How to Get Started: Herbs that Support Menopause and Healthy Aging Part 2
Welcome back!
As promised, here are the 7 herbs listed that aid in the reduction of peri/menopause symptoms and promote healthy aging.
For those of you that have found this post first, it’s actually Part 2 of a set. If you’re interested in more information on this topic, feel free to check out Part 1 here.
I'm going to share some interesting facts, preparation suggestions, and my subjective flavor and serving preferences. As you will see, the healthy aging benefits listed for just these 7 herbs will help support us through peri/menopause and beyond!
Okay, without further adieu! The herb friends covered here in Post 2!
Nettles
Raspberry Leaf
Linden
Tulsi (Holy Basil)
Red Clover
Oat straw
Dandelion Leaf/Root
Some of these you can take all by their lonesome and some you will want to add to something savory like Miso Soup or perhaps a little honey to to cut the bitterness. I’ll also recommend some combinations to really get the best bang for your hormonal buck!
Nettles - Strong bones and healthy aging
Plants & Planets
Ruled by Aries and Mars, best harvested in the Spring as the sun transits through Aries.
Flavor
Savory. I recommend adding this infusion to something savory like Miso soup. Kill two birds with one stone and get your phytoestrogens in there too!
Note
Nettle can be very drying. And because peri/menopause is such a drying time, I also recommend mixing this up with equal parts (the total amount of plant matter should equal one ounce)of Linden and Tulsi.
Tulsi is a nice gentle adaptogen that helps the entire endocrine system and is an excellent stress buster. Linden is a moistening herb that also helps with stress, but is excellent for cardiovascular health too. This combo is such a hug in a mug!
Benefits of a Nettle Infusion
Mass amounts of essential minerals and micronutrients
Strengthens those bones! And hair and nails too.
Helps rebuild the adrenal system… powerful.
Prevents and can work toward reversing diabetes
Improves your mood AND helps with that dang brain fog!
It’s a natural antihistamine for seasonal allergies
Excellent for Thyroid health
Lot’s of iron and the vitamin C you need to absorb the iron… smart plant!
Nettles
‘I recommend adding this infusion to something savory like Miso soup’
Raspberry Leaf - Hormone balance and healthy aging
Plants & Planets
Ruled by Cancer and the Moon. Best harvested in late Spring early Summer. Harvest bright fresh green leaves. More than you think you’ll need, these buggers shrink up!
Flavor
I find it delicious, like a strong green tea. I like to drink my quart warmed up throughout the day. I sometimes get a little nauseous if I pound it down. But every body is different, so do what’s best for you! It does have a bit of a tannin taste so my daughter likes the flavor better with some honey.
Note
Raspberry leaf is most often associated with pregnancy, birth, and postnatal care as it does an excellent job of strengthening and toning up the uterus after birth or surgery and assists with milk production for nursing mamas. It’s great for menstrual cramps and has been known to help relieve heavy bleeding and irregular periods which can sometimes accompany perimenopause
Benefits of a Raspberry Leaf Infusion
Supports overall uterine and female reproductive health
Astringent properties help with local and systemic inflammation
Contains Flavonoids which are very powerful antioxidants
Packed with nutrients like vitamin C, E, and A
Packed with minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium
Helps promote a healthy gut and has been known to reduce bloat and gas
Linden - Promotes healthy sleep and healthy aging
Plants & Planets
Representing love, affection and tenderness, it is affiliated with Gemini, Sagittarius and Taurus and related to Jupiter, Mercury and the Sun. Its flowers are in bloom from June to August.
Flavor
Linden has a flowery taste kind of like chamomile, but with hints of spice like black licorice.
Note
Linden is a demulcent. Meaning you will get wonderful benefits from creating either a hot or cold infusion. For the sake of simplicity, I’ll just say the hot pulls the minerals, the cold pulls the mucilage. And the mucilage is where you will find the most powerful anti-inflammatory properties of Linden.
For this infusion, use only ½ ounce of the dried herb for your quart jar. Pour hot water over it to the top, cover and steep for 24 hours.
Once you have strained your infusion, use the herbs again for a cold water infusion. You will cover the herbs in your quart jar with cold water and allow it to steep in the refrigerator for 48 hours.
The mucilage that results is intensely hydrating and delightful. Again, feel free to sweeten with honey if you’d prefer.
Benefits of a Linden Infusion (x2)
Reduces systemic inflammation
Aids in lowering blood pressure
Eases anxiety, and produces relaxing and calming effect on the mind
Helps prevent cold and flu
Reduces chronic pain
Promotes healthy sleep
Mucilage aids in digestion, soothing the gut
Tulsi (Holy Basil)- Boosts metabolism and promotes healthy aging
Plants & Planets
A revered herb in Ayurvedic Medicine and Hindu tradition. Some believe that this herb is more closely associated with Jupiter and the sign of Scorpio and others feel it is more in line with Mercury. Either way, this herb is known to be regenerative, purifying, and produce mental clarity. It’s ready for harvest when the plant is 8-10” tall. Harvest is best performed in the cool of the morning.
Flavor
Tulsi has sort of a semi-sweet, minty, spiciness to it. Mmmmm…
Note
So like Linden, Tulsi is a demulcent. I recommend the same preparations. Using only ½ oz of the dried herb for your quart sized jar and once finished with your hot infusion, go ahead and strain for that cold infusion. Remember, your cold infusion will take two days in the refrigerator and is made with cold water.
Benefits of a Tulsi Infusion
A powerful adaptogen
Antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties
Known to relieve respiratory ailments
Regulates cortisol levels
Lowers blood pressure
Lowers cholesterol
Reduces stress and promotes healthy sleep
Combats damaging oral bacteria (yay fresh breath!)
Boosts metabolism
Helps maintain stable blood sugar
Red Clover
‘This is a great tea to drink all day long, it’s good enjoyed hot or cooled. It’s also a great sleepy-time tea.’
Red Clover - Breast cancer prevention and healthy aging
Plants & Planets
Often associated with the planet Mercury and sign of Gemini. It has a communicative and adaptable nature making it great for a variety of uses. It typically blooms twice a year and should be harvested when the fields are in full bloom. Early morning harvest once the dew has dried is best if you plan to dry it for preservation.
Flavor
It has a mild and slightly sweet flavor. Kind of earthy but very yummy. I find it enjoyable without any additions.
Note
This is a great tea to drink all day long, it’s good enjoyed hot or cooled. It’s also a great sleepy-time tea.
Benefits of a Red Clover Infusion
Anti-cancer remedy - helps prevent breast and prostate cancer
Super high in vitamins and folic acid
High mineral content which helps restore and maintain good hormone production
Lots of calcium & magnesium to help repair & strengthen bones
Moves lymph which helps reduce eczema/psoriasis symptoms
Immune booster
Lung support
Strengthens the nervous system
WIDELY used for the treatment and prevention of menopause symptoms
Oat Straw - Lifts that MOOD and aids healthy aging
Plants & Planets
Oat Straw is known for its calming and nourishing properties. It’s often used to calm the nervous system and promote relaxation. It makes sense that it is then associated with Venus and Taurus.
Flavor
What comes to mind is, warm, comforting, rounded. Not bitter, but kind of hay-like lol. It’s yummy and actually one of my faves. It’s another one that I find enjoyable without any additions for flavor.
Note
Best harvested in late summer or early fall. It has a long history of use in traditional medicines like Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Benefits of an Oat Straw Infusion
Sexual tonic
Lifts your mood
Heals damaged nerves and relaxes the nervous system
Helps maintain elasticity of veins - improves cardiovascular health
Lowers cholesterol by binding to it and eliminating it
Phytoestrogens! - one of the good guys for healthy hormonal balance
Loads of calcium and vitamin B - another good one for the ladies!
Silica, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, calcium, magnesium, and manganese
Supports the pancreas and therefore insulin regulation
Shall I go on?!
Dandelion Leaf/Root - Combats fatigue and promotes healthy aging
Plants & Planets
Often associated with the Planet Jupiter and the sign of Sagittarius. Dandelion is a resilient and prolific herb. It's often used to treat issues of the liver and gallbladder which are both ruled by Sagittarius. And dandelion's traditional use as a symbol of good fortune and prosperity also aligns with Jupiter's influence.
Flavor
For our purposes here, we're talking about creating an infusion, which is light, earthly and a little sweet. I add honey to this one, just because I feel like those two flavors blend so beautifully. You can also make dandelion coffee, and it's an excellent and flavorful replacement packed with health benefits!
Note
Every part of the dandelion plant is edible! The leaves can be used in salads or cooked like spinach, the roots can be roasted and ground to make a coffee substitute, and the flowers can be used to make dandelion wine or jelly. Most, if not all parts of the plant are best harvested in the Spring.
Benefits of a Dandelion Leaf/Root Infusion
Supports liver detoxification
Promotes good poops and helps reduce bloating
Diuretic and helps reduce fluid retention
Rich in vitamins A, C, & K
Rich in minerals calcium, iron, and potassium
Systemic anti-inflammatory
Supports healthy immune function
Helps combat fatigue and improves stamina
How to make an infusion:
Grab a quart sized jar and fill it with one ounce of dried plant material. Cover it to the rim with boiling water. Cover and leave for a minimum of 4 hours and preferably overnight. Strain and drink the entire jar throughout the day. I like to dump mine into my French Press and really get all the goodness out of it!
Rotating consumption of each plant is best for optimal health. You can also use infusions for skin care, wound care, skin conditions, sitz baths, eye wash, and more. Study up and get creative!
Conclusion:
I’d like to conclude by adding that this is nowhere near a completely comprehensive list of all the wonderful herbs out there for supporting healthy hormone balance and female reproductive health. These herbs ARE a magical start, but there is so much more! I encourage you to continue to research and educate yourself. If you’re a plant nerd like me, you won’t be able to resist!
Here are a couple of places outside our gardens that we source excellent quality herbs <3
https://friendsofthetreesbotanicals.com/
https://rootdiggerherbfarm.com/
Stay magical, my friends!
Melody
*It's important to note that while herbs are generally considered safe for most people when consumed in moderate amounts, individuals with certain medical conditions or those taking medications should consult with a healthcare professional before using them therapeutically. Additionally, pregnant women should exercise caution and seek medical advice before using herbal supplements, as their safety during pregnancy has not been extensively studied.
