Days 1-5 – The Menstrual Phase

Physical Changes:

ƒ Both estrogen and progesterone decline prior to the onset of menses.

ƒ The endometrial lining sheds.

Energetic/Emotional Changes:

ƒ This is a time of looking inward and letting go of past issues from the previous month.

Appropriate Herbs:

ƒ Ginger (Zingiber officinale) – For mild cramping, stomach distress and inflammation.

ƒ Cramp Bark/Black Haw (Viburnum opulus/V. prunifolium) – For more severe cramping with a feeling of pressure or “bearing down” in the uterus.

ƒ Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) – For severe cramping with radiating pain throughout the lower back and legs, especially when combined with agitation or restlessness.

Days 5-12 – The Follicular Phase

Physical Changes:

ƒ The endometrial lining begins regrowth.

ƒ The pituitary gland releases FSH (follicle stimulating hormone).

ƒ Nearing the end of this phase, estrogen levels begin to raise leading to the secretion of LH (lutenizing hormone) via the pituitary.

Energetic/Emotional Changes:

ƒ Many women experience this as a time of renewal signaled by increasing energy and a positive outlook.

Appropriate Herbs:

ƒ Tonic and nutritive herbs such as Oats (Avena sativa) and Jujube (Ziziphus jujube) are indicated here to help replenish the body and support increasing activity.

Days 12-16 – Ovulation

Physical Changes:

ƒ The Graafian follicle ruptures releasing the ovum.

ƒ The egg begins to move through the fallopian tube toward the uterus.

ƒ The corpus luteum (literally “grieving body” in Latin) is formed at the site of the rupture.

Energetic/Emotional Changes:

ƒ This is often a time of high energy and increased creativity. Our energies are focused outward.

Appropriate Herbs:

ƒ For women who experience mittelschmerz pain (mid-cycle pain caused by the ovum rupturing from the ovary) St John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) or Skullcap (Scutellaria laterifolia) may help by nourishing and healing inflamed nerve endings.

ƒ As estrogen levels peak and then begin to decline, additional B Vitamins may be indicated. Herbs rich in these include Alfalfa (Medicagao sativa), Spirulina and Oats.

Days 16-28 – The Luteal Phase

Physical Changes:

ƒ An increase in the production of progesterone causes the endometrial lining to thicken.

ƒ If fertilization does not occur, progesterone levels decline and the cycle begins anew.

Energetic/Emotional Changes:

ƒ We begin to withdraw our energies once again, in essence assimilating all we have experienced throughout the cycle.

Appropriate Herbs:

ƒ Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis) – Treats feelings of tension and melancholy.

ƒ Oats – A wonderful tonic throughout the cycle, at this time it helps to nourish and support the nervous system.

ƒ Dandelion (Taraxacum officinalis) – As the liver is responsible for the conjugation of our hormones, support of this organ is vital. The root of the plant acts as a tonic for the liver. For those who experience water retention, the leaf is a superlative diuretic and also quite rich in nutrients.