Herbal Help for Women's Cycles
by Victoria G. Fortner • Overland, MO

It’s long been a joke among women that if men had PMS, cramps or hot flashes, a cure would have been found for it years ago. The truth is, there has been a cure for it all along. In the past century, Americans especially have grown to disdain those things that smacked of the "old knowledge." Science and technology have moved to the forefront. Only since science "discovered" the life-giving plants of the rapidly diminishing rain forests and other natural places have the potential and properties of herbs regained recognition. As for indigenous Native Americans, we have held the wisdom of our plant relations in common and sacred knowledge for eons. Plants are seen as viable and participating members of our world. Without the support of the other "nations," we as human beings would not exist.

The gifts of the “Green Nations” are not small. To start with, 70% of our food base is agricultural. Over 75% of all pharmaceuticals were originally derived from phytochemicals and over 36% of all drugs used for cancer come from the rain forests. That last figure is pretty scary when you remember that the forests are being destroyed to the tune of one football field sized area every 15 minutes. Total destruction. Total ruin. Totally unacceptable. Until humankind manages to paint itself into a corner and run out of botanical options, let’s look at how herbs can help stop the monthly suffering of women.

Most familiar to many is licorice. Although we usually think of it in connection with candy and as a flavoring, licorice root is an antispasmodic. It acts like estrogen in the system and it is also an anti-inflammatory. These are three important functions when dealing with PMS and menstrual cramps. Pleasant tasting and sweet, the root itself can be chewed or taken in tincture or capsule form. However, care and caution should be used by women facing reproductive cancer, especially after surgery. In some forms of cancer, an increase in estrogen can cause different tissues (cysts, tumors, etc.) to grow rapidly. Contact your doctor about estrogen supplements.

Saw palmetto (a small palm growing in southeastern North America) is also an anti-inflammatory, but has the added bonus of decreasing ovarian irritability. Suma (a South American herb) is a wonderful immuno-modulator (it supports and boosts the immune system.) This root energizes the body and combats anemia, fatigue and stress. Mitchella repens is commonly known as "squaw vine,” but it will not be referred to in that way here. "Squaw" is a derogatory term which has been bastardized from its original Native form. It refers to a woman’s genitals. This uterine tonic has been used throughout history to help prevent miscarriage.

Gotu Kola, known in tropical countries and in Ayruvedic medicine, promotes healing after childbirth and aids in eliminating excess fluids. It acts as a nerve tonic, decreases fatigue and depression and is said to help the sex drive. Wild Yam is a misunderstood herb which is often referred to as a phytoestrogen, but that may well be erroneous. My experience with it is that it helps stabilize hormone levels but is not a phytohormone itself.

Dong Qui (also known as Dang Gui and Tang Kuei) is an amazing general tonic. This herb, also an anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic, aids women of all ages by helping regulate menses and stopping cramps, insomnia, hypertension and hot flashes. Schizandra fruit, also from China, is a friend to women entering the Grandmother Lodge. This herb is an anti-depressant. It is a mild stimulant that lowers blood pressure and stops night sweats, heart palpitations and insomnia.

Vitex, or Chaste berry, is helpful to women through modulating progesterone levels relative to estrogen and reducing hot flashes and PMS. Soy (as in beans, tofu, tempeh and soy milk) is an antioxidant and contains isoflavinoids which lower the risk of breast cancer, reduce hot flashes and boost the immune system. Red clover, like soy, contains isoflavinoids and is a phytoestrogen. It has many of the same effects as soy.

Most of these herbs can be found in health food stores in capsules or tinctures. However, the best and most successful applications of these herbs are in combination. While there are many herb companies making and promoting women’s herbal support, know that each woman is different. While one product may do little for you, another may be exactly what you need. Likewise, be prepared to try one for a month or two before you make up your mind that it is or is not what you want. Certain herbs work better in concert with others, and only a well-trained herbalist can help you decide what is best in your particular case.

Victoria G. Fortner, or PeatohahNape Tamsah, is trained in both allopathic and Traditional Indigenous medicine. She owns Shawnee Moon Herbaceuticals. For info, send SASE to Shawnee Moon Herbs, PO Box 142682, Overland, MO. 63114-0682 or visit their website at: www.shawneemoon.com.