life stages 139
a male herb
A wonderful male herb that helps to balance the body is saw palmetto. It
safely and effi ciently tones and strengthens the male reproductive system,
enhancing the male sex hormones when required. It also helps relieve
prostate enlargement, debilitation, and infection and benefi ts bladder
effi ciency and the nervous system. (It is also very useful to women in
many situations.) Dosage: one teaspoon of saw palmetto tincture, three
times daily.
a female herb
For young women, even before menstruation has begun, there can be
obvious cyclic patterns mirroring what will become full menstruation. For
those already menstruating, pain and premenstrual mood swings can
really be alarming. Hormone-balancing herbs may be overly strong for
young women, and careful dosages are therefore required. A good choice
is chaste tree berry in the majority of cases as it helps to regulate the
female gynecological system. It is most frequently used for menstrual
complaints in women (but also for involuntary ejaculation in men). It
works by normalizing the secretions of the pituitary gland, hypothalamus,
and ovaries, which then appropriately signal to balance the endocrine
system.
Dosage: half a teaspoon of chaste tree tincture, three times daily (build
up to one teaspoon, two times daily, over two to three months). Best taken
in early morning to coincide with hypothalamic activity.
menstruation
Read the previous section on adolescence to remind yourself where and
when this all begins. The effects of progesterone and estrogen need to be
understood. But most of all, menstruation has to be seen as a natural
occurrence whereby monthly weakness and vulnerability are clearly
associated with the strength of women, especially their ability to
procreate. Most women’s views on menstruation are laid down in their
early years, depending on the emotions surrounding it at the time.
Mothers, family, and society create some part of this view. The rest is
governed by the young woman’s physical experiences, which may include
discomfort and pain.
Women naturally feel more vulnerable both premenstrually and during
menstruation. The physical pains associated with the premenstrual phase
are often the most debilitating part of the menstrual cycle. The ability to
help herself through these times using foods, diet, herbs, and other
natural methods is a real gift to any woman. Understanding what can be
139 The Complete Home Guide to Herbs, Natural Healing, and Nutrition