Kelp (Fucus vesiculosus)

This seaweed is an important general nutritive tonic essential for proper hormone regulation and menstrual problems related to low thyroid function. Kelp is rich in iodine, chromium and other minerals, with antibiotic and thyroid stimulating activity. It helps supply iodine to the thyroid, useful in cases of hypothyroidism. If low thyroid function is a problem, kelp may improve skin texture and dull hair, help burn excess fat and enhance metabolism. It can be used externally for arthritic joints.

CAUTION: Be careful to take kelp only if you have a true iodine deficiency, as too much of this herb may cause thyrotoxicosis and heart damage.

Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

This well-recognized hormone balancer contains isoflavones that are believed to possess estrogen-like activity, useful for balancing female hormones. Research showed nonovulating women given licorice root extract began ovulating again. The glycyrrhetinic acid in licorice protects the liver against chemical damage and its glycyrrhizin may help hepatitis. Licorice root can be taken for peptic ulcers, canker sores, colds, bacterial infections, allergies, inflammatory problems, menstrual problems and menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes. It's reported to strongly support adrenal gland function.

CAUTION: Because licorice has aldosterone-like affects, it probably shouldn't be used by people with a history of high blood pressure, kidney failure or current digitalis use. If you use licorice for a long time, have your doctor monitor your blood pressure and electrolytes, and make sure you're consuming enough potassium.

Motherwort (Leonuus cardiaca)

As an emmenagogue (an agent that increases menstrual flow), motherwort is good for cases of amenorrhea (no menstrual period). It also helps menstrual cramps. Motherwort has been used as a menopausal herb for hot flashes, night sweats, emotional mood swings, to strengthen the heart, reduce anxiety and as an antispasmodic. It eases false labor pains.

CAUTION: Using this herb may cause contact dermatitis.

Nettle (Urtica dioica)

Nettles are a rich source of trace elements. It is used for eczema, hay fever, sinusitis, anemia, exhaustion, wound healing, menstruation, menopausal problems and externally for arthritis. Nettle acts like a mild diuretic, may lower blood sugar, is a laxative and helps stop bleeding.

Raspberry leaf (Rubus idaeus)

The leaf of the raspberry plant is a good all-over herb for women's problems during menstruation, menopause, pregnancy and delivery. It helps ease painful menstrual flow, menorrhagia, relieves nausea during pregnancy and relaxes uterine muscles. Although raspberry leaf is generally accepted as safe during pregnancy, as with all herbs check with your practitioner before taking anything.

Sarsaparilla root (Smilax sarsaparailla)

This herb is most famous for its tonic and blood cleansing abilities. Sarsaparilla seems especially adept at binding endotoxins, bacterial byproducts that can aggravate inflammatory conditions like arthritis, gout and psoriasis. Because of its widespread tonic effects, sarsaparilla has been used for infertility, menopausal hot flashes, vaginal or uterine infections, menstrual problems and skin conditions. Although some manufacturers claim this herb contains testosterone, this is highly unlikely.

Saw palmetto berry (Serenoa repens)

Known primarily as an herb for helping an enlarged prostate in men, saw palmetto has also been give to women to prevent shrinking of ovaries, the vagina, breasts and bladder. It contains fatty acids and phytosterols which have been shown to inhibit the conversion and binding of testosterone to receptors, thus blocking testosterone's action and promoting its breakdown. Based on this information, saw palmetto may also benefit female conditions where there is too much androgen hormone, such as in polycystic ovarian disease.

Saw palmetto has also been reported to help menstrual problems and cramps, urinary tract disorders, diabetes, infertility, thyroid deficiency and low sex drive, increase lactation, act as a mild sedative for the nervous system, stimulate appetite, aid digestion, and help hot flashes, vaginal-uterine infections, and rheumatism.

Squaw vine berry (Mitchella repens)

This herb is useful for relief of painful menstruation and to prepare for childbirth. It is a uterine tonic, and improves digestion as well. Again, check with your practitioner before using this or any other herb during pregnancy.

Wild yam root (Dioscorea villosa)

Wild yam actually refers to 150 or more species. This plant contains plant sterols used to make progesterone and other steroid hormones in the laboratory. It is unknown at this time whether the human body can convert these sterols into hormones. Although there is no scientific proof as of yet, many users claim that wild yam root cream helps combat menopausal symptoms and other female conditions related to hormonal imbalance.

Traditionally, wild yam root has been used to treat menstrual cramps, and ovarian and uterine pains, arthritis, intestinal colic, soothe diverticulitis, liver troubles, bilious colic, muscle pains, problems of childbirth, calm nerves, depression, flatulence and indigestion. Wild yam helps incontinence by restoring tone to the bladder.

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

The antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory effects of yarrow make it useful for menstrual cramping. This herb also possesses diaphoretic (sweat-inducing) and fever reducing properties, as well as the ability to lower blood pressure and help with diarrhea.