Fwd: Herbal Programs For Women's Health

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" Although all natural medicine prescriptions should be individualized for

optimal results, there are many effective general programs to try. A good

herbal program rotates botanical remedies and combines them with synergistic

nutritional supplements in an organized and rational manner. I have found

that this type of system greatly enhances effectiveness and works in

conjunction with natural body rhythms. By using natural remedies in specific

cycles, the body remains more responsive and clinical results improve

dramatically. This is especially true for women who tend to have sensitive

metabolisms due to the complexity of the menstrual cycle and fluctuating

hormone cycles.

 

" Herbal programs for women are based upon the 4 weeks of the menstrual

cycle. The first phase (weeks 1 & 2) involves the transition from

menstruation to ovulation. The second phase (weeks 3 & 4) deals with the

ovulation to menstruation process. Using herbal and nutritional supplements

that support metabolic functions during these two distinct phases is the key

to obtaining optimal results.

 

" In the first phase, we find that toning the body by " nourishing " the blood

and balancing the hormones is most beneficial. During this time, the

hormones are building as the estrogen prepares the body for ovulation and

potential fertilization of the egg. The two most important herbs during this

first phase are Dong Quai and Red Raspberry leaf. Dong Quai (Angelica

sinensis root) is the noted Chinese herb that is used as a blood tonic. It

contains micronutrients known for their blood building properties (iron,

vitamin B12 and vitamin E). Dong Quai balances estrogen in the body, and is

traditionally used in China to regulate the menstrual cycle. Red Raspberry

(Rubus ideas leaf) is a rough equivalent to Dong Quai in Western herbology.

It is a blood tonic and blood builder with hormone-regulating and

uterine-toning properties.

 

" Because Dong Quai is " warming " in nature, and Red Raspberry leaf is

" cooling " , I prefer to use a blend of these two herbs. As a combination they

are neutral, and may be used on a long term basis to treat a variety of

menstrual complaints.

 

" During the second phase, there is a metabolic shift in the body. The

hormone Progesterone predominates, as it prepares the uterus for possible

implantation of the fertilized egg. It is also during this time that the

liver comes under the most stress. It is responsible for the balance of

" favorable " estrogen with " unfavorable " estrogen, as well as the balance of

estrogen with progesterone. The liver often becomes congested during these

last two weeks of the cycle, causing the hormonal balance to fluctuate.

Premenstrual symptoms are the result. It is interesting to note that recent

advances in Western physiology point to this dysfunction liver metabolism.

However, for over 2,000 years Chinese medicine has diagnosed the symptoms of

premenstrual syndrome as a problem with liver function.

 

" So, we find that " clearing " the liver is the preferred treatment plan for

the second two weeks of the menstrual cycle. The Western herb Dandelion and

the Chinese herb Bupleurum are effective in taking congestion out of the

liver. Liver cleansing formulas, with these herbs as the principal

ingredients, are beneficial. The nutrients Choline, Inositol and Methionine

(known collectively as " liptrophic factors " ) are also excellent for

stabilizing liver function. With these two phases in mind, let's look at

several herbal programs that benefit optimal health for women.

 

" Weeks 1 & 2: Don Quai, Red Raspberry Blend (Zand Female Formula) - 20 - 30

Drops three times daily.

 

" Weeks 3 & 4: Herbal liver cleansing formula (Dandelion, Bupleurum, et al)

as

a liquid extract, tablet, capsule or tea, 2-3 times daily.

 

" Week 4: Homeopathic Mag Phos 6x: to relieve the symptoms of uterine cramps.

Dosage: Every 1 - 2 hours until relief, then three times daily for 3 days.

 

" Nutritional Supplements: Lipotrophic Factors (Choline, Inositol,

Methionine)

To stabilize liver function.

 

" Dosage: 2-3 times daily. "

 

http://www.arrowroot.com/artwomenshealth.htm

 

Note: She states and I want to emphasize that this is a very general

treatment plan. This general plan is not going to address Qi or Yang

Deficiency.

 

Also note that even though the Dong Quai has warm energy and rapsberry is

cool, thus, resulting in a mixture which is " neutral " (neither heating nor

cooling - won't aggravate Hot or Cold conditions), no such balancing is

taking place with the Buplerum & dandelion mixture. Beuplerum's thermal

energy is slightly cool, and dandelion's is cold. The primary

classification of Buplerum is as an herb to Relieve Wind Heat, and the

primary classification of Herba Taraxici (Chinese dandelion) is to Clear

Heat Toxin. Even the Bupleurm by itself with its slightly cool energy would

be too much for a person with Yang Deficiency. The Buplerum would need to

be mixed with an herb with warm or even hot energy so the overall average of

the mixture would be at least neutral or preferably warm (in the case of

someone who is Yang Deficient). You don't want to give an herb with cooling

enery by itself to a person who already is too cold; just like you don't

want to give an herb with warming energy by itself to a person who already

is too hot.

 

Victoria

 

 

 

 

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