A Tea for Women’s Health

For thousands of years, civilizations relied on the natural power of herbs to support health and remedy illness. As science expanded and modern medicine began to evolve, herbal remedies fell out of favor, and many became almost forgotten. In recent years, however, many of these herbal remedies have been revived as people have begun to seek natural alternatives to modern medicine. Yarrow tea is certainly an example of this. While many gardeners have come to view yarrow as an invasive species for its rapid spreading, herbal tea enthusiasts admire it for its various health benefits, particularly women seeking natural support for their reproductive health.

Understanding Dysmenorrhea

Many women are aware of the impact their menstrual cycle can have on their life. Much attention is given to the effects of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), wherein a woman’s fluctuating hormone levels lead to abnormal mood changes, interruption of sleep patterns, headache and fatigue. However, for many women, it is the menstruation itself that is most disruptive. In the US alone, more than 42 million women experience significant menstrual pain. Of these women, approximately 3.5 million experience pain so severe that it is considered debilitating for at least one or two days.

This kind of severe menstrual pain is known as dysmenorrhea. Primary dysmenorrhea, the more common kind, is believed to be caused by excessive levels of prostaglandin, natural chemicals formed in the lining of the uterus. Prostaglandins stimulate the contraction of the uterus in order to shed the uterine lining, thus resulting in menstrual cramps. This is further affected by the constricting blood vessels in the uterus, which limits oxygen to the uterine muscle and is also regulated by prostaglandin.

Secondary dysmenorrhea, on the other hand, is the result of disease, such as endometriosis or ovarian cysts. A woman should always speak with her doctor if she believes she has dysmenorrhea so that the doctor can determine if the cause may be a serious disease.

Treatments for dysmenorrhea vary depending on its cause. In most cases, painkillers such as NSAIDS may be used, or birth control pills that limit and regulate the cycle. Heat therapy using a heating pad or hot water bottle is also a common treatment, as it helps to relax the muscle, and may be used in combination with painkillers. Many women also use a number of herbal remedies to assist in alleviating the pain.

Yarrow Tea Supports Healthy Menstruation

Two of yarrow tea’s primary effects make it highly beneficial for women looking to ease the discomfort of menstruation. Yarrow offers antispasmodic effects that help to relax the uterine muscle, thus reducing the severity of contractions and easing menstrual pain. Furthermore, it is known to help open blood vessels and improve circulation. This provides more oxygen to the uterine muscle and further eases cramping. These things combined help to address the primary cause of menstrual cramps, and may help to make the pain more manageable.