The 17 Best Medicinal Herbs - Whole Living Wellness

The godmother of American Herbalism, Rosemary Gladstar, gives her list of time-tested, essential herbs that can help treat dozens of women’s health issues. Learn how to use them to

treat women’s health conditions naturally

.

For dried herbs and supplies, try

Jean’s Greens

or

Mountain Rose Herbs

.

1. Black Cohosh

Renowned and well studied as a menopause herb, black cohosh also helps ease PMS-related pain.

2. Wild Yam

A classic liver tonic, wild yam balances hormones and eases morning sickness. Seek out cultivated sources, since it’s been overharvested in the wild.

3. Motherwort

A classic women’s herb used for menopause symptoms,

heart support

, and painful or delayed menstruation.

4. Sage

This common garden plant helps reduce hot flashes and

regulate mood swings

during menopause.

5. Blue Vervain

Known in mythology and history as a sacred herb, it relieves hormone-related anxiety and

restores energy

.

6. Ginseng (Asian)

A famous tonic for men, ginseng is restorative and energizing for women, too, especially during menopause.

7. Schizandra

A classic sexual tonic in Chinese medicine, this plant also helps the body and brain

adapt to stress

.

8. Hawthorn

An all-purpose heart tonic, hawthorn strengthens the cardiac muscle and eases heartache and

mild depression

.

9. Dandelion

By tonifying the liver (which produces hormones), dandelion root eases a variety of women’s imbalances. Often combined with burdock and milk thistle.

10. Vitex

With a normalizing effect on women’s hormones, vitex treats conditions like menstrual irregularity, PMS, and

infertility

.

11. Licorice

A renowned herb, licorice balances cycles and

restores energy

. Avoid large quantities if you have hypertension or kidney issues, or if you take heart medicine.

12. Ginger

With warming, stomach-soothing properties, this rhizome eases menstrual cramps and morning sickness.