Women

The Female of it!

Ladies! I love being a woman. Women are the most beautiful
creatures on planet Earth. Nothing is more lovely! But not just on the
outside; women are wired for love, nurturing, and caring. But I know from
experience that feeling love for myself and my body was seldom
prioritized. Which is sad since our body is aware of being neglected and
ignored. Take a few moments right now and just put your arms around
yourself and squeeze. Your body, this feminine body, is designed first and
foremost to receive love and needs it from you first and foremost. So,
Show a little love for your body before reading on. Stop. Just squeeze. 😉

Good. Well done. Now, let’s discuss the complex aspects of womanhood. As females, we, of course, have periods, pregnancy, child-rearing, and menopause. All of these come with hormonal changes and challenges. Quite honestly, constant changes! I once heard that the female body goes through more upheaval in one month than the male body does in a year. Take that in for a moment. In one month your body undergoes more change than the male body in one year. It is a continuous process of building, breaking down, flushing, balancing and re-balancing. Supporting everything the female body has to do in 28 day is essential. If you are cycling, your body must continually organize and prepare for a potential baby, which is a lengthy process!

The woman’s body utilizes varying amounts of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone to carry out this monthly process. When the body is given what it requires, it is not uncomfortable. However, it is an absolute nightmare if the body lacks the raw materials to make the necessary hormones at the correct times. And not just for us. Sometimes, the nightmare extends to everyone who gets too close or looks at us cross-eyed (or even appears remotely cross-eyed)!

If your hormones are out of balance, you may be experiencing any or
all of the following: Painfully severe cramping in the torso (front and back)
and down the legs. Unpredictable, long, and exhausting periods with
heavy blood and fluid loss. Unreasonable bloating and fluid retention. And,
of course, a little later into life come hot flashes, poor sleep, anemia-
induced fatigue, and debilitating headaches. These are all a long way off
from fun, and it can make it very hard to love the body you are in. While
there may be less energy or a minor amount of cramping more akin to
pressure than pain, none of the above symptoms are normal. It is not
natural to have the above-listed symptoms, but many of us have
experienced them. Periods should be 3-5 days, with reasonable flow and
minimal discomfort. And believe it or not, this “normalcy” is very
achievable.

Let’s go over the periods as if they were seasons. Because
essentially, they do represent the times of the year in the microcosm of life
and are also representative of the Macrocosm. Spring, Summer, Fall, and
Winter represent the Maiden, Mother, Magga, and Crone seasons of a
woman’s life. This will help you remember how you can and should love
and honor your body, emotions, and life.

Spring – Day 1-10, following the end of menstruation. Estrogen is
building in the system. The Uterus will be laying down a layer of Gold.
Building a wall of T-cell, growth hormone and nutrient dense blood to
support a potential baby. So, like spring, you will have feelings of
freshness, excitement, spring cleaning, projects, extroverted energy, talkative-ness, and generally engaging motivations. This is the best time to
verbalize your thoughts and emotions and have serious discussions or
meetings. It is a time of building spiritually, emotionally and physically-as
spring in nature does. This also represents the Maiden aspect of
Womanhood. A coming of age so to speak. Good time to work out with
the goal of building muscle and endurance. Eat protein during this time.

Summer – Day 11-15 are just before and through ovulation, when the
egg is released. Estrogen peaks at the point of ovulation. Everything is
prepared for a baby to manifest in the body. And like Summer, when the
fruit begins to appear, this is a great time to schedule the end of projects,
completions of things that have been in the queue, so to speak. This is
when you will be the most outgoing, bold, open, and energized. It is a
good time to have get-togethers and enjoy family and friends. A result of
testosterone coming up in the system to assist in lending to what we
would terminally refer to as masculine or outgoing energy. Libido will be
heightened during these days due to its presence. And this is the Mother
aspect of Womanhood. When we are ripe for manifesting things into life, or
being. Eat a balance.

Fall – Days 16-18 If no baby is presented, all reproductive hormones
levels “fall” in the system, and the breakdown of the blood garden will
begin. Your emotions will be tapering down following the hormones. So
this is a time to draw back and nurture yourself. Spend more time in side –
or “inside” as our spirit naturally follows our bodiy. When we are in
harmony with it, life flows much more smoothly. I realize we all have
responsibilities that we still must see to regardless of the time of the
month. But in as much as you can, honor your sacred cycle and the
natural female rythmn. This is a good time to get a massage, take a bath,
read a book, or whatever taking time to be with yourself looks like. Fall
represents the Magga of Womanhood. Magga means “pathway to the end
of suffering”. (Now that makes me chuckle every time I read it. Lol) Your
body will be building cholesterol stores for the making of the next round of
hormones – so the body needs carbs and fats during this time.

Winter – Day 19-28 (possibly -32) Progesterone, one of the “happy
hormones”, will slowly increase, and emotions will level out. These are the
calm, level-headed days of the month. Motivation will be lower outwardly,
and the inner world will become more active. This is the best time to plan
some quiet time possible home projects, books, naps as the emotions are
set up for introversion, so plan time to introspect and self-care. Just like
winter brings hibernation to many animals, allow for more sleep at this
time of your cycle. R&R. Winter represents the Crone area of Womanhood.
Crone is an older, wise woman.

A Little More On The Main Players:

When it is present, progesterone, the “happy hormone,” will have
you hugging yourself. It has a wonderfully calming effect on the brain and
nervous system. (This is not the case with synthetic, chemical forms.)
Estrogen sometimes gets a bad rap for making us overly sensitive to
emotion, it is crucial for producing serotonin and even the number of
serotonin receptors in the brain. So, it does a lot to balance the quality of
your waking mood with this function alone. It also has significant effects
on the endorphins in the brain. Endorphins are incredible pain suppressors
and “feel good” enhancers. Estrogen also protects nerves from damage
and assists in their growth.

Testosterone when it is at its strongest acts a powerful motivator,
creating drive and stamina. It assists both of the above hormones during
the regularly cycling years. And once we begin the Menopausal changes,
Testosterone becomes essential. It will come forward to help with mood
balance, weight management, muscle maintenance, and motivation.

Menopause

Heading into menopause might be the least pleasant experience that
I have had. By the point that I was sick, I had hot flashes that would last
minutes, full body sweats, no metabolic rate (like negative), and I couldn’t
sleep. The most important thing that I may have learned during that was
how profoundly a woman’s system relies on the whole of the system.
Disrupt one of the other systems, for instance, the thyroid, and you won’t
be able to regulate your body temperature and you’ll be turning the air
conditioner up and down like a yo-yo. Or the Adrenals, and you’re done
sleeping well. And while those symptoms begin in those glands, the
woman is a top-down system. If the systems above the belly button aren’t
in top shape, the reproductive system will be in varying stages of suffering.
One of the most important aspects that was not that easy to
discover was that because the uterus is beginning not to function fully
testosterone must be brought forward to support different aspects of the
body such as: metabolism, bone density, muscle maintenance and
strength, endurance, motivation, mood, and those are just the main ones.
There is a load more. Understanding this helped me to formulate an
effective herbal and food protocol. Because as I stated in the beginning of
this section, we were not meant to suffer. The Divine isn’t punishing us; in
fact, everything we need in order not to suffer He has provided here for us.
Truth be told, the issues are the result of nutrient deficiencies. And
that starts with many foods not containing the nutrients needed to provide
the body with what it requires. Incorporate some foods listed below in
non-GMO and organic forms. (Or you they just won’t contain the nutrients.)
But food is not all some of the nutrients or in plants we don’t generally
eat. Those are found in herbs, mushrooms, tree bark, etc. Together they
will re-balance your body no matter what stage you are in. And you will
build a more than enjoyable, youthful body! All the awful symptoms you
have experienced will slowly vanish. Why? Because these symptoms are a
result of poor ingredients. You only need to put in better ingredients. It is a
process of up-regulating again, and your body is worth the investment!
Food with powerful antioxidants (because they are important for the
pH of the female organs, for fighting infection and flushing) vitamins A, C,
D, and E, carotene, folate, omegas, phytoestrogens, and nitrates. And
most important to note also – HIGH-Fat foods. Not one single molecule of
the hormone can be produced without the presence of cholesterol, so eat
fatty foods! Low fat=miserable cycles! Carbs are converted in the liver to
cholesterol as well so the wisest thing is to consume a balance. Asking
and honoring what your body indicates thriving on.

Food with powerful antioxidants

Nuts – Flaxseed, Walnuts
Oils – Avocado
Eggs
Salmon
Yogurt
Kefir
Fruit – Cranberries, Pomegranates, Goji berries, Strawberries, Raspberries, Apples
Vegetables – dark leaf greens, Sweet potatoes, Avocados,
Edamame
Mushrooms – Reishi

Herbs

Now for your herb section. Believe it or not, I originally formulated this group of herbs for horses. (Don’t worry; they have been tweaked for humans now. Lol.) I have been a horse trainer and breeder for the past 30+ years. I initially did the research for a great producing mare (Momma horse) who could get in foal but could not stay in foal. She spent two full breeding seasons at one of the top clinics in the country trying to get and remain in foal. I took the mare just before the third season started and fed her an ounce of herbs daily for two months. During her first cycle, she got in the foal and stayed in foal using herbs. She had several foals after that season with the help of herbs, even though she was an aged mare. I later modified my formulas to accommodate pregnancy and lactation needs as well.

Some years ago, while I was going through menopause, I did more research and put together a comprehensive and very effective menopause formula as well. Countless friends and I have had excellent results with each of the formulas. Each one is incredibly effective at relieving the various symptoms that we, as women, face during those times of life.

I have a few different formulas. We have a normally cycling mix; we call Divine Feminine. One we call Natural Mother is for those who are pregnant or lactating. (When you become pregnant, please switch to herbs that are listed in “Natural Mother”) And Koo Koo Tamer which will calm the craziness of menopause!

Wild Yam – a variety of sweet potatoes containing diosgenin. Diosgenin is the precursor to the steroidal hormone called progesterone— one of the most important in boosting female reproductive health. Progesterone is the “happy” hormone for both men and women. And for anyone struggling with PMS, menopause, infertility, mood swings, low sex drive, low energy levels, lower back pain, nausea, even gall bladder problems, or diverticulosis – If you take nothing else, this one is the one.

Chaste Tree Berries help to regulate the luteinizing hormone (LH), progesterone, and prolactin. It supports both their production and distribution. Keeping in balance your body’s changing needs. It reduces the effects of PMS by 90% in irritability and mood swings, bloating and breast tenderness, fatigue, headaches, and depression. Women suffering severely from PMS that have high prolactin levels are often caused by physical and/or emotional stress. It not only regulates the cycle by organizing the production of hormones, but it also relieves the symptoms of menopause. It contains phytoestrogens which help to reduce hot flashes, anxiety, and vaginal dryness.

Horney Goat Weed or Epimedium has been used for 2000 years to restore sexual fire and desire, alleviate fatigue, and lower stress. Its many compounds have a wonderful effect on increasing blood flow to the sexual organs, increasing libido exponentially. It has many essential benefits around the body, like toning the kidneys. So, if you want to be more in the “mood” to please your partner, I suggest investing in this one. It is highly effective.

Tribulus fruit has long been used to assist in the utilization of testosterone and libido, especially during menopause. It helps the female body to use testosterone positively for sexual desire, motivation, and muscle mass in the years following menopause. For bodybuilding, it is tough to beat. Containing the steroidal saponin “protodioscin,” which promotes the release of nitric oxide that, in turn, increases the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the muscle tissues. And increases the use of present proteins in the bloodstream. It also stimulates the Pituitary gland to release more (LH) luteinizing hormone and thereby increases testosterone production. It increases stamina during the workout, muscle production, and recovery. Indeed an excellent little plant packed with power!

Lady’s Mantle has documented use for over 4500 years and is a trusted friend to us women. Lady’s mantle contains tannins and flavonoids that support hormone production and act on estrogen receptors to reduce hot flashes, night sweats, and menopause symptoms. It dramatically improves the condition of the Uterus and relieves heavy bleeding, cramps, irregular periods, and the risk of endometriosis. It balances the hormones as well, reducing mood swings, breast swelling and tenderness, unreasonable fluid retention, and cramping during PMS. If you suffer from general bloating, not just during the monthly period, the lady’s mantle contains antispasmodic properties that relax and reduce bloating in many areas of the body, including the stomach and the entire digestive tract. It is soothing to the whole of the body, including the nervous system.

Hops Flower is often found as a stabilizing agent in beer, protecting it from bacteria and oxidation. It has several antioxidant flavonoids, and a unique one is called xanthohumol. Much as it helps beer, this compound also helps the female reproductive organs, including the fluid balance and health of the uterus and vaginal cavity. It eases the monthly cycle by relaxing muscles It also protects the skin, prevents hair loss and dry scalp, and eases the transitioning hormone changes of menopause. It stabilizes the mood and reduces anxiety.

Shatavari is from the asparagus family. It is a great herb for the entirety of the female reproductive system in all its states. It tones and supports the tissues of reproduction, which aids in returning the uterus to balance after the monthly cycle or after having a baby. There are steroidal saponins in it that act as estrogen regulators. They remove excess fluid, alleviate cramps, and control the volume of blood lost. It can help rectify infertility issues and increase the chances of conception. It also facilitates milk production and positively affects the immune constituents in the milk produced. The sapogenin compound in the root is a potent immune stimulator and support. It aids in the recovery time after the body has fought an infection. If you have an autoimmune concern, this is one to invest in.

Blessed Thistle – contains bitter glycosides that stimulate appetite and soothe the digestive tract. It contains astringent compounds that are antiseptic, dilate blood vessels, and lowering inflammation. It is an excellent cleanser of the liver and kidneys. And best of all, it powerfully stimulates reproductive organs and triggers their glands to action. It increases the quality of mucosal fluids. (Not for pregnancy)

Raspberry leaf has been used for menstrual cramps and to prepare the womb for childbirth during pregnancy for centuries by the native in America. The bush is full of tannins which help tone and tighten tissue. It is helpful in gastrointestinal cramping as well.

Black Cohosh has fukinolic acid with may have some estrogen effects in the body. This action benefits any imbalance in hormones. Thereby it reduces the symptoms of PMS and PMDD (after baby is born depression). It helps with ovulation which increases the potential for pregnancy. Especially helpful to the symptoms of menopause. Significantly reducing weight gain, hot flashes, night sweats, and sleeplessness. It also has bone building effects for women after menopause.

Cumin is a staple spice in India, Africa and Mexico. It is incredibly high in iron. So anyone losing blood can benefit hugely from consuming cumin. Anemia, or not enough iron in the blood, cause fatigue, anxiety and cognitive function. It also contains high levels of calcium, magnesium and phosphorus, a good dose of the trace minerals copper, zinc and potassium as well as vitamins A,C,E,K and B. As a nutrient supporter it is a great addition. When your body has the sufficient components it can better support your ever changing body.

Fenugreek Seed is a really lovely spice often used in Indian food. It has numerous benefits including being very high in iron also. This is a great one to add to your spice rack and use often. I love this one grown as sprouts in salads and soups. It has been used for centuries to improve libido in both sexes. It lowers painful cramping during the menstrual cycle. Lowers bloating, nausea, headache and fatigue. It supports milk production during lactation. As a side note, it’s great for gut flora and improves digestion. Lowers blood sugar and cholesterol. So great in combination with thyroid support herbs as well.

Fennel Seed is a fabulous Mediterranean spice used by the Greeks, French, and Italians for centuries. I use the plant for salads and soups and the seeds for spice. It’s just lovely. The plant supports the gut microbiome. The seeds are a nutrient powerhouse containing 87 compounds working together to fortify your body’s natural defenses. Anyone suffering from autoimmune should have fennel as often as they can. Few plants are blessed with this much support for your immune health! Menopause creates imbalances in the hormones regulation of heat (better known as hot flashes) and sleep, libido and vaginal lubrication.

St. John’s Wart has been studied extensively for PMS relief. It has been found beneficial for the monthly cycle in reducing symptoms such as food cravings, swelling or bloating, insomnia, headaches, fatigue, and, my absolute favorite – crying! Yes, that is right! For crying. I don’t know about you but crying at the drop of a hat is not my favorite thing to do in public. So this herb is so helpful for mood stabilization. Especially heading into menopause. When I was first entering menopause, I had not started taking any specific actions to remedy it. I remember witnessing a turtle meet its end under an oncoming vehicle on the road in front of me. And then bawling like it had been a personal forever friend for the next five miles. I love animals. All animals. But that was a bit out of balance even for me! (I rarely cried back then….)

Licorice Root is so well known and has a lovely, slightly sweet, and soothing flavor. It is a “guiding” herb. It helps to mitigate the actions, absorption, and effectiveness of any other herbs that it is paired with. I keep dehydrated root pieces to drop into any tea that I am making. In addition to helping every herb you take in it also does some of its own unique and important things. Such as moisturizes the lungs and alleviates coughing. Aids in digestion and tones and supports the spleen. It is also found in the Thyroid section for many of its benefits there.

Damiana Leaf has a long history of being used for its aphrodisiac benefits for both men and women. It is also known for its relaxing effects as it is a tonic to the central nervous and hormonal systems both. It helps support a healthy mood and urinary tract function. (Not for use during pregnancy or nursing or when female hormones are in balance. Add only if you are out of balance. Once in balance, it will no longer be needed. Incredibly helpful during menopause for water retention and weight maintenance.)

Hibiscus Flower was used in Ancient Egypt to help maintain normal body temperature and fluid balance. It promotes proper circulation and blood pressure. It is incredible for its effect on body to fat percentage, or BMI. It supports the metabolic rate and promotes fat oxidation. As well as suppressing appetite. So this is one I love for its weight management benefits and its nice crisp flavor. It is excellent for post menstrual cycle, post baby delivery, and menopause

Cramp Bark, as the name suggests, is amazing at reducing cramps and migraines during the menstrual cycle. It contains methyl salicylic acid which is used to make aspirin. However, this one will not irritate your stomach. It is rich in valerenic acid, which has sedative and antispasmodic properties. This helps relax the uterine cramps, not only during the cycling period but also following childbirth. It also supports the central nervous system during times of stress. Enhancing mood stability and relaxation of nerves.

Ginkgo Biloba Leaf is very rich in flavonoids including bitter ginkgolides. They powerfully inhibit the excess production of platelets. This action thins the blood much the same as aspirin does. These flavonoids also protect the delicate endothelial cells of the blood vessel lining strengthening them and reducing clots. Improved circulation, in turn, improves sexual function, which relies on good circulation and blood vessel health for healthy sexual performance. It also reduces the risk of excessive blood clotting during menstruation. Significantly reducing the pain and blood loss often experienced during menstruation.

Garlic! I think everyone knows the vast benefits of this fantastic herb. My favorite quote about garlic is from Dr Richard Schultz. “No self- respecting bacteria would dare to live in the presence of garlic!” It is well known to kill bacteria (even the ones that are immune and resistant to medical antibiotics, it also kills fungus, kills yeasts such as candida, prevents cancer, removes heavy metals, clears blood clots, opens arteries, alleviates arthritic pain, boosts the immune system, is a natural nerve agent for relaxation. If you have ever had a yeast infection you will understand the importance of garlic! If you do not cook or take garlic in I would put it in!

Milk Thistle as the name suggests supports the production of milk! A study showed that it can increase milk production by as much as 86 percent. It is also believed to reduce the risks of breast cancer. That alone is reason enough but it is widely used as a liver and gall bladder detoxifier and rebuilder. It effectively reverses toxicity in the body from alcohol, pesticides, heavy metals and water and air pollutants.

Motherwort while not the prettiest name it is pretty great! Here we will use it in the end of pregnancy to help with labor and expelling the afterbirth. It alleviates pain and inflammation following delivery, settles the nerves, removes excess fluids and boosts appetite. It has many other wonderful attributes like: nearly all things heart related, flushes the kidney and liver, improves sleep and insomnia, eliminates shingles and skin infections and is a fever breaker.

Formulas we offer:

Divine Feminine – for regular cycling
Natural Mother – for pregnancy and through breastfeeding
Koo Koo Tamer – to calm the craziness of menopause!

For a cool look at our reproductive system and what it is doing on our behalf. watch this video: