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==News About Chasteberry== | ==News About Chasteberry== | ||
'''Natural Ways to Reduce Menstrual Bleeding''' | |||
*Source:http://www.care2.com/greenliving/natural-ways-to-reduce-menstrual-bleeding.html | |||
:By Zoe Blarowski | |||
Excessive menstrual bleeding, also called menorrhagia, isn’t something you have to tolerate. There are many things you can do to reduce heavy menstruation naturally. | |||
If you’ve ever had this problem, you’re likely aware that menorrhagia can cause issues such as increased fatigue, cramping, anemia and difficulty carrying out daily tasks. | |||
It can be caused by medical conditions like fibroids or uterine polyps, but more commonly, women are prone to menorrhagia during the time leading up to menopause. It affects approximately 10 million American women per year and the majority of those women are in their 40s and 50s. | |||
Speak to your doctor before starting any new routine to rule out more serious conditions first. | |||
Herbal Options | |||
Certain herbs have the potential to reduce menstrual flow. The Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association has a comprehensive list of herbs that have been shown to help control menorrhagia. | |||
The list below gives some of the most commonly used herbs. Most of these can be found in dry form or as a liquid extract in your local natural foods store. | |||
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult a professional herbalist before taking any of these herbs. Some have the potential to change your hormonal balance and may not be appropriate to take. | |||
1. Lady’s Mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris) | |||
This plant is an astringent, which means it’s able to contract tissues in the body. It has been used for centuries to treat excessive menstruation as well as wounds, bruises or other forms of bleeding. | |||
To make a lady’s mantle tea, it’s recommended to steep 1 ounce (28 grams) of the dried herb in 1 pint (568 milliliters) of boiling water. Lady’s mantle tinctures are also available. | |||
2. Shepherd’s Purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris) | |||
Shepherd’s purse is a common weed you likely already have growing near your home. It’s considered able to stop many different kinds of bleeding and traditionally used to treat hemorrhages of the stomach, lungs, uterus and kidneys as well as hemorrhoids, nose bleeds and hematuria (blood in urine). | |||
If you harvest some of the fresh herb, steep 1 ounce (28 grams) of the plant in 12 ounces (336 milliliters) of boiling water, then strain and cool the infusion before drinking. If you buy it dried, only steep half an ounce for the same amount of water. A liquid extract can also be taken. | |||
3. Chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus) | |||
Native to Central Asia and the Mediterranean, the berries of the chasteberry shrub have been used for thousands of years, primarily to ease menstruation and stimulate the production of breast milk. Modern research shows that they may stimulate progesterone production and help balance hormones, which can reduce the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and other conditions like fibroids and menorrhagia. | |||
Liquid or solid extracts are made from the dried berries and put into capsules and tablets. Follow the recommendations on the package for use. | |||
4. Cinnamon | |||
This common spice has many medical uses, including acting as an astringent to help control bleeding. It’s also suggested that cinnamon has a calming effect on the muscles of the uterus. | |||
The best way to use cinnamon is to simply add the powdered spice to more of your foods. Cinnamon oil is not recommended to eat as it can cause health problems when taken internally. | |||
5. Raspberry Leaf | |||
Raspberry leaves contain fragarine, which can help tone and tighten pelvic muscles and relax the uterus. When taken by pregnant women, raspberry leaves are known for their ability to shorten and reduce complications during labor. But they can also help with menstrual issues, such as cramping, nausea and excessive bleeding. | |||
The easiest way to consume this herb is in a tea. Most natural foods stores have commercial brands of raspberry leaf tea in bags. If you buy loose leaves or pick your own, steep about 1 to 2 teaspoons of leaves per cup for 15 minutes. Drink up to three times a day. | |||
6. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) | |||
Yarrow can promote blood coagulation and help to relax uterine muscles. | |||
Try taking about thirty drops of a yarrow tincture up to three times a day, two weeks before your period starts. You can also make an infusion with 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried yarrow in a cup of boiling water. Steep for 15 minutes and strain. Drink up to 3 cups per day. | |||
7. Ginger | |||
The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger have been shown to help reduce menstrual flow. You can use ginger as a fresh root in your cooking or as a powder. | |||
Diet | |||
A balanced diet composed of mainly whole foods will help keep your entire body functioning at its peak, including your hormonal system and menstruation. | |||
It’s been found a diet low in animal fat and high in fish and vegetable oils will help regulate menstruation. In particular, soy and flax seeds have been found to be beneficial. This is potentially due to their high phytoestrogen content. | |||
Iron is an important mineral relating to menstruation. Not only can you lose iron from heavy bleeding, having a chronic iron deficiency can make menorrhagia worse. Include lots of iron-rich foods in your diet and take measures to maximize your absorption of this vital mineral. | |||
Deficiencies in magnesium, vitamin A and B vitamins have also been shown to increase menstrual bleeding, so make sure to get enough of these vitamins either through your diet or supplements. | |||
Vitamin C and bioflavonoids can reduce heavy bleeding as well due to their ability to strengthen blood capillaries and promote clotting. | |||
:Alternative Therapies | |||
Acupuncture and chiropractic treatment have both been shown to help reduce menstrual bleeding. You can also speak to a professional certified in homeopathy to discuss potential homeopathic remedies. | |||
Putting an ice pack or cold compress on your abdomen during times of heavy bleeding will help to constrict the blood vessels in that region and may help reduce the flow. | |||
It’s also recommended to avoid any intense exercise or heavy lifting around the time of menstruation. This may sound questionable, but I’ve tried to keep my feet up and reduce my activity level as much as possible around the beginning of my period and it noticeably helps. | |||
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'''Lagundi: The green relief of coughs, asthma and skin disorders''' | '''Lagundi: The green relief of coughs, asthma and skin disorders''' | ||
*Source:http://cebuanoherbsman.blogspot.com/2010/03/lagundi-green-relief-of-coughs-asthma.html | *Source:http://cebuanoherbsman.blogspot.com/2010/03/lagundi-green-relief-of-coughs-asthma.html | ||