Raspberry Leaf
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(Purifies Blood, Tones Female Reproductive System, Relieves Cramping, Rich in Vitamins & Iron, Energizing)
High in Calcium, iron, magnesium, Vitamins B1, 2, 3 and C, raspberry leaf is my favorite Moon Flow beverage. I drink raspberry leaf tea religiously around my moon to replenish these vital nutrients that leave the body rapidly with blood loss. Raspberry Leaf is, in my opinion, the best uterine tonic and relaxant. It tones the uterus, corrects excessive blood flow, and eases menstrual cramping. Plus it tastes great, like a mild black tea without the caffeine but because of the nutrients it offers, it is energizing in a non-jittery, stabilizing way. Like a good friend offering you a helping hand.
Shatavari
(Purifies Blood, Deeply Moisturizing, Cooling, Rejuvenating to Female Reproductive System, Stress Relieving, Mild Aphrodisiac)
“Shatavari,’she who possesses 100 husbands,’ is the main Ayurvedic tonic for the female reproductive system. Deeply nourishing & rejuvenating, Shatavari regulates the menstrual cycle, rejuvenates the system, and purifies blood. It is a natural aphrodisiac that promotes fertility and healthy libido. It is an adaptagen that relieves stress and it is a powerful internal moisturizer that soothes, cools, and moisturizes the membranes of not only the reproductive organs but of the respiratory tract (lungs), stomach, and urinary tract.” — David Frawley, The Yoga of Herbs, pg 183-184
Several years ago, a young woman in her late 20s came to me with dry, dehydrated, premature aging of her reproductive organs. I recommended she take Shatavari. Within 3 months, the same doctor that told her about the premature aging told her it was absolutely gone with no signs of it! Her entire reproductive system had been rejuvenated. She was in disbelief! Now that is a power plant! Take it as a tincture, tea, or supplement. I get mine from Banyan Botanicals.
Motherwort
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(Stress Relieving, Eases Heart Palpitations, Strengthens & Gladdens the Heart, Tones Uterus)
It ain’t called Motherwort for nothin’! This plant ally brings gladness to the heart, calms anxiety, and tones the female reproductive system. Easy to remember, my teacher Susun Weed, used to say, “Take it when you need some mothering.” “Motherwort contains leonurine and stachydrine, alkaloids that not only help lower blood pressure but also have a sedating effect on the central nervous system, which supports motherwort’s traditional use as a treatment for depression anxiety.” (http://www.vitaminstuff.com/herbs-motherwort.html) Warning: if you are trying to get pregnant, or are pregnant or nursing, do not use Motherwort. Take it as a tincture, capsule, or tea. It is bitter tasting, so you may want to sweeten it with honey.
Cramp Bark
(Relieves Cramping and Muscle Spams)
Another easy herbal ally to remember by its name is Cramp Bark. Cramp Bark is good for relaxing and softening cramps and spasms, including menstrual cramps and muscle cramps. It is also useful for softening any area of the body that tenses up and is hard to relax, abdomen, shoulders, lungs (constricted breathing), and bowels. Perfect for when you need to relax physically but don’t want to be sedated.
Shar Veda, Southern Oregon’s Premier Alternative Therapist, is an Ayurveda Lifestyle Counselor & Health Educator, yoga therapist and herbalist. Shar has been blessed to study with leading teachers in Ayurveda, Yoga, and herbalism. However, it was her adopted grandma, Doe (English-American and Blackfoot Native), who instilled within her profound appreciation for the supreme power of loving touch, healing arts, and world family. Visit her website for a video, full bio, and photos or find her on Facebook and Instagram.
