Remember the famous talk about all things sex, bodily changes, puberty, and all that jazz? You probably never felt more uncomfortable, but it was only to inform you about the coming changes in your life. The conversation can change for women around middle school, given that menstrual cycles occur around then. 

There is a lot to learn and a lot to inform about menstrual cycles. Some people are told correct information, while others gather information from rumors and believe whatever they hear. For example, boys may think women bleed forever and attract bears. This is simply not the case and we are here to set the record straight, emphasizing six period myths that everyone needs to forget. 

It’s OK To Dismiss Feelings While On Your Period

There is a physical change in a woman’s body while she is on her period. In the days leading up to menstruation, levels of estrogen plummet and progesterone levels increase. Estrogen is linked to serotonin, the happy hormone, and progesterone is linked to the area of the brain associated with anxiety, depression, and fear. While progesterone may depress some emotions, it does have a mood-balancing effect. Don’t write off drastic mood changes as “just hormones;” rather, mood changes that happen because of hormones are very real. That should not invalidate anyone’s feelings!

Period Blood Is Dirty Blood

It’s a complete myth, and false way of thinking, to think that period blood is dirty blood. It is not blood that the body rejects, nor is it a way to flush out toxins. Think of period blood as evolved vaginal secretion, containing a bit of blood, uterine tissue, mucus lining, and bacteria. That does not change whether a woman can or cannot have sex. It simply means that period blood is different from blood that runs through veins. It is actually less concentrated blood and has fewer blood cells than traditional blood. 

Women Are Always On “That Time Of The Month”

To clear things up, a woman’s menstrual cycle is not the same as her period. Menstruation refers to the time that a woman bleeds, while a menstrual cycle is the entire time from the start of one period to the next. Some women’s cycles are longer, while others can be shorter. Travel, weight fluctuation, emotions, medications, and more can affect when a woman’s period occurs. Comments like “women are always on their time of the month” are both inaccurate and not appreciated. Just like every woman, every period is unique. 

Period Is Pain Is Just Like Anything You’ve Experienced

Headaches and hitting your knee on the couch do not compare to the pain a woman experiences during her period. Some women have to call out of work, curl up in bed, or pray that the cramps will subside. That is called dysmenorrhea, and about 20% of women have it so severe that it interferes with daily activities. The pain makes it difficult to concentrate, causes anxiety, and makes everything unpleasant. It is unfair to compare it to regular pain that people experience on a daily basis. 

Hormones Define Women

For years, women have been accused of being too “hormonal” all the time. Some men equate the feelings women have to feelings of hysteria, as though it is some sort of illness. That does not explain female behavior because everyone has hormones and nobody likes them to be messed with. One study on male contraception was discontinued because male participants could not handle the side effects of injection pain, acne, and emotional issues. Women accept those same side effects taking various forms of birth control, even if it negatively affects them. 

Periods Are Shameful

End the conversation that periods are gross, shameful, or dirty and they won’t be such a “crisis.” The truth is that this “shame” is ingrained into society, as though it is a huge embarrassment that women must overcome to enter society. There is no need to whisper about the need for a tampon or pad. Periods are normal, not out of the ordinary. Ditch the stigma and change this cycle (pardon the pun) to encourage positive talk about periods and menstrual cycles.

SHARE:

The post 6 Period Myths We Have To Set Straight appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

If you regularly suffer from premenstrual syndrome (PMS), menopause, infertility, or irregular periods, vitex, also known as chasteberry, may help. Historically, vitex has been a proven folk/herbal remedy for these issues, and newer research confirms this. Vitex is not only for women with hormonal issues; rather, recent studies found that it exhibits anti-tumor properties in different human cancer cell lines. 

What Is Vitex?

Technically, vitex is the name for the largest genus in the Verbenaceae family, comprising 250 species. The most common variety used for medicinal purposes is the chase tree, which is a small plant with berries that are similar in size to peppercorns. Native to the Mediterranean and Asia, vitex also goes other names, including lilac chastetree, Abraham’s balm, and monk’s pepper. 

Scientists are in pursuit of finding all of vitex’s biologically active compounds. After investigating more than 20 vitex species for chemical and biological properties, 18 beneficial compounds have been in the vitex fruit. An additional 200 compounds, including flavonoids, steroid, terpenoids, iridoids, and lignans, have been found in the 20 vitex species. Continue reading to learn how this plant can benefit female health. 

May Improve Female Fertility

According to research, vitex has demonstrated an ability to improve fertility, particularly in women with luteal phase defect (shortened second half of menstrual cycle). These women have trouble because their ovaries do not release enough progesterone. One trial consisted of 48 women between the ages of 23 and 39. They were diagnosed with infertility and took chasteberry once daily for three months. During the three-month trial, seven women became pregnant and 25 women experienced normalized progesterone levels. 

Another study evaluated 52 women with luteal phase defects from hyperprolactinemia (higher than normal levels of prolactin in the blood). Each woman received a dose of 20 milligrams (mg) of vitex or a placebo every day during the course of the study. After three months, women treated with vitex exhibited a reduction in prolactin release. Their shortened luteal phases were normalized and deficits in the luteal progesterone synthesis were eliminated. 

May Help Treat Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition in which the tissue that lines the uterus grows beyond the uterine cavity. The lining of the uterus grows on ovaries, fallopian tubes, or the pelvic tissues in a woman with endometriosis. Medical experts are not fully aware of the exact cause, but some contributing factors include genetics and hormonal imbalance. Although you cannot do anything about the genetics part, you can help balance hormones with vitex. Some researchers suggest taking chasteberry or vitex for 12 to 18 months for maximum effectiveness. 

Helps Relieve PMS Symptoms

People who want to help naturally remedy PMS symptoms, especially cramps, often turn to vitex. It is one of the top herbal remedies for PMS relief. One study found that 93% of the participants who were treated with vitex for three consecutive menstrual cycles reported a decrease in the number of symptoms, or a complete end of symptoms. Additionally, vitex may help treat some menopausal symptoms and hormonal acne. 

An increased production of prolactin may contribute to cyclic breast tenderness, which is another PMS symptom. Vitex works well at reducing PMS symptoms because it helps suppress the release of prolactin from the pituitary gland. Various studies indicate that vitex may also reduce headaches, irritable mood, and breast tenderness, all of which can be PMS symptoms. One review found that five out of six studies concluded that vitex extracts were superior to a placebo for treating PMS symptoms. 

Vitex or chasteberry is available in many forms, including dried, ripe, tea, or extract. It is one of the prominent ingredients in two Dherbs formulas that are in The Female Cleanse, which can help provide essential nutrients for female health and support overall wellness.

SHARE:

The post Vitex: The Female-Friendly Fruit For PMS appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Gestational diabetes develops when the body cannot produce the insulin it needs during pregnancy, because of the higher levels of hormones. It usually goes away after birth, but if it doesn’t it then becomes type 2 diabetes.

SHARE:

The post Gestational Diabetes During Pregnancy appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

The recent Supreme Court ruling that overturned the landmark Roe v. Wade leaves medical experts in a perplexing situation. Many physicians will be put in a bind, unable to fulfill professional obligations to provide care for pregnant patients because of state laws that forbid such things. This will all depend on where a person lives, but many women may need to travel long distances to find a clinic that can perform the abortion.

Physicians state that the goal is for a patient to make a decision for themselves about what is right for them. Depending on the state, the conversation has less to do with a person’s values, and more about the legal hoops they had to jump through prior to the procedure. The recent Supreme Court ruling opened the floodgates for a wave of litigation. One side of the ruling fought quickly to put statewide bans in effect, while the other side made it known that they would not interfere with a woman’s right to abortion.

It’s a frightening and confusing time, with some people arguing that it is a scary time. Here’s what health experts and women’s activists want you to know about the loss of abortion rights. 

The Decision Isn’t Science-Based

According to health experts, there is no public health reason that validates restricting a woman’s access to abortion. In fact, public health and medical data about abortion implications find that the opposite is true. Public health scientists say that the procedure is very safe at any stage of pregnancy. Carrying a pregnancy to term is actually riskier for overall health in the eyes of health officials. The decision to have an abortion should be the person’s decision, and their decision alone. 

Prohibiting Abortion Can Reject People’s Autonomy

Pregnancy isn’t something that should be a punishment. Any person who is pregnant can and does make the right decisions, and they do it on their own volition. Oftentimes, people don’t understand that one of the most common emotions following an abortion is relief. According to surveys, the vast majority of people who have abortions are certain about their decision. Additionally, they continue to believe it was the right decision for them years after the fact. 

The Loss Of Abortion Rights Will Harm Minorities

When a person is forced to raise a child or children, they ultimately limit their ability to build a sustainable career over time. Consequently, minority groups will be hit hardest by new abortion bans. This includes people of color, people who live with lower incomes, and people under 18 in rural areas. It’s unlikely that many of these groups will make the necessary travel to states where abortion is legal. On top of that, people who want to get abortions but are unable to do so are statistically more likely to live in poverty, and their children may not meet developmental milestones. 

It’s a fact that women in the United States have higher death rates while pregnant, during childbirth, or after delivery compared to women in other developed nations. This risk is higher for Hispanic and Black mothers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a report in February 2022 that stated these types of deaths increased from 2018 to 2020.

Denying Abortion Hurts People

This is not merely an emotional hurt; rather, statistics show that people who cannot get abortions have worse physical health. The Turnaway Study found that people who wanted abortions and couldn’t get them because of legal limitations had poorer health outcomes. Denying people the right to abortion causes long-lasting harm. People who are forced to give birth have a higher risk of living in poverty and are less likely to achieve life goals than people who want to get abortions and can. 

In contrast to the United States, several countries have recently expanded, or now allow, access to abortion. In 2018, the Republic of Ireland legalized abortions, and Northern Ireland followed suit in 2020 after longtime restrictions. Mexico’s Supreme Court ruled that abortions were constitutional in 2021, and Colombia legalized abortion through 24 weeks of pregnancy in February 2022. Unfortunately, it seems that the United States is moving in the opposite direction of progress.

SHARE:

The post What Health Experts Want You To Know About Abortion Bans appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Alternative medicine and herbal remedies receive more attention nowadays for the treatment of various bodily disorders. Herbs like stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) offer therapeutic effects, especially for women who aim to balance hormones. It’s an herb that has been a staple ingredient in herbal medicine since ancient times. 

Cultures in Asia, Europe, and Africa have used nettle for thousands of years. Some healers created nettle tinctures to remedy lower back pain, while others used it to increase bodily warmth during winter. Fresh nettle causes a stinging reaction upon contact, but cooking or drying the leaves cancels out that stinging effect. 

Nettle Is Nutrient Dense

According to several studies, stinging nettle exhibits antioxidant effects in the body. Antioxidants work to protect the cells from oxidative stress, which can increase the risk of cancer, cognitive decline, and early signs of aging. Researchers found that stinging nettle extract works to raise blood antioxidant levels. It’s also rich in calcium, potassium, sodium, iron, beta-carotene, lutein, carotenoids, essential amino acids, essential fatty acids, and vitamins A, C, and K. 

The Use Of Nettle For Women

Many studies concluded that nettle can positively impact female hormones. In general, two substances are necessary for keeping hormone levels check. Nettle works to balance hormones by influencing aromatase and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). The former is an enzyme that converts testosterone to estrogen, while the latter is a protein that the liver makes. SHBG carries three hormones, estrogen, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and testosterone, in both men and women. High SHBG levels mean that there is not a lot of testosterone available for bodily tissues. Low levels of SHBG indicate high testosterone levels, which can increase the risk of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), hair loss, depression, and more in women.

Benefits of Nettle For Women

Managing Aromatase and Estradiol

Unlike men, women experience extreme hormonal changes, specifically during menstruation, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or menopause. Hormones can change as a result of taking birth control pills as well. Nettle root can help reduce the harmful effects of estrogen metabolites in a woman’s body. By decreasing levels of estrogen metabolites, a woman can reduce the risk of certain cancers, according to several studies. Blocking aromatization, a process sex hormones undergo, it effectively reduces several primary causative factors of hormone-induced breast cancer and uterine cancer. 

Encouraging Thyroid Health

Stinging nettle contains iron, and iron deficiency can affect the production of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). Without sufficient production of TSH, it’s easier to experience hypothyroidism, which can cause weight gain or make weight loss difficult. The thyroid needs iron and iodine, but iodine often receives more attention when it comes to optimizing thyroid health. The pituitary gland produces TSH, and the thyroid cannot receive the necessary signals for T3 and T4 hormone production if TSH production isn’t optimal. Nettle leaf is a rich source of iron, which is a nutrient that can enhance thyroid function. 

Relieving PCOS Symptoms

Three primary characteristics of PCOS include irregular menstrual cycles, excess male hormones (testosterone), and cysts in the ovaries. It’s one of the leading causes of infertility in women of childbearing age. Women with PCOS typically have higher levels of testosterone, which causes hormonal imbalance. In a 2014 study, young women received 300-600 milligrams (mg) of dried nettle extract daily for 16 weeks. The results indicated that the women experienced a reduction in testosterone and improvement in menstrual cycles. Additionally, many naturopathic doctors work with nettle to help women with PCOS. 

Helping Control Blood Sugar

It’s estimated that about one in nine adult women in the U.S. has diabetes. Various human and animal studies found that nettle has the ability to help lower blood sugar levels. One of nettle’s primary compounds may mimic the effects of insulin. In a three-month study, 46 participants took 500 mg of nettle extract three times daily. The results indicated that everyone experienced lower blood sugar levels. Finally, the antioxidants in nettle may help assist with glucose-lowering activity. 

SHARE:

The post Why Every Woman Needs Nettle For Hormonal Balance appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Sexual Rejuvenation Cleanse for Women – 20 day cleanse that helps to improve the sexual libido and stamina in women by providing the necessary nutrients.

• Helps to maintain more normal and regulated menstrual cycle
• Designed to benefit the health of women
• Formulated with botanicals conducive to female sexual reproductive health
• Supports weight management efforts that include diet modification and exercise
• Helps to maintain healthy vagina and breasts
• Reduction of unhealthy cravings (sugars and junk food)
• Helps to balance female hormonal system
• Aids in hormonal balance
• Supports healthy hair, skin, and nails 

SHARE:

The post Dherbs Sexual Rejuvenation Cleanse For Women appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

The Female Cleanse – 20 day cleanse and regimen to help provide essential nutrients for female health and complaints.

• Helps to maintain more normal and regulated menstrual cycle
• Designed to benefit the health of women
• Formulated with botanicals conducive to female sexual reproductive health
• Supports weight management efforts that include diet modification and exercise
• Helps to maintain healthy vagina and breasts
• Reduction of unhealthy cravings (sugars and junk food)
• Helps to balance female hormonal system
• Aids in hormonal balance
• Supports healthy hair, skin, and nails 

SHARE:

The post Dherbs Female Cleanse appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Female Hormonal is an herbal supplement that supports the female hormonal and reproductive system.

SHARE:

The post Dherbs Female Hormonal appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

There are herbs for every person all over the world, and many people prefer herbal treatments to medical pharmaceuticals. Herbs may not cure a specific health issue, but they may assist the body with natural healing or biological function. In the case of women’s health, many experts believe that specific herbs work to deal with common health issues that women encounter. 

Many scientists and researchers believe that specific plant compounds provide optimal health for all beings. Whether or not the whole herbs, from which the compounds come, are beneficial or not is another topic of study. When it comes to female health and wellness, there are herbs that have proven to be conducive to overall wellness. From elevating mood and libido to supporting energy levels and hormones, the following herbs help to benefit female health. 

7 Herbs For Women’s Health

Avena Sativa

Commonly known as oat straw, avena sativa is a powerful, natural aphrodisiac that has been used for thousands of years. Because it is rich in calcium, it may help to reduce the risk of osteoporosis, which is more common in women than in men. In addition to the calcium content, avena sativa also contains vitamin D, a nutrient that aids the absorption of calcium and optimizes immune function.

Nettle Leaf

This unassuming leaf that causes immense skin irritation happens to be wonderful for female health. The leaves have little hairs that contain formic acid, which causes the body to release histamine. When you brew the leaves into a tea or prepare them like cooked spinach, they are very safe and beneficial. Nettle is an excellent source of vitamin C, iron, and other nutrients. Historically, women praised nettle for its ability to help restore nourishment after giving birth. Herbalists recommend that women combine nettle with raspberry leaf in a soothing tea for best results. 

Red Clover

Red clover is often used as food for grazing livestock. It grows abundantly in Europe, North America, and in parts of Asia. Historically, it had its place in traditional Chinese herbal practices. Red clover contains naturally occurring phtyoestrogens, and it works to promote detoxification. Many studies found that red clover is beneficial for supporting a woman’s body during menopause, specifically because it aids lymphatic functions. 

Puncture Vine

This plant species, Tribulus terrestris, exhibits a variety of healthy properties. Historically, women used it to help enhance libido and keep the urinary tract healthy and free of swelling. There is a lot of research about puncture vine’s ability to support a healthy libido in women. One study from 2014 found that 49 of the 50 female participants experienced greater desire for intercourse after taking it regularly. Another study found that supplementation helped reduce mood swings experienced during the menstrual cycle. It may also lead to greater satisfaction, desire, and arousal in the bedroom.

Sage

This fragrant culinary herb has powerful numerous health properties for all, but it has a special purpose for women. As women enter menopause and tread the uncertain waters, they can experience mood swings, night sweats, and hot flashes. Sage has been known to reduce hot flashes and effectively eliminate night sweats. Anecdotal reports claim that drinking one cup of sage tea nightly can improve sleep and reduce sweating during the night. Ladies, keep this in mind if you are entering or already experiencing menopause. 

Maca Root

Native to the Andes mountains, maca root is a wonderful herb that may help women naturally balance hormone levels. During research on whether or not maca root was beneficial for weight loss, researchers observed that menopausal women enjoyed a reduction in menopausal symptoms. The women reported that maca supplementation helped reduce hot flashes, night sweats, and feelings of depression. Other studies found that maca root may help support a healthy libido in women who experienced sexual dysfunction after taking antidepressants. The dose was three grams daily and women reported that it improved sexual satisfaction.

Raspberry Leaf

Forget about the deliciously tart and refreshing fruit because the leaf is beneficial for female health. Raspberry leaf tea is beneficial for menstrual cycle regulation. Many women who experience irregular menstrual cycles find that they benefit after drinking raspberry leaf tea three to four times a week. Consistency is key, though, as herbs take time to become effective in the body. One study found that women who drank raspberry leaf tea experienced regular periods that were light and pain free. Raspberry leaf also helps to strengthen the uterus, and pregnant women have historically drunk this tea during the last six weeks of pregnancy. Because each woman is different, it would be beneficial to discuss drinking this tea with your OBGYN before you decide to drink it. 

SHARE:

The post 7 Essential Herbs For Women’s Health And Wellness appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.

Women require specific herbs to maintain balanced hormone levels. Hormones, which are involved in many interactions in the body, are different chemicals/compounds that are tied to appetite, energy levels, skin health, reproductive health, mood and more. While it is vital to maintain healthy hormone levels, many women regularly experience hormonal imbalances.

What Are Hormones?

Produced by glands in the endocrine system, hormones travel through the bloodstream to various tissues and organs, giving orders of what to do and when to do it. When hormone levels are out of balance, side effects can occur throughout the body. Women typically experience varying levels of estrogen and progesterone, but they can occasionally have a testosterone imbalance. The side effects of imbalanced hormones can include changes in blood pressure, depression, weight gain, skin rashes, bloating, headaches, brittle bones, reduced sex drive, breast tenderness, and more.

Addressing The Problem

Too often do women seek out methods, which don’t target the root of the problem, to remedy hormonal imbalance. Some of these methods are too aggressive and can actually throw your hormones even more out of whack. The key to addressing the problem is to get to the root cause, and medications like oral contraceptives may just cover up the symptoms. Natural remedies, like the following teas, are great for helping women balance hormones. Try them and let us know how they work for you.

Nettle Leaf

This herb contains just about every vitamin and mineral necessary for human health and growth. Containing more chlorophyll than any other herb, nettle works to relieve constipation, purify the blood, guard against anemia, and nourish the kidneys for a healthier urinary tract. Research has shown that nettle contains calcium in its most absorbable form, which is necessary for menopausal women. Another reason to consume nettle is that it is abundant in iron, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, and vitamins A, C, D, and K.

Matcha

Matcha has been praised for the presence of vitamin C, catechins, and EGCG, a powerful antioxidant that has been known to fight cancer cells. It contains ten times more antioxidants than green tea, 17 times more antioxidants than blueberries, and six times more antioxidants than goji berries. When it comes to hormones, matcha works to decrease estrogen levels, and extremely high estrogen levels have been linked to increased risk of breast cancer. The antioxidants also support the liver, which aids with hormone regulation.

Red Clover

There is a long history of various cultures using this herb to establish fertility. The diverse nutritional profile makes it excellent for the uterus, and the calcium and magnesium work to relax the nervous system for optimal hormone levels. Many women have attributed heightened fertility during childbearing years to red clover, and this has a lot to do with the trace minerals. Studies show that the trace minerals in red clover help to restore and balance hormonal functions by supplying the minerals to various glands in the body. Red clover also helps alkalize the body, establishing a healthy acid/alkaline balance in the vagina and uterus to decrease the risk of infections.

Spearmint

According to several studies, spearmint has demonstrated an ability to reduce testosterone levels in women, providing relief from hormonal imbalances. Spearmint helps to increase female hormones that are needed for ovulation, including estradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH). One study found that women, who drank two cups of spearmint tea for five consecutive days, experienced decreased testosterone and elevated levels of FSH, LH, and estradiol. Another study found that testosterone levels dropped in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) when they drank two cups of spearmint tea per day over a 30-day period.

SHARE:

The post 4 Teas That Help To Balance Female Hormones appeared first on Dherbs - The Best All Natural Herbal Remedies & Products.