The 6 Best Herbs for Women’s Health

There are many natural herbs that are beneficial in managing the various conditions and complaints that impact the health of a woman.

In this article, we will review some of the best herbs for women’s health.

Women’s Health Overview:

Herbal medicine has been used for centuries to support women’s health at different phases of life. 

Female health is a broad category which focuses on a multitude of conditions and challenges that are unique to the female body. These include:

• Menstruation
• Fertility
• Pregnancy
• Postpartum
• Menopause

Here we will discuss an array of specific women’s health conditions including gynecological and reproductive health. We will also review common issues such as stress, anxiety, and poor sleep, as these conditions are more prevalent among women and affect women differently compared to men due to their hormones.

Best Herbs for Women’s Health:

Below are some of the top research-backed herbs for female health.

1. Vitex

Vitex (Chasteberry or Vitex agnus-castus) is a medicinal plant that was first used more than 2,000 years ago in Greece, Italy, and Egypt. It is commonly used to aid in a range of women’s health conditions.

Several studies have shown that vitex can be helpful for managing Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). It was found that vitex may help with reducing symptoms such as back pain, headaches, migraines, anxiety, crying spells, breast tenderness, fatigue, and insomnia.

Topical use of vitex essential oil has been shown to reduce hot flashes and night sweats, while also improving emotional well-being in perimenopause and postmenopause women.

Another study on postmenopausal women showed that vitex can reduce the number and severity of hot flashes.

Research has shown that vitex plays a role in balancing hormones and improving fertility in women.

Results of several studies indicate that vitex can be an effective method for relieving breast tenderness.

The German Commission E approves the use of vitex for PMS complaints, cyclical breast discomfort, and menstrual cycle irregularities.

Well-known herbalist and women’s health expert, Dr. Aviva Romm shares that vitex is a fitting herb for treating hormonal dysregulation, endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), amenorrhea (the absence of menstruation), and cyclic breast pain.

2. Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha (or Withania somnifera) is an adaptogenic herb that has been used for centuries, as well as in Ayurvedic medicine. Ashwagandha can be a helpful herb for women in regulating sleep, stress, and sexual health.

A study has shown that ashwagandha can enhance sexual function and health in women by improving lubrication, pain, desire, and satisfaction. Further research shows that this herb can significantly improve sexual arousal, orgasm, and satisfaction.

Results from several studies have found that ashwagandha can help to notably reduce stress and anxiety levels, reduce sleeplessness and fatigue, and reduce cortisol levels (a stress hormone).

Research has shown that ashwagandha can support sleep quality by improving total sleep time and how long it takes to fall asleep, as well as a reduction in night-time wake ups.

Dr. Aviva Romm states that ashwagandha can be used to treat irritability, anxiety, insomnia, low libido, PMS, postpartum depression, and iron deficiency anemia. It can also be utilized as a gentle tonic for the nervous system, and to improve energy from exhaustion.

3. Rhodiola

Rhodiola (or Rhodiola rosea) is another adaptogenic herb, native to Europe and Asia. It is primarily used for boosting brain function and improving energy levels. 

A study reported that rhodiola can decrease fatigue, increase mental performance and concentration, and decrease cortisol (a stress hormone) in those with burnout and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Rhodiola showed to improve fatigue, stress, and anxiety in a four-week treatment study.

Research has indicated that rhodiola can be effective in helping to manage menopausal symptoms, mainly due to its neuroprotective properties. Rhodiola was shown to improve memory, mental clarity, cognitive speed, energy, and mood, as well as libido and sexual function in menopausal and postmenopausal women.

Rhodiola can be used for treating various conditions such as benign breast disorder, cervical dysplasia, chronic pelvic pain, sexual dysfunction, depression, endometriosis, PCOS, PMS, and uterine fibroids, states Dr. Aviva Romm.