Creating ease and balance with plants
When I started learning about herbs, I was drawn to how many there are to help women. And, being a woman and having many women friends who are open about our health challenges, I was inspired to learn more about ways that I can support myself and my female friends with healing plants.
I've also had amazingly inspiring women teachers and healers - starting with my mom. She raised three kids with not much financial support but a lot of love and wisdom. She always provided the most healthy food she could afford, made sure we ran around outside and explored the natural world, and supported our curiosity. It is amazing how having support from a strong woman from birth has shaped my life, and I know that has made me who I am today.
I'm motivated to put my experience and knowledge to use for my clients - especially for women who feel like the medical establishment doesn't listen to their concerns, doesn't understand them, and doesn't share their values. I want to understand the whole picture of who you are - what your diet is like, your quality of sleep, your support systems, what's worked (or not) for you in the past - in addition to your symptoms. I try to understand the whole person so I can provide the best advice possible to help bring ease to your body and spirit.
I know how frustrating it can be to struggle with a "woman's issue" for many years without feeling like there is a solution. And sometimes you really just need to feel heard. Well, if any of this resonates with you, I'm here to listen and offer advice. I'm ready to talk about hormone balance, painful and intense periods, fertility challenges, PMS symptoms, menopause symptoms, and anything in between!
For now, I'll offer one plant that I recommend for almost anyone, but it has a special affinity for women. It's stinging nettles (Urtica dioica). Stinging nettles is a nutritive herb high in calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, and vitamins A and C - a natural multi-vitamin! Nettles helps build blood and boost energy, this is why it is helpful during a woman's mooncycle when she is actively losing blood and shedding her uterine lining. One precaution - it can be drying to skin and mucous membranes when taken regularly.
Stinging nettles is the main herb, along with oatstraw, red clover and peppermint, in my Blood Builder tea blend (which I originally called Moon Time). If you'd like to give this amazing herb a try, you can buy this tea blend and drink it daily for best results. I ramp up to about 3 cups per day when I'm losing menstrual blood. It's even safe to use during pregnancy and postpartum!
To learn more about this and other herbs that are great for women, schedule your health consultation with me today!
With loving support,
Rita