Everyone can benefit from incorporating more natural remedies into their daily routine, but when it comes to women’s health, some ingredients maybe even better than others.
What’s more, women may find they have different needs and symptoms at different stages of their lives, menstrual cycles, and so on, which may require different treatments than usual.
Whether you’d like to know how to supplement your diet with some herbal remedies, or you want to find out what natural skincare products are best, The Organic Pharmacy shared their insight with me into which natural treatments are best for women’s health.
PMS
PMS symptoms generally occur a week or so before you menstruate, as your hormones reach peak levels.
Practice self-care during this time in a way you find best, whether that’s a long soak in the bath (which can also relieve aches and pains), some light exercise, or a soothing activity such as reading or yoga.
Calming aromatherapy with herbs like lavender can keep PMS-related stress and anxiety at bay.
You’re likely to crave more snacks as your body prepares to menstruate, and while carbohydrates can give you a temporary mood boost, ensure you’re reaching for complex carbs like the ones found in brown bread and wholewheat pastas.
Menstruation
Bleeding marks the first day of your menstrual cycle and typically your hormones will be at their lowest at this point.
To combat low energy, it’s a good idea to choose invigorating foods and supplements containing Vitamin C and iron.
These can also give your immune system, which may be weaker during this intense time, a boost.
Depending on the symptoms you usually experience when you’re on your period, you may also want to consider some remedies for digestion such as peppermint and ginger.
Ovulation
Many women may experience symptoms similar to PMS when they ovulate. Another symptom of your oestrogen levels rising may be pimples or acne flare-ups.
Fortunately, many of the same remedies that can help with ovulation and PMS symptoms like ginger, mint, and chamomile are also great for your skin. Green tea or matcha has also long been thought to reduce inflammation, which could help get rid of spots or reduce their redness.
Look for these ingredients in your skincare and supplement your usual routine with some antioxidant serums to calm your skin.
Menopause
Women go through a lot of changes during menopause that can affect their mood as well as their physical health.
Exercising and eating lots of fruits and vegetables can improve your wellbeing, as can taking care of your changing skin and body with regular pampering sessions.
One common issue during this stage of life may be osteoporosis, so be sure to include lots of dairy products in your diet that are rich in calcium, including milk and yoghurt.
Vitamin D supplements and eating more foods that are rich in vitamin D like fish, eggs, and mushrooms may also help protect against weak bones.
Libido
There may be times in life where you’re worried about your libido, whether it’s during the menopause or earlier on.
If you’re experiencing a low sex drive or want to give your sexual function a boost, the good news is that there are herbal remedies that can help.
Among the best for women is ginseng, which contains vitamins and folates that can help to improve vitality. You can drink ginseng in a tea, take it as a supplement, or even cook with it.
Pregnancy
When pregnant, it may feel like the list of things you need to avoid never ends! Commonly used medicines that normally have great benefits for your health and wellbeing may not be recommended for pregnant women, but there may be a herbal remedy that can help — for example, peppermint can be a great, pregnancy-safe fix for heartburn or nausea.
On top of this, you may find that your body changes in unexpected ways, including new skin complaints such as acne, rashes, sensitivity, or pigmentation.
This may mean you need to find new products to suit your changing body that are gentler than your usual favourites or that target additional problems.
Remember that it’s always best to speak to a medical professional for advice when you’re pregnant just in case.
For example, pregnant women need to be wary of vitamin A, even though vitamin A is normally very good for you.
Margo Marrone, Co-Founder of The Organic Pharmacy comments: “There are plenty of natural ingredients that are especially good for women.
In terms of diet, it’s foods containing iron and protein, calcium, folates, and omega-3 that tend to be the best supplements.
Skincare is slightly more difficult, as everyone’s skin is different, however, SPF and vitamin C are recommended for women at all stages of life.”
“Supporting women’s health is just as much about finding the right time to use natural remedies as it is about finding the right remedies to use.
While a lot is to be said for eating healthily, exercising, and looking after our skin, there are various stages of a woman’s life where they might need different ingredients than they usually use.”