bronchitisNervous exhaustion and anxiety

Ashwagandha

Withania somnifera

General tonic and rejuvenative (Rasayana in Ayurveda)Stress, anxiety, and nervous exhaustionInsomnia and sleep disorders

Basil

Ocimum basilicum

Digestive disorders and stomach upsetRespiratory ailments including coughs and bronchitisNervous tension and stress relief

Black Cohosh

Cimicifuga racemosa

Menstrual irregularities and painful menstruationMenopause symptoms and hot flashesChildbirth facilitation and labor pains

Blue Cohosh

Caulophyllum thalictroides

Labor induction and facilitation of childbirthMenstrual regulation and relief of dysmenorrheaTreatment of rheumatism and arthritis

Calendula

Calendula officinalis

European folk medicine for wound healing, skin conditionsTreatment of cuts, burns, bruises, and inflammationEye infections and conjunctivitis

Catnip

Nepeta cataria

Nervous tension and anxietyInsomnia and sleep disordersDigestive conditions and colic

Celery Seed

Apium graveolens

Ancient Indian Ayurvedic medicine uses ajmod (celery seed) for gout, arthritis, rheumatism, kidney disease, and urinary disordersAncient Egyptian and Greco-Roman use: Dioscorides recommended celery seed as a diuretic, for urinary stones, and to regulate menstruationTraditional use throughout South Asia for hypertension, high uric acid, and as an anti-inflammatory

Chamomile

Matricaria chamomilla

European folk medicine for digestive disorders, insomnia, anxietyChildren's remedy for colic, teething pain, restlessnessWound healing and skin inflammation treatment

Chaste Tree

Vitex agnus-castus

Menstrual irregularities and PMSFertility enhancement and reproductive healthMenopausal symptoms and hormonal balance

Chlorella

Chlorella vulgaris

No ancient traditional use as it was not discovered until 1890 by Beyerinck and has only been used medicinally since the 1950sJapanese post-WWII use: studied as a protein source alternative to meet post-war food scarcity needs; Hiroshima radiation recovery protocols included chlorellaJapanese longevity tradition: chlorella tablets widely taken as daily tonic since the 1960s in Japan where per-capita consumption remains highest globally

Cinnamon

Cinnamomum verum

Digestive disorders and stomach complaintsCold and flu symptomsMenstrual irregularities and reproductive health

Damiana

Turnera diffusa

Nervous system support and mood enhancementTraditional aphrodisiac and libido enhancementDigestive stimulant and stomach tonic

Dill

Anethum graveolens

Ancient Egyptian medical texts (Ebers Papyrus, 1550 BCE) mention dill as a soothing herb for digestive painAncient Greek and Roman physicians used dill as a carminative, digestive aid, and galactagogue (to promote milk flow in nursing mothers)Traditional Ayurvedic use (shatapushpa) for digestive complaints, hiccups, flatulence, and to increase milk production in nursing women

Dong Quai

Angelica sinensis

Menstrual irregularities and painful menstruationMenopausal symptoms and hormonal balanceBlood deficiency and anemia (Traditional Chinese Medicine)

Elecampane

Inula helenium

Respiratory conditions (bronchitis, asthma, coughs)Digestive disorders and poor appetiteSkin conditions (scabies, eczema, wounds)

Evening Primrose

Oenothera biennis

Women's health and menstrual disordersSkin conditions including eczemaDigestive disorders and stomach upset

Fennel

Foeniculum vulgare

Digestive complaints (gas, bloating, colic)Respiratory conditions (coughs, bronchitis)Lactation support and milk production

Ginger

Zingiber officinale

Traditional Chinese Medicine for digestive disorders, nausea, cold conditionsAyurvedic medicine for digestive fire (agni), respiratory conditionsMotion sickness and morning sickness relief

Ginseng

Panax ginseng

Traditional Chinese Medicine for qi deficiency, fatigue, weaknessAdaptogen for stress resistance and longevityCognitive enhancement and memory support

Gravel Root

Eutrochium purpureum

Iroquois traditional medicine: root decoction as primary kidney and urinary tract remedy; used for kidney stones, urinary gravel, and painful urinationCherokee use: roots for fevers, typhoid, and as a diuretic tonicEclectic physicians (19th–20th century USA): 'Joe Pye Weed' widely prescribed for kidney stones, gravel, and urinary calculi; considered a specific for dissolving calcium oxalate stones

Hops

Humulus lupulus

European monastic brewing tradition used hops since 9th century CE to preserve beer and add bitterness; previously gruit herb blends were usedGerman folk medicine used hops in sleep pillows for insomnia since the Middle Ages; pickers noted somnolence from contact with lupulinEnglish herbalists including Nicholas Culpeper (1653) recommended hops for insomnia, nervous tension, and digestive complaints

Lavender

Lavandula angustifolia

European folk medicine for nervous conditions, insomnia, headachesWound healing and antiseptic applicationsDigestive disorders and stomach upset

Lemongrass

Cymbopogon citratus

Ayurvedic tradition uses lemongrass (bhustrina) for fever, respiratory infections, and digestive disorders; one of the classical fever herbsThai and Southeast Asian folk medicine uses lemongrass tea for colds, flu, stomach problems, and headachesBrazilian traditional medicine uses capim-limão (lemongrass) tea for anxiety, insomnia, and hypertension

Licorice

Glycyrrhiza glabra

Respiratory conditions (coughs, bronchitis, asthma)Digestive disorders (gastritis, ulcers, constipation)Adrenal exhaustion and chronic fatigue

Lion's Mane

Hericium erinaceus

TCM: Hou Tou Gu (Monkey Head Mushroom) — stomach tonic, digestive aid, and general debility treatment; used since at least the Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE)Japanese traditional cuisine and medicine: Yamabushitake — named for the Yamabushi Buddhist monks who wore straw robes resembling lion's mane; used for digestive health and energyTraditional Chinese medicine for gastric ulcers, chronic gastritis, and digestive cancers

Maca

Lepidium meyenii

Andean tradition: consumed by Incan warriors before battle for energy and strengthPeruvian highland medicine: fertility enhancer for both men and women; root given to livestock to improve reproductionTraditional use for altitude sickness and fatigue at high elevation among Quechua peoples

Moringa

Moringa oleifera

Ayurveda: Shigru — used for 300+ conditions including fever, inflammation, joint pain, and respiratory disorders; all parts used medicinallyIndian folk medicine: root bark applied as rubefacient; used for cardiac and circulatory stimulationAfrican traditional medicine: leaves used as nutritional supplement in malnutrition recovery, especially for children and pregnant women

Motherwort

Leonurus cardiaca

Heart conditions and palpitationsAnxiety and nervous tensionMenstrual irregularities and menopause

Mugwort

Artemisia vulgaris

Digestive disorders and appetite stimulationMenstrual irregularities and labor inductionNervous conditions and epilepsy

Neem

Azadirachta indica

Ayurveda: Nimba — broad anti-infective, antiparasitic, and anti-inflammatory; one of the most widely used plants in classical Ayurvedic textsOral hygiene: neem twigs (datun) used as natural toothbrush across South Asia and Africa; antimicrobial against Streptococcus mutans and periodontal pathogensAyurvedic treatment for skin diseases including eczema, psoriasis, ringworm, and scabies

Oregano

Origanum vulgare

Respiratory conditions (coughs, bronchitis, asthma)Digestive disorders and poor appetiteMenstrual irregularities and painful periods

Oregon Grape

Mahonia aquifolium

Skin conditions and eczemaDigestive inflammation and gastritisInfections and antimicrobial applications

Parsley

Petroselinum crispum

Ancient Greek and Roman use: parsley was sacred to the dead, used in funeral rites; Hippocrates prescribed for kidney stones and as a diureticMedieval European monks used parsley for urinary tract complaints, kidney stones, and menstrual irregularitiesAyurvedic tradition uses parsley for urinary disorders, jaundice, and as a digestive carminative

Partridge Berry

Mitchella repens

Pregnancy tonic and labor preparationMenstrual irregularities and painful periodsUrinary tract infections

Passionflower

Passiflora incarnata

Insomnia and sleep disordersAnxiety and nervous tensionEpilepsy and seizures

Peppermint

Mentha x piperita

European folk medicine for digestive disorders, nausea, flatulenceRespiratory conditions including colds, coughs, bronchitisHeadache and tension relief

Pygeum

Prunus africana

Zulu and Sotho traditional medicine (South Africa): bark decoction for urinary complaints, kidney disease, and stomach disordersCameroonian traditional medicine: treatment of gonorrhea and other STIsEast African traditional medicine: treatment of malaria, fever, and chest pain

Raspberry Leaf

Rubus idaeus

Pregnancy tonic and labor preparationMenstrual irregularities and crampingDiarrhea and digestive upset

Red Clover

Trifolium pratense

Menopausal symptoms and hormonal imbalancesSkin conditions (eczema, psoriasis, wounds)Respiratory conditions (coughs, bronchitis)

Rehmannia

Rehmannia glutinosa

Traditional Chinese medicine: 'Di Huang' — foundational yin tonic; one of the 50 fundamental herbs; used for over 2,500 years; primary herb to replenish Kidney essence (Jing) and nourish Liver bloodLiu Wei Di Huang Wan (Six-Flavor Rehmannia Pill): one of the most widely prescribed Chinese classical formulas worldwide; Shu Di Huang as the chief herb; used for Kidney yin deficiency — tinnitus, blurred vision, sore lower back, night sweats, heat in the palmsZhi Bai Di Huang Wan: Liu Wei formula plus Phellodendron and Anemarrhena for more pronounced heat-clearing yin tonic action in menopausal women

Rhodiola

Rhodiola rosea

Physical and mental fatigue reductionHigh altitude adaptation and oxygen utilizationDepression and anxiety relief

Rooibos

Aspalathus linearis

Khoikhoi and San peoples: harvested wild rooibos as a beverage and medicine long before European contact; used as a digestive remedyAfrikaner farming communities: adopted as a tea substitute during WWII when imported teas were unavailableSouth African folk medicine: used for infantile colic, eczema, and skin allergies in babies — mothers added rooibos tea to infant formula

Sage

Salvia officinalis

Menopausal symptoms and hot flashesExcessive sweating and night sweatsSore throat and mouth inflammation

Schisandra

Schisandra chinensis

Liver protection and regenerationLung disorders and chronic coughKidney weakness and frequent urination

Shatavari

Asparagus racemosus

Ayurveda: primary rasayana (rejuvenating tonic) for female reproductive system; used for menarche, fertility, pregnancy, lactation, and menopauseAyurveda: galactagogue to promote breast milk production in nursing mothersCharaka Samhita (ancient Ayurvedic text): recommended for conditions involving bleeding, inflammation, and nervous disorders

Skullcap

Scutellaria lateriflora

Nervous tension and anxietyInsomnia and sleep disordersSeizures and convulsions

Spearmint

Mentha spicata

Ancient Greek and Roman use: spearmint strewn on floors, used to flavor food, and prescribed by Hippocrates and Dioscorides for nausea and digestive complaintsMedieval European monks cultivated spearmint in physic gardens for digestive disorders, flatulence, and indigestionAyurvedic tradition uses spearmint (pudina) to treat digestive disorders, nausea, hiccups, and as a cooling agent for pitta

Spirulina

Arthrospira platensis

Aztec civilization: 'tecuitlatl' harvested from Lake Texcoco and dried into cakes; major protein source for the population; documented by Spanish conquistador Bernal Díaz del Castillo in 16th centuryKanem-Bornu Empire (Lake Chad region, 9th–19th century): 'dihe' — dried spirulina cakes — sold in markets and used as a food staple and medicine for malnutritionNomadic Kanembu people of Chad: still harvest and consume spirulina daily as part of traditional diet; up to 12 g per person per day

St. John's Wort

Hypericum perforatum

European folk medicine for melancholy, anxiety, nervous disordersWound healing and treatment of burns, cutsRespiratory conditions and bronchitis

Thyme

Thymus vulgaris

Respiratory conditions (coughs, bronchitis, whooping cough)Digestive complaints and poor appetiteUrinary tract infections

Valerian

Valeriana officinalis

Sleep aid and treatment for insomniaAnxiety and nervous tension reliefDigestive complaints and stomach spasms

White Peony Root

Paeonia lactiflora

Traditional Chinese medicine: 'Bai Shao' — one of the most widely used herbs; nourishes Liver blood, softens and soothes the Liver, relieves pain; used for dysmenorrhea, muscle cramping, and chronic fatigue from blood deficiencyClassical formula Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan: Peony combined with cinnamon, poria, peach seed, and tree peony for gynecological blood stasis conditionsSi Wu Tang (Four Substance Decoction): Bai Shao + Rehmannia + Angelica + Ligusticum — foundational TCM blood tonic formula used for over 1,000 years

Wild Yam

Dioscorea villosa

Menstrual irregularities and uterine conditionsLabor pain and childbirth assistanceDigestive cramping and colic

Wormwood

Artemisia absinthium

Digestive disorders and poor appetiteIntestinal parasites and wormsLiver and gallbladder conditions

Yarrow

Achillea millefolium

Wound healing and bleeding controlFever reduction and diaphoreticDigestive disorders and poor appetite

Disclaimer: For educational purposes only. This is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.