The Witch’s Way - Herbs For Women
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For most of history women have been healers and the holders of herbal knowledge. Only in more modern times has that role been stripped away from our society and cloaked in shame and fear. But witches, we persist. We seek out the knowledge to heal ourselves, our children, our families, or neighbors. We understand the natural rhythms of the earth, the moon, and our bodies.
Much of our herbal knowledge has been driven underground. In an effort to control and enslave us, pharmaceuticals became the way. Medicine as we know it today has been dominated by male energy and a will to bend nature to man. I do not discount the power of modern medicine in many instances. But I also hold sacred the knowledge that nature holds all we need to strike balance, nurture ourselves into old age, heal us, and lead us down a path of graceful aging.
The herbs I have chosen to work predominantly with are most often found growing here in North America and in parts of Europe. There are also many powerful herbs from elsewhere in the world, and I will from time to time I will include these in my workings. However, as a witch, there is nothing more sacred than building a connection to the land around you. The land you walk, whether forest or desert, is rich in herbs, roots, flowers, and trees to befriend along your witch’s way.
Never has this knowledge, the understanding of herbs to support women’s health been more important than in the era after the overturning of Roe vs. Wade by the not-so-Supreme Court. Many women may now fear going to the doctor’s office and begin once again to seek out those in her community who hold the ancient knowledge of herbs to assist her.
With that, I must add this important safety reminder: Women who are attempting to conceive and pregnant women should consult a well trained mid-wife or physician they trust before taking any herbs. And witches, you should always advise them of that before offering any herbal advice.
Book Recommendations
Above are some of my favorite books from my library that I have found full of valuable information on herbs and healing for women.
Women’s Health - Intricate and Unique
Women are not men - our bodies are those of goddesses, capable of creating life and giving birth. But our breasts, uterus, and ovaries are only a small part of what grants us the ability to birth life. The production and balancing of hormones include the liver, adrenals, pituitary, and pancreas. When we experience metabolic imbalances such as changes in weight, blood pressure issues, blood sugar issues, or large amounts of stress, our reproductive hormones can also be unbalanced. With this disharmony within the body often comes other symptoms such as migraines, skipped periods, heavy menstruation, hot flashes, insomnia, infertility, mood swings, . . . the list goes on and on.
I recommend three main herbs that every witch/woman should become well versed in. In my own practice these are the herbs I come back to time and again for their powerful ability to manage and stabilize hormones. I grow these in my garden. If you can, you should as well. If you can’t, look for a high quality source for organic, dried versions of these herbs. Keep them stocked, and use regularly.
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Nettle Leaf - Urtica dioica
Nettle is one of the best overall herbs for whole body support. Recent research has found nettle to be among the top six anti-inflammatory foods. It is rich in iron, calcium, and vitamin A. It has been used throughout history to treat joint pain, sore muscles, arthritis, gout, anemia, and urinary issues.
Nettle grows rampent is much of North America and can often be found as an herb to forage. I grow nettle in my garden near the compost heap. I always wear gloves when harvesting, although some tenacious folks have created methods of pinching off leaves without getting into the stinging hairs. Fortunately, once harvested, these little, stinging hairs wilt. Nettles are best harvested in the spring and dried to use throughout the year.
Eat nettle leaves as you would spinach or in a tea.
Red Clover - Trifolium pratense l.
I always delight to see red clover blooming along the edges of the highways in the southern United States. Red clover is known to support the whole body, but particularly the liver. It is rich in phytoestrogen and is a powerful herb to combat cardiovascular disease and menopausal symptoms. The flower has also been found to reduce depression and anxiety.
Red clover is traditionally used to normalize hormones in women.
However, I do have a few warnings regarding the use of red clover - take note. Avoid if pregnant. Do not use with pharmaceutical blood thinners. Because side effects may include blood thinning and slower clotting action, do not take red clover two weeks prior to any surgery.
I replaced much of my lawn with a mix of red and white clover. Mown just once a week, the red and white flowers attract bees and other pollinators to my garden. This also ensures a safe source to collect, not exposed to any pesticides or road runoff.
I find red clover a lovely addition to salads, added to a smoothie, or steeped as a tea.
Red Raspberry Leaf - Rubus idaeus
Raspberry leaf is among the best known uterine tonics. Often used during pregnancy to tone and strengthen the uterus. Generally, red raspberry is safe to take at any time during pregnancy, however it is a valuable herb for pelvic health even when not pregnant. A tea of the leaves can help normalize menstruation and control a heavy cycle.
These three, nettles, red clover, and raspberry leaves are a great start for any workings you craft to support women’s health.
I also recommend that you make yourself familiar with these herbs for women:
Lady’s Mantle
Shepherd’s Purse
Yarrow
Chamomile
Black Haw
Wild Yam
Chasteberry
Blue Cohosh
Black Cohosh
Always be mindful of where you purchase or gather your herbs. Make sure they are organic when buying and not listed as “at-risk” if wildcrafted. Respect the herbs and return them to the soil when you are done with them. Compost, or even sprinkled at the base of a tree.
Remember, it is important to think holistically at keeping ourselves healthy and strong. We must sleep well, eat well, move, play, and love. Herbs can support a healthy lifestyle, but are not a magic bullet. Build your community, share your knowledge, love and support each other witches.
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