Healing Herbs for Preconception - Menopause
Tintawi Charaka KaIgziabiher, CD, Awalaj
© Tintawi Charaka KaIgziabiher 2010
Introduction:
My life has always included the use of herbs. My Mother introduced me to them as a child, as she used them to treat the ailments of youth. I loved their fragrance, texture and healing properties; their gentleness and effectiveness in teas, potions, salves and rituals. When still in the single digits and as an adolescent my Mother called me a “Flower Child.” A fitting name for a lover of nature. In elementary school I joined the Environmental Club and began one of the first recycling programs in the Englewood Public School System. I volunteered at our local nature center, Flat Rock and went all over the community planting trees. I was always appreciative of nature and her gifts.
In my teens I found myself surrounded by Herbalists and Wise Women as I worked at a local Afrikan Bookstore and Gift Shop called Temitayo’s. It was there where I met many of the women and men who would become my teachers and guides, Momma Helen, Mother Khoshhali, Brother Rashan, Joanne Pelletiere and others. As I became a wife, mother and birth attendant I realized the importance of sharing what I learned with others.
When it comes to medicinal plants it matters little how many we know … what really counts is how well we know them.
The Plants Speak
Alfalfa – Medicago sativa
Medicinal Parts – Leaves and Whole Flower
Actions: Alterative, tonic
Application: Rich in vitamins A, D, E, K, contains important enzymes and minerals, increases appetite, alkalizes the body, high in protein, increases milk supply, provides important nutrients to the developing uterus and mother
Preparation: Infusion
Arrowroot – Maranta arundinacea
Medicinal Parts: Roots
Actions: reduces mucus, heals wounds
Applications: when ground into a powder and mixed with water to form a paste it can be rubbed onto the gums of babies to soothe soreness from teething, mends bruises and wounds from poisoned arrows (hence the name)
Preparation: Powder, paste
Preparation: tea,tincture, infusion or poultice
Calendula – Calendula officinalis
Medicinal Parts – Whole Flower Tops
Actions: anti-inflammatory, astringent, relieves spasms
Application: promotes cell repair, antiseptic, used externally for bruised or burned skin, great for sitz baths, cracked nipples or diaper rash; can also be used as an infusion poured into bath water to relieve itching caused by rashes, chicken pox and eczema.
Preparation: Infusion or Salve
Camomile – Matricaria chamomilla
Medicinal Parts – Flowers, Leaves
Actions: Calms Nerves, Relieves Spasms, Astringent
Application: Aids in releasing unsettling energy, balances moods, calms nerves, relieves itching, allergy relief, an infusion of the herb, strained and then put in the eyes with an eye dropper relieves itchy, watery eyes, great before bedtime to help children and adults fall asleep; when infused with a carrier oil it can be rubbed to relieve aching muscles; great in love baths
Preparation: Infusion, Salve
Catnip – Nepata cataria
Medicinal Parts – Leaves and Flower Tops
Actions: Calms Nerves, Carminative, Astringent, relieves spasms
Application: Calming, reduces the heat of fevers; good for colic; relaxes digestive system; Acts as a numbing agent (great for babies cutting teeth), calms nerves; Aids in insomnia issues; relieves minor headaches and muscle spasms; reduces swelling. Aids in relieving some of the "crisis" situations experienced by those with sickle cell or sickle cell trait (specifically as a poultice for muscle spasms and internally to relax nerves)
Preparation: Infusion, Tincture and Poultice
Comfrey –Symphytum officinale
Medicinal Parts – Roots, leaves
Actions: Releases mucus, Reduces swelling, astringent
Application: great for perineum, sore nipples, burning sensation in vaginal area, speeds the healing of wounds
Preparation: Infusion, salve, poultice, compress
Maracuja – Passifloraceae
Medicinal Parts – Flower, leaves, fruit
Actions: Sedative, calms spasms
Application: relieves headaches, speeds healing of bruises, relieves pain, relieves colic, good to stop diarrhea, calms epileptic spasms, cures insomnia, calms hyperactivity in children, great for menopausal symptoms, soothes rashes
Preparation: Infusion, salve, poultice, compress
Moringa – Moringa Oleifera
Medicinal Parts: Leaves
Actions: Tonic
Application: Used to treat malnutrition, contains vitamins A – E, increases milk supply, high in vitamin K, increases energy, treats hundreds of diseases
Preparation: Infusion
Nettle – Urtica Dioica
Medicinal Parts: Leaves
Actions: Tonic, Diuretic, contains iron, vitamin K and other essential vitamins
Application: Helps to increase milk supply, nourishes hair skin and nails throughout pregnancy and beyond, aids in allergy relief, diuretic, great for lung health
Preparation: Infusion, Tincture
Peppermint – Mentha x piperita
Medicinal Parts – Leaves
Actions: Calms nerves, anti-microbial
Application: Aids in digestion, relieves nausea, relieves headaches, cools fevers, thins mucous, relieves gas and constipation
Preparation - Infusion
Red Clover – Trifolium pretense
Medicinal Parts – Leaves and Flowers
Actions: Alterative
Application: Increases fertility, high in essential minerals, blood purifier, blood strengthener
Preparation: Infusion
Red Raspberry – Rubus Idaeus
Medicinal Parts: Leaves
Actions: Astringent
Application: uterine toner, high in iron and calcium, eases menstrual discomfort, can cause uterine waves (contractions)
Preparation: Infusion
Seaweed
Application: Taken internally is an excellent source of Iodine, works well for iodine defienciency; good for thyroid issues taken in moderation; internal digestion is not recommended during pregnancy. Externally it mends wounds, works great in situations where minor stitches are needed but not desired; use a package from a health food store, take a piece and moisten it with water and place on the perineum after minor childbirth tears, repeat this after each trip to the bathroom or shower (may cause some stinging at first due to the sea salt, this should pass), discontinue use after perineum is healed
Slippery Elm – Ulmus fulva
Medicinal Parts – Inner Bark
Actions: Reduces Mucus, Moisturizer
Application: Makes a nutritious porridge for children, as a poultice great for healing Urinary Tract Infections, treats vaginal irritation, cools “hot” rashes, an enema for constipated children, aids in childbirth
Preparation: Infusion, Salve, Poultice, Porridge
References
Afrika, Llaila O. (2002) Afrikan Holistic Health. Brooklyn, NY: A & B Publishers Group
Afua, Queen. (1991) Heal Thyself for Health and Longevity. Brooklyn, NY: A & B Publishers Group
Cunningham, Scott. (1995) Cunningham’s Encylopedia of Magical Herbs. St. Paul, Minnesota: Llewellyn Publications
Marsh-Prelesnik, Janice. (2004) Herbs for the Seasons of Pregnancy. www.Creative Birthing Arts.com
Rose, Jeanne. (1972) Herbs & Things: Jeanne Rose’s Herbal. New York: Workman Publishing Company
Weed, Susan. (1989) Wise Woman Herbal: Healing Wise. Woodstock, NY: Ash Tree Publishing
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