Herbal medicine is nothing new. Women from many cultures have been taking care of their family's health for centuries with folk medicine wisdom handed down for generations.

There are many herbs that are especially beneficial for women. Here are some of the most popular used in herbal teas and other preparations.

You may want to check with your health care practitioner before you start any herbal therapy. 

Red raspberry tea is a natural tonic and has been used to help women during pregnancy with easing morning sickness and reducing pain during labor.  It is usually given to women in the last three months of pregnancy. 

The leaves are rich in vitamins A and D and minerals such as phosphorus and potassium.

Tea made from strawberry leaves is used to help relieve menstrual problems such as cramps.

It is also beneficial for abdominal complaints in general for both men and women.

Strawberry leaf tea has many of the same benefits as red raspberry leaf tea including its tonic effect.

Nettle leaves is another tonic that contains high amounts of calcium and chlorophyll.  Calcium is depleted especially in women as they age.  Among chlorophyll's many benefits are detoxification of the liver and digestive tract.

Teas brewed from the leaves are used to increase fertility and decreasing pain during labor and after the birth. It is also used to prevent heavy menstrual bleeding.

Herbal teas are big business.  Even companies that specialized in traditional black teas branched out to herbal teas once they saw the demand the public had for natural health products.

One well-known and respected herbal tea company isTraditional Medicinals.  They have several specialty teas specifially for women's health.  Several of them combine the herbs listed above.

Of course, many people simply harvest the leaves themselves or purchase them from bulk herb suppliers and use them to brew in tea. 

Herbal medicine is a vast subject. Red raspberry, strawberry, and nettle are just some of the many herbs used in women's healing. Visit the links above and listen to Susan Weed's video linked below to learn more about how you can enhance your life with herbal medicine.

Disclaimer: This information is not presented to replace medical advice.

References:

• Bown, Deni. New Encyclopedia of Herbs & Their Uses. Dorling Kindersley Limited. 1995
• Weed, Susun. Herbs Allies for Pregnancy Problems. January 2002. Accessed January 2009.