Teas for Women's Wellness

For as long as I can remember I’ve had a deeply profound relationship with nature.

When I return home to the Oregon Coast, the land that nourished my childhood, I become drunk with the sweet scent of nettles and blackberry vines creeping along the riverbed. I close my eyes and feel the plant spirits calling and asking me to slow down, take in every breath, sound, and taste. I savor with abandon and watch my children grow wildly like the landscape that grows around us. It’s through this connection with nature that I’ve begun to understand that we need each other for nourishment. After reading Robin Wall Kimmerer’s Braiding Sweetgrass it made perfect sense that like humans, plants have spirits too.

Plants offer a variety of nutrients and energetic qualities to promote balance in hormones and nervous systems, as well as encouraging fertility. When we apply the wisdom of plants, we can heal our bodies naturally. Each plant carries unique restorative properties to support us throughout our life stages. Drinking tea isn’t just a great way to relax but also an effective way of taking in the plants nutrients to support our hormones.  In this article I am going to share some of the best herbal teas to support balancing women’s hormones and their benefits.

Chamomile

Commonly known as the sleep tea, which of course is ideal for happy hormones, chamomile also offers blood sugar regulation, stress reduction, lowers testosterone levels (also helpful for PCOS symptoms such as acne, hirsutism and irregular periods), stress reducing, regulates blood sugar (helpful for PCOS and weight loss) and can soothe the gastrointestinal tract.

Dandelion

Like Milk Thistle, dandelion cleanses the body and supports liver detoxification, eliminating excess hormonal buildup. Excellent source of vitamin K which helps with blood clotting and can reduce menstrual flow making it a great tea for menstrual phase

Ginger

Aside from soothing an upset stomach and reducing inflammation, ginger has some excellent benefits for women’s hormones. It has been shown to improve immunity, relieve heavy menstrual bleeding, reduce menstrual cramps, induce ovulation, improve missing or irregular periods and boost immunity.

Hibiscus Flower

This antioxidant rich herb is an excellent choice in fighting inflammation, which is especially beneficial during menopause when hormones are all over the place. Hibiscus can help lower hot flashes, night sweats, weight gain, insomnia, painful joints, dry skin and thinning hair that are all a result of inflammation. Can also support a healthy liver, ease depression and regulate blood sugar.

Milk Thistle

Known as one of the most liver friendly herbs you can use. The liver not only filters out toxins in the body but also creates hormones, so milk thistle is a necessity for correcting hormonal imbalance. Milk thistle boosts immune function, lowers insulin resistance, regulates blood sugar and improves acne

Nettle (Stinging Nettle Leaf)

Nettle leaf is known for regulating blood sugar, supporting the liver and fighting inflammation. Rich in minerals and high in iron, nettle is a powerful antidote for anemia. It is deeply nourishing pre and post cycle, after childbirth and in the case of a miscarriage. Nettle can help clear urinary tract infections, support kidney health and can help substantially in relieving seasonal allergies

Oatstraw

Supporting the central nervous system, relieving stress and with is tied to sexual health and desire. Oatstraw has a soothing and calming effect and can elevate mood. It can also reduce cramping and labor pains. Oatstraw is high in essential minerals including iron, b-vitamins, magnesium, selenium and zinc

Passionflower

This beautiful flower is a symbol of femininity and is a luteal phase ally assisting to soothe anxiety and reduce premenstrual insomnia. Passionflower helps to aid in relieving stress, headache, depression and promoting a sense of calm

Peppermint & Spearmint

One of my all-time favorites, peppermint tea is excellent in supporting digestion, cooling the body and promoting energy. It is also anti-inflammatory which is an excellent choice during the menstrual phase. Spearmint has been shown to lower androgen levels as well as hirsutism in women with PCOS. It is also anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory and high in antioxidants

Raspberry Leaf

Red raspberry leaf is generally known as a women’s tea because of its particular affinity to reproductive hormones. Not only does it tonify and nourish the uterus, but eases menstrual cramping, improves heavy periods, and promotes healthy menstrual cycle and fertility. This powerhouse is high in calcium and iron and can also help increase lactation in breastfeeding mamas

Red Clover

The most concentrated source of phytoestrogens, or the substance in the plant that looks like the body’s own hormone, estrogen. This is particularly beneficial if you are low in estrogen production. Red clover has been historically used as a liver cleanser. A healthy liver is essential for purifying blood and eliminating compounds that interfere with hormone health. Helpful during menopause, night sweats, hot flashes, vaginal dryness and pms symptoms. Red clover is also known to decrease abnormal cervical cell growth/cervical dysplasia

Rose

Rose tea is anti-inflammatory, full of vitamin C and antioxidants showing to be beneficial in reducing amenorrhea, pain during menstruation, bloating, lessen anxiety and balance mood. Also, a great source for skin and hair health and when your body needs a boost

**I recommend consulting with an herbalist or qualified healthcare practitioner before integrating herbs into your lifestyle, this ensures the plant’s properties are appropriate for your unique nature. The herbs I’m sharing with you are commonly safe when consumed in tea form, but I encourage you to do your own research first. You are responsible for your own body’s well-being.

Integrating Herbal Teas

When first entering the enchanting world of plants, I recommend integrating herbs through teas and herbal infusions. Herbal teas are typically steeped for 10-20 minutes, covered to ensure the plant’s nutrients do not escape through the steam. Herbal infusions, however, are much more potent. Infusions are made by steeping for 4-12 hours, to create a medicinal dose. Play around and see what feels good for you! Whichever method you choose, I encourage you to always use organic (and locally grown, when possible) herbs. I like to source my herbs from local herb shops or my own backyard, depending on the time of year. Local to Portland there are a few excellent apothecary stores. Wildish Botanicals and The Herb Shop are just a couple of the many to choose from. Mountain Rose Herbs, also local to Oregon, offers an incredible selection of organic, ethically sourced herbs in bulk.

 To make a medicinal tea:

Determine the density of your tea. Is it light and fluffy taking up a lot of space? Or is it dense and more compact? For a more light and fluffy tea, measure approximately 1 Tablespoon of herbs per 8oz of hot water and for a more densely packed tea, measure 1 teaspoon per 8oz of hot water. A French press is a great option as well as a glass teapot, or large mason jar. Add freshly boiled water, cover, and let steep for 10-20 minutes. Press or strain through a fine mesh sieve and drink in the plant’s nourishment!

To make an herbal infusion:

To make an herbal infusion, depending on the density of dried herbs add a heaping tablespoon or heaping teaspoon per 8oz of hot water to a French press, glass teapot, or large mason jar. Add freshly boiled water, cover, and steep for 4-12 hours (I like to let mine sit overnight!). Strain and sip at room temperature throughout the day.