Each month we are blessed with a chance to change, to recreate ourselves anew giving birth to new ideas and visions, projects, attitudes and ways of being. Sometimes this is a challenge. Cramping and fatigue can make it hard to enjoy this time of rebirth. Raspberry leaf (Rubus idaeus, spp.) gives us a stability, a strong support for a smooth moon time so that we can fully embrace the gifts available to us. Using raspberry as part of a healthy lifestyle through the entire month nourishes our bodies and ourselves to promote this vital health. Many herbs are wonderful allies that can be considered super foods, providing beneficial tonic actions to the body through their superior high vitamin and mineral content and raspberry is one of those herbs. Tried and true this wonderful plant has been used for centuries by a multitude of different people for its beneficial health properties.

Raspberry leaf is most commonly known as a herb for pregnancy. Raspberry's effectiveness for pregnant women is due to not only its high mineral content but also its ability to strengthen and tone the uterus while at the same time enabling it to relax. These same properties benefit menstruating women. Raspberry is a tonic plant for the uterus which helps to increase the tone of flaccid muscles in the uterus or relax overly rigid muscles, which ever action the body might need. This is action is thought to be due to a constituent called fragarin which found in high amounts in the leaf. The tonic action of raspberry leaf is said to regulate the action of the uterine muscle thereby aiding in the reduction of menstrual pain, particularly that which occurs at the beginning of menstruation. Raspberry's high tannin content imparts an astringentquality which strengthens capillary beds and mucus membranes thereby helping to curb excess menstrual bleeding and mucus discharge.

Raspberry is high in vitamins and minerals providing many nutrients necessary for female health; including manganese, iron, calcium, phosphorus, potassium and vitamins B, C and E. This power packed plant is helpful for building strong bones and teeth. Raspberry also tones the digestive system and has long been used as a remedy for diarrhea especially in children.

Raspberry ~

strengthens and yet relaxes the uterus
reduces cramping, especially cramping which occurs at the beginning of menstruation
eases excess bleeding
tones the digestive system
cooling on a hot day
is high in vitamins and minerals

It is so easy to gain all of the amazing benefits from raspberry by making a simple infusion of the leaves. Click here to read about infusions and how to make them! Raspberry has a wonderful cooling effect on the body and is great to enjoy iced on a hot day. You can also add other herbs to your brew to increase the nourishing tonic properties of your drink. Nettles is high in vitamins and minerals as well as astringent. Like raspberry it will help curb excess menstrual bleeding and provide excellent nourishment to the body. Red clover and alfalfa have phytoestrogens which aid in hormone balance and increase overall health due to high nutrient content. Peppermint and spearmint are both wonderful tasting, cooling to the body and again high in vitamins and minerals. Experiment with combinations of all of the above plants to find a nutritious brew to support your health and well-being! Click here to read about finding the best herbs to buy.

Definitions ~

tonic ~ encourages increased health.
astringent ~ creates dryness, tightening and toning in the body.
phytoestrogen ~ provides high quality material which assists the body in making its own estrogen. Phytoestrogens are thought to compete with environmental estrogens for binding sites on cell membranes.

Originally published in Moon Flow magazine

A woman's moon time is a time of power… a time for inner reflection and change. A time to let go of those parts of oneself that are no longer of value and to make space for unknown or unacknowledged parts to come forth. There is a passage that occurs between who we were and who we are to become, a kind of death and rebirth. This change can sometimes be uncomfortable and difficult but it is well worth being open to as there is much growth to be realized, more of ourselves to come to know. The beautiful sunny flowers of the chamomile (Matricaria spp.) plant with its delicate bittersweet flavor is like an understanding friend who lends support and comfort anytime when we feel stressed by change. In this way chamomile is especially helpful when there are feelings of tension, irritability, and anxiousness which are manifesting as issues in the physical body.

Chamomile is a gentle yet powerful relaxant for both nervous and digestive systems and has long be valued as a women's herb. In fact the genus name of the plant, Matricaria, comes from the word "matrix" which means mother or womb. Chamomile relieves smooth muscle spasm and is therefore helpful for soothing menstrual and digestive and flatulence. Chamomile helps to decrease irritation and inflammation in the body. Because chamomile benefits nervous system it is helpful for PMS associated with tension, irritability and headaches. It helps women who experience amenorrhea or lack of menstruation from stress. It provides comfort to those who are highly sensitive and prone to complaining. It also helps to re-establish equilibrium and ease aliments associated with nervous exhaustion such as insomnia and anxiety.

Chamomlie

eases menstrual cramps
calms stress and anxiety
relieves digestive upset

Chamomile has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, analgesic, sedative, antispasmodic, carminative and nervine actions. It has nourishing minerals including phosphorus, calcium and magnesium. The sweet apple-like fragrance of chamomile comes from the amazing essential oil, azulene which is found in the flowers of this plant. Azulene is renowned for its anti-inflammatory and anti-septic properties.

A simple tea of chamomile is a wonderful way to reap all of the benefits of this amazing herb. Place a heaping tablespoon of flowers in a heat proof container add one cup of hot water and cover so the volatile azulene essential oil won't evaporate. Steep for 5 to 15 minutes, then strain out the flowers. Add honey to taste. Experiment with your brewing time as the longer chamomile is steeped the more bitter is gets. Drink up to 3 to 4 cups a day. Other tasty herbs can be added to your brew to increase its soothing and nourishing properties. Like chamomile, lemon balm is relaxing for the nervous and digestive systems while having a delightful lemony flavor that has long been used to refresh the brain. Rose petals are comforting for the heart and provide help to those with irregular menstruation. While rose hips are high in vitamin C and bioflavonoids. Both are blood tonics. St. John'swort is like sunshine in a cup for those with depression, fatigue and grief. This herb can have interactions with some prescription medications and can also cause increased sensitivity to light. Spearmint and lavender add amazing flavor to brews and act positively on the digestive system. An extra strong tea of chamomile added to the bathtub or a basin for a foot bath is also very soothing. For menstrual cramps and digestive upset, a cloth soaked in warm chamomile tea and placed over the belly is lovely! Whole chamomile flowers and other herbs can generally be found at your local herb or health food store, or on-line. Look for a source that sells high quality herbs with lots of color and good aroma.

Chamomile is generally considered to be a very safe herb which is proven by its many applications for children. Yet a small percentage of individuals may be allergic to it as it is in the Asteracea or ragweed family. Because chamomile is a mild uterine stimulant it should be avoided by pregnant women.

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