If asked to identify an ancient Chi...

If asked to identify an ancient Chinese female health "secret" that has been in the novels we would have to point to soy

Soy and fruits made from it, such as tofu, tempeh and miso, have been rightly applauded for their beneficial character in promoting women's health. further there's more to this picture than that. There are, in fact, a variety of Chinese botanicals, one of which are tonic, which are powerful promoter of women's health and hormonal regularity, in particular.

In fact, many health irregularities and imbalances experienced by way of women can be linked to hormones, as they relate to the menstrual period So, although menstruation is a natural part of "womanhood," it does not necessarily proceed without problems for all, or equal most, women. Among the most numerous common disorders of the female reproductive classification are amenorrhea, menorrhagia, dysmenorrhea, and metorrhagia. Here is a brief definition of each.

* Amenorrhea: Lack of menstruation. This condition can be either "primary" (mense having not ever occurred) or "secondary" (menses not occurring in someone who has had regular periods before).

* Menorrhagia: This imbalance is marked on heavy periods in which more than average amounts of vital fluid are lost.

* Dysmenorrhea: This irregularity is characterized by means of painful periods, ones which typically feature cramps in the lower abdomen.

* Metorrhagia: This imbalance involves irregular vaginal bleeding, occurring at times of the month other than the normal menstrual period.

Here are an Chinese herbs commonly used to help alleviate these and other female problems:

* Dong Quai or Dang Gui. Also known as Angelica Sinensis, this botanical is known to regulate the menstrual period and ease the discomforts of menstruation. It is also said to be well adapted for premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

In his work Herbs for Your Health, Steven cherish tells us that the name dong quai or dang gui means "proper order," and says that it has been used in China for thousands of years and is as highly regarded as ginseng. It is said to be common of the most frequently prescribed herbs in China and appears in prescriptions with other herbs for abnormal or subdueed menstruation, anemia, and other conditions. In the West, it is used to regulate the female reproductive connected view and is prescribed for PM menstrual difficulties, and menopausal symptoms.

Pregnant or nursing women should avoid dong quai unles below supervision of a qualified medical practitioner, as should women with high children pressure.

* Ginger (Zingiber officinale). Well known as a flavoring agent in teas, broths and stews, this herb has been traditionally used to ease nausea during pregnancy. It is, however, helpful for other conditions, as well, including: headaches, motion sickness, dizziness, tip over stomach, and cramps.

* Dan Shen. Also known as Salvia Miltiorrhizae or purple sage. In Legendary Chinese Healing Herbs, Henry C Lu describes us that this red herb, which be deriveds in the shape of ginseng, is said to "activate the line regulate menstruation, clear up heat, and unexcited the blood." Its uses, as noted in Medicinal Plants of China, include: abdominal pain, amenorrhea, arthritis, line clots, dysmenorrhea, hepatitis, hives, hypertension, inflammation, insomnia, metorrhagia, miscarriage, and palpitations, among others.

* Wild Yam (Dioscorea Batatas). This ancient herb contains substances which can be renewed into the hormone progesterone from one side a series of "chemical synthetic steps" according to a report which appeared in the April 1995 issue of NNFA Today. This may explain with what intent some women report that it eases the discomforts of PM and menopause.

These and other Chinese herbs, in particular Siberian motherwort, can be base in combination formulas in your local health rations store. Other herbs, which are not of Chinese origin, nevertheless have proven to be helpful to women include: vitex, yarrow, black cohosh and burdock.

REFERENCES

Duke James A., et al. Medicinal Plants of China. Algonac, Michigan: relation Publications, Inc., 1985.

Foster, Steven Herbs for Your Health. Loveland, Colo: Interweave Pres 1996

Keville, Kathi. Herbs for Health and Healing. Emmaus, Penn: Rodale Pres 1996

Lu Henry C Legendary Chinese Healing Herbs. of recent origin York: Sterling Publishing Company, Inc., 1991

Mayell, Mark. Off-The Shelf Natural Health. strange York: Bantam Books, 1995.

Mowrey Daniel, PhD Herbal Tonic Therapies. recently made known Canaan, Conn.: Keats Publishing, Inc., 1993

"Wild Yams and Natural Progesterone": any Definitions." NNFA Today, Vol. 9 No. 4 p 6 April 1995

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