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Photo of a pink rose flower. Rose is used to balance hormones and as an anti-depressant and during the menopause

Herbal Menopausal Support

In the western culture this word fills most women with dread as it’s seen as a terrible thing that happens to women of a certain age, but not all cultures view it this way. In fact, in many cultures around the world view the menopause as a time when women step into their new role as wise, strong elders of the community. Respected for their wisdom and often stepping into positions of power and authority as spiritual leaders. It’s a time to take stock of what what has been learnt, slow down and soak up some peace. You’ve earned it!

Stress and the Menopause

Many of the symptoms that women can suffer from during menopause are increased due to stress. As the ovaries produce less oestrogen the adrenal glands take over, but they are unable to produce as much oestrogen as the ovaries did. To help lessen the severity of menopausal symptoms we can try to reduce stress to take the pressure off our adrenal glands, we can eat healthily to give the body quality fuel and of course, herbal medicine is there to support us on this journey.

Bespoke Herbal Blends for Menopause

I make herbal blends to support the individual. You may need the herbs to help your body to cope with stress by supporting your adrenal function, increasing your energy and reducing your anxiety. You may want the focus of the blend to be on hot sweats, heavy bleeding or vaginal dryness or you may just want support to help you sleep. That’s why herbal medicine is so wonderful as the herbs work together to bring us back into balance. Our plant allies are always trying to help us to come back to health and balance. Supporting us to be strong and resilient.
Some of the herbs I might use in a herbal blend for menopausal symptoms are; Rose, Liquorice, Shatavari, Red clover, Sage, Dang Shen, Dong quai, Ladies Mantle, Milk thistle, Rhodiola, Chickweed, Peony root, Passionflower, Vervain, Skullcap, Motherwort, Hawthorn, Chamomile, Lavender, Wood Betony, Rosemary, Lime blossom…. I could go on and on, the herbal choices really are endless. The herbs are chosen for you as an individual, who you are, how you deal with stress, what other conditions you may have, your emotional well being and spiritual equilibrium.
A photo showing the trunk and branches of a Horse Chestnut Tree, used to improve the tone of veins

Horse chestnuts

Lovely morning foraging for horse chestnuts. Going to put 1 in each corner of every room to deter the spiders now 🕷🕸
Some of the uses of Horse chestnut

  • Tightens and tones veins
  • Used for varicose veins and haemorrhoids.
  • Spider deterrent 😊
Horse chestnut tree in full Autumnal glory

 

A photo showing different herbal remedies made at the Junior Herbalist Club. The home-made remedies include creams, ointments, syrups, soaps and cough drops.

Junior Herbalist Club

Exciting course for kids coming

Starts Saturday 18th September 2021 at 10.30am at The Botanical Gardens Leicester. Suitable for children from ages 7 – 11. Each month we will be learning about the medicinal uses of plants, stories, songs, growing, harvesting, and making something to take home (lavender bags, lip balms, bath bombs, lotions, potions and much more!!)

The aim of JHC is to let children learn about the healing and medicinal plants all around them in a safe and supervised environment and is proudly supported by the National Institute of Medical Herbalists.

The course includes:

  • Identification of common herbs growing all around
  • Safety – which herbs are safe to use and which are poisonous
  • Folklore – taught through stories and songs
  • How to grow and harvest herbs
  • Medicinal uses of common herbs
  • How to use a variety of common herbs for first aid
  • How to make a variety of herbal preparations to keep and take home
  • Respect for all plants and their environment

All classes run by Medical Herbalist Chantal Perkins BSc Hons MNIMH

Places are strictly limited and as this course is very popular, early booking is advised to avoid disappointment.

For more information and to book your child’s place, please contact Chantal on

07963 512 046 or healingherbsclinic@gmail.com