Herbs for the cycle - how herbs can support your cycle health

Are you struggling with PMS, cramps or a cycle that’s too long (or too short)? It is widely known by now that our cycle is about so much more than just menstruation and ovulation. Nevertheless, many women struggle with cycle-related symptoms that decrease their quality of life and overall well-being.

With herbs we can try to support and regulate our cycle in a natural way before we resort to more extreme methods like using medication. Our ancestors were well aware of this knowledge.

Herbs do not have an immediate effect – unlike painkillers. Patience and

patience and regularity are required.

It can take time to notice the effect of herbs – so give it 2-3 cycles to unfold the effect. And yet one thing is clear: herbs work. Their effects should therefore not be underestimated or trivialised. Before you start experimenting wildly, seek the advice of a herbalist or a doctor.

Recommendation: It is important to choose high quality, organic herbs to avoid that our body is burdened with additional chemicals such as pesticides. A water filter can also be useful to filter hormones and drug residues from tap water.

Within the family of medicinal plants there is a very special group: the adaptogens. The term is derived from the Latin word “adapto” and means “to adapt”. The effects of adaptogens aim to increase the body’s ability to adapt to certain situations. All adaptogens can help with fatigue and exhaustion. But they can also improve physical performance and alertness. Some adaptogens have very specific properties: they increase stress resistance and increase resilience, both physically and mentally. They also have a positive effect on the immune system.

Within the family of medicinal plants there is a very special group: the adaptogens. The term is derived from the Latin word “adapto” and means “to adapt”. The effects of adaptogens aim to increase the body’s ability to adapt to certain situations. All adaptogens can help with fatigue and exhaustion. But they can also improve physical performance and alertness. Some adaptogens have very specific properties: they increase stress resistance and increase resilience, both physically and mentally. They also have a positive effect on the immune system.

Some herbs and adaptogens have a generally nourishing and strengthening effect and can be used throughout the entire cycle. 

Nettle is considered the number one source of iron amongst herbs and is generally rich in nutrients and minerals. The plant is wonderful for menstrual support. It can therefore be used for blood loss and to remineralise the body. This medicinal plant is also wonderfully suitable for the postpartum period, after childbirth and in the event of a miscarriage. An overnight infusion is particularly recommended. It is best to prepare the infusion in the evening and let it sit for about 8 hours. In the morning simply strain it and enjoy.

Raspberry leaf tea is considered THE ‘uterus tonic’ par excellence. It strengthens the uterus, the uterine lining and tissue before menstruation and helps relieve menstrual pain. Raspberry leaves are also helpful for heavy menstrual bleeding and endometriosis. Midwives often use raspberry leaves to prepare for childbirth, as they promote the elasticity of the tissue and the cervix. The fresh or dried leaves are wonderfully suitable for making tea infusions.

Lady’s mantle is one of the best-known women’s herbs. The plant has a cycle-regulating effect and supports hormone balance. It also has an antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory effect. It is found in many commercially available tea blends for women. Here, too, the fresh or dried leaves are great for making tea.

Shatavari is a popular herb from India that has been used for centuries in Ayurveda to support the uterus. Shatavari helps to balance irregular cycles (cycles that are too long or too short). It also helps with vaginal dryness and supports healthy ovulation by promoting the production of luteinising hormone (LH). It also helps stimulate breast milk production. It can be taken in powder form or as a capsule.

Ashwagandha has a stress-reducing and calming effect and is used in Ayurveda to support fertility. It is wonderful taken as a powder to add to drinks, in a soup or smoothie, or as a capsule.

There are a few herbs that can help with cramps during your period, but also if your bleeding is too heavy or too light.

A few examples would be: Yarrow, chamomile, lemon balm and silverweed. These herbs, when drunk as a tea blend, help to relieve cramps associated with menstruation.

Shepherd’s purse tea can help with very heavy bleeding. The plant has a blood flow-stopping effect, but also stimulates the activity of the uterus. This means that it can have a brief cramping effect. It can be taken as a tea or tincture.

Mugwort can help with light or missed periods. The herb has an antispasmodic effect, but also promotes bleeding. In any case: If you have a missed or very weak period, you should definitely look for the cause.

If you experience problems with your menstrual cycle, drinking tea regularly can be very beneficial. If you really want to do something for yourself and your well-being,

should drink teas made from the women’s herbs described above on a regular basis.

It is advisable to include it in a ritual and to be intuitive about what the body needs at the moment. Herbs have a nourishing effect on the entire system and thus help to bring the hormonal inner life back into harmony and establish a balance.

Christina Danetzky is a herbalist and the founder of the online magazine and podcast Matcha Mornings, where she wants to give people from German speaking areas access to topics such as spirituality and mysticism, as well as  holistic health.