to counteract internal bleeding from ulcers, reduces blood sugar levels, lowers blood cholesterol, aids in indigestion and prevents tooth decay. It can be applied externally to aid wound healing.

Research studies with monkeys, rats, and rabbits on high cholesterol diets showed alfalfa saponins lower cholesterol levels. Alfalfa also has an estrogenic effect on grazing animals and helps improve general health and vitality.

Angelica (Angelica archangelica)

This plant is useful for stimulating the appetite and improving assimilation of food, relieving inflammatory conditions such as bronchitis, and helping pleurisy and pneumonia. It is a soothing aid for menstrual cramps, intestinal colic and poor digestion. If taken in large amounts, it will first stimulate, then paralyze the central nervous system. The species Angelica sinesis, contains phytoestrogens helpful in conditions characterized by both high estrogen (some types of PMS) and low estrogen (menopause). (See also Dong quai)

Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus)

Bilberry is rich in flavonoids, carotenes, Vitamins A and C, explaining why it helps stabilize collagen and acts as an antioxidant. It has been effective in the treatment of circulatory disorders, night blindness, anemia, diarrhea, controlling blood sugar levels for diabetes, varicose veins and arterial disorders. Also used for blood problems, hemorrhaging, bleeding gums and troubles with blood vessels such as capillary fragility, arteriosclerosis and advanced diabetic vascular complications.

Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa)

Studies have shown that black cohosh can lower luteinizing hormone and that it contains substances that bind to the estrogen receptors of a rat's uterus both of these pieces of research suggest this herb contains estrogenic activity. Black cohosh relieves hot flashes, sleep disturbances, menstrual cramps, muscle spasms, eases childbirth and is a mild sedative for reducing irritability. It can lower high blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and is effective in the acute stage of rheumatoid arthritis and sciatica.

Black haw (Viburnum prunifolium)

Black haw is used to treat menstrual cramps, and for threatened miscarriages. Its antispasmodic and sedative properties make it useful for some sexual disorders and nervous tension. The uncooked fruit of this plant is poisonous.

Blue cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides)

Blue cohosh is used to treat uterine conditions, such as threatened miscarriages in the last trimester of pregnancy. Also can weakly induce sweating.

Borage (Borago officinalis)

This is a source of GLA for prostaglandin formation explaining its anti-inflammatory actions. This is an herb for restoring, supporting and balancing the adrenal glands. It is a diuretic and is said to stimulate flow of milk in nursing mothers. Most of these effects are primarily nutritive.

False Unicorn (Chamaelirium luteum)

This plant is a uterine and ovarian tonic used to delay menses and relieve ovarian pain. It eases vomiting in pregnancy and helps prevent threatened miscarriage.

Chaste tree berry (Vitex agnus castus)

The active constituents of this plant have progesterone-like action. Studies in Germany showed extracts of Vitex stimulated the release of luteinizing hormone and inhibited the release of follicle stimulating hormone. Vitex stimulates and normalizes pituitary function. It can help regulate female hormonal imbalance, and reduce menopausal and PMS symptoms. Vitex is used for amenorrhea, endometriosis, irregular menstrual cycles, menstrual cramps, uterine fibroids, menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and dizziness and premenstrual water retention. It is used throughout Europe for PMS and menopause as a natural solution to hormone replacement therapy.

Cramp bark (Viburnum opulus)

This plant is a sedative and strong antispasmodic useful for menstrual cramps, irregular menstrual periods and miscarriages.

WARNING: the fresh berries are poisonous.

Dandelion root (Taraxacum officinale)

Dandelion is rich in various nutrients such as potassium, and Vitamins A and D. Its high choline levels feed the liver. Dandelion aids both liver and gallbladder function, important in the handling of estrogen and other hormones. It is a blood cleanser, diuretic, a mild laxative, aids in weight loss and helps with the absorption of calcium which can strengthen bones, thus preventing osteoporosis.

Dong quai (Angelica sinensis)

It is this species of angelica that contains phytoestrogens. Dong quai is an important female remedy in Chinese medicine for hormone regulation. It is used for PMS, menstrual problems and menopausal symptoms. It is said to alleviate fatigue and cramping, lower blood pressure, helps anemia, pain and swelling, and protects the liver. It acts as a sedative and immune stimulator.

CAUTION: Do not use during menstruation.

Evening primrose (Oenothera biennis)

This GLA-rich herb affects prostaglandin production. It can be used for the control of PMS, infertility, post-menopausal problems and skin conditions. Evening primrose is expected to have a direct effect on the liver.

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum)

This plant is rich in protein, EFAs, lecithin and phytosterols. Fenugreek has been used to help balance blood sugar, nourish glands, control cellulite, improve digestion and increase libido. It is said to promote fertility, and soothe upset stomachs and the uterus and promote lactation.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

This pungent spice is most famous for its antinausea affects during motion sickness and the nausea and vomiting of pregnancy. As a pain reliever, ginger can also reduce menstrual cramps.

Ginseng (Panax ginseng)

This supposed cure-all is claimed to be a "sexual rejuvenator." In animal studies, ginseng has accelerated ovarian growth and enhanced ovulation. The active ingredients in ginseng, called ginsenosides, exert estrogen-like activity on the vagina, enough to prevent vaginal dryness during menopause. Ginseng has also been shown to fight both mental and physical stress, stimulate immunity, support the liver (important for hormone balance), treat diabetes and have anti-aging effects.

There are so many adulterated ginseng products on the market, therefore it's difficult to assess whether ginseng has any adverse effects. However, those who've taken large amounts of ginseng or taken ginseng for extended periods of time have occasionally reported hypertension, euphoria, nervousness, insomnia, skin rashes and morning diarrhea. If you experience any of these, discontinue using ginseng. When you continue again use for two weeks on and two weeks off.

Hawthorn berry (Cratagus oxycantha)

I included this cardiac herb because a woman's chance of developing heart problems increases dramatically after menopause. This herb is rich in flavonoids which can help to open coronary blood vessels. It can alleviate hypertension and reduce angina attacks. Hawthorn berry is used for irregular heartbeats, nervous disorders, insomnia and coronary artery and other vascular disorders.