--This is just a friendly disclaimer to let you know that although the following information is very helpful, and I've personally used some of the concoctions safely and happily, that I am not a doctor nor a trained herbalist. The author of the following information is unknown to myself or the person I received the file from.
My suggestion is to question and use your better judgement. Just because something is natural does not make it neccesarily safe. And just because something is healthy, does not mean consuming large amounts will be safe. Take precautions, and when in doubt, ask your doctor and/or a trained herbalist.
A good reference to check out is "The Herb Book" by John Lust.
Bright Blessings,
Kethera

 Every woman I know has at least one horror story to tell about the patriarchal, establishment medical profession.

 As the Church and the university-trained medical profession gained in power, the once respected wise woman or midwife was transformed into a servant or nurse.

 Because this profit-making business has taken over so much of our lives as mothers, caregivers, etc., it is imperative that we learn responsible ways of taking care of ourselves and our families. When we must deal with the medical establishment, that we must be knowledgable and responsible consumers. Knowing about medicinal uses of herbs is a big step in empowering ourselves in this way. We must support each other and share with each other our regained roles as healers.

 We have made a list of some of the most useful herbs specific for women's health concerns. We have also included a reading list for some excellent, more in-depth information.

Bearberry (uva ursi). Leaves. Specific antiseptic for the urinary system. Combine with yarrow or couchgrass for bladder infections.  Infusion - 3 cups/day.

Beth Root (trillium erectum). Root. Contains natural estrogen. Excellent uterine tonic. Useful for excessive bleeding, especially during menopause or when going off the Pill.  Decoction.  3 cups/day.

Black Cohosh (cimifuga racemosa). Dried root. Most powerful relaxant and normalizer of the whole reproductive system. Beneficial for cramps, delayed menstruation. Regulates hormones. Good combined with blue cohosh.  Decoction.  3 cups/day. 

Black Haw (Viburnum prunifolium). Dried bark. Relieves cramps. Useful for threatened miscarriage as it relaxes the uterus. Similar to cramp bark. Has sedative properties.  Decoction.  3 cups/day.

Blue Cohosh (caulophyllum thalictroides). Root. Uterine strengthener, relieves cramps, bleeding, eases menopause.  Infusion.  3 cups/day.

Life root (seneco aureus). Dried aerial parts. Used during menopause and as a uterine strengthener.  Infusion.  3 cups/day.

Milk Thistle (silybum marianum). Seeds. Promotes and increases milk and is safe for breastfeeding mothers.  Infusion.  3 cups/day.

Motherwort (leonurus cardiaca). Aerial parts. Stimulates delayed menstruation, a good relaxing tonic during menopause. Eases false labour pains.  Infusion.  3 cups/day.

Pennyroyal (mentha pulegium). Aerial parts. Will strengthen uterine contractions, used as an abortifacient. Avoid during pregnancy.  Infusion.  3 cups/day.

Raspberry (rubus idaeus). Leaves. Strengthens and tones the womb. Excellent taken during pregnancy and childbirth.  Infusion.  3 cups/day.

Rue (ruta graveolens). Aerial parts, dried. Helps ease childbirth.  Decoction.  3 cups/day.

Chaste Tree (Vitex agnus-castus). Fruit. Stimulates and balances pituitary gland. Excellent for PMS, during menopause and when coming off the Pill.  Infusion.  3 cups/day.

Cramp Bark (viburnum opulus). Dried bark. Used for stopping excessive blood loss and to control uterine or ovarian muscle pain.  Decoction.  3 cups/day.

False Unicorn Root (chamaclirium luteum). Dried root. One of the best tonics and strengtheners of the reproductive system. Contains natural estrogen. Helpful for all uterine problems.  Decoction.  3 cups/day.

Golden Seal (hydrastis canadensis). Root. Stimulates the uterus, excellent aid during childbirth. Avoid during pregnancy. Stops hemorrhage.  Infusion.  3 cups/day.

Lady's Mantle (alchemilla vulgaris). Leaves, flower tops. Relieves menstrual cramps, excessive bleeding, regulates menstrual cycle. Powerful abortifacient, so it should be avoided during pregnancy. To regulate cycle, combine with Beth Root and False Unicorn Root.  Infusion.  3 cups/day.

Skullcap (scutellaria laterifolia). Aerial parts. Excellent for nervous tension due to PMS. Combine with Valerian root.  Infusion.  Take 1 cup as needed.

Squaw Vine (mitchella repens). Aerial parts. Best herbs for childbirth preparation. Good for relief of painful periods. Combine with raspberry leaves for pregnancy. Combine with cramp bark for period pain.  Infusion.  3 cups/day.

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