Seven Allies for Moon Time
[What? – Why? – How? – When? - Where?]
"The menstrual cycle is the most basic, earthy cycle we have. Our blood is our connection to the archetypal feminine." – Christiane Northrup, M.D.
Women navigate through so many hormonal changes. Let’s be real, emotions and pain that come along with it can be challenging. The reasons behind it are so vast and so are the remedies.
We need healing, our uterus deserves our conscious help.
It is time to reconnect with our natural cycle healthily.
It is time to honour our femineity.
In many cultures, menstruation is taught as sacred. Ancient remedies are great tools to honour our cycles. Our hormonal change is a gift, we just forgot it. We must learn how to tap more into it, rewiring the beliefs that keep us in sufferance.
{Regarding ancestral traditions of North America,
“…everything from first menstruation to menopause was treated herbally, and there are many plants that do a great job in this area.”
-Herbalist Douglas Shar, author of the Backyard medicine chest.}
Indigenous people always knew it, nature is filled with thousands of remedies. The earth provides for our needs. It is time to awake.
Here are seven allies to help reclaim your sacred health.
Some are flowers, others are barks or even berries.
Soak up the information and enjoy it!
These allies all grow wildly in the North American region.
Be aware, menstrual remedies are accessible all over the earth.
It is just a matter of searching for them.
1 . What? : RASPBERRY LEAF
{Mama Rosemary wrote: ‘’Rasberry leaf (Rubus idaeus, spp.) gives us stability, strong support for a smooth moon time so that we can fully embrace the gifts available.’’}
Why? : The leaves of this berry help for cramping and excessive bleeding. It can also relieve nausea experienced through ovulation and menstruation.
In minerals, raspberry leaves contain fragrances and alkaloids. These components strengthen the muscles of the pelvic region. It can even prepare the uterus for pregnancy.
How? : Tea infusions and tinctures. ~ Leaves only
When? : Consume every day, in the period of ovulation or during the menstrual cycle. You can ingest one time a day or more.
Where? : It grows in Boreal Region & North America. Springtime is the best moment to harvest it.
2. What? : Red Clover
{Beverlay Gray wrote: “Red clover is an excellent woman’s herb.’’}
Why ?: Consider the ’’queen of blood purifiers’’, it is a great helper for women. Use it to promote menstrual flow and in severe cases of dysmenorrhea. Red clover acts as a sedative.
How ? : Tea infusions ~ Tinctures ~ Oils
Use the flowers and the top two leaves of the plant after fresh bloom.
When? : Use in moderation for a short period of time. There are no serious adverse effects with this plant, but it is still important to consume mindfully. – You could drink a cup of tea per day during your moon cycle for example.
*In case of cancer, avoid using this plant. Same for people on birth-control pills and blood-thining medication.
Where? : It grows wild all over the world, very abundantly in North America. It is easy to harvest.
3. What? : Stinging Nettle
{Herbalist, Caitlin Frazier from the locust and honey wrote: ‘’Nutritive herbs like Stinging Nettle offer great support for painful periods as they’re full of vitamins and minerals you may be lacking.’’}
Why? : Nettles acts as a blood purifier. It can help it excessive bleeding.
How?: Tea infusion, tinctures, supplements, oil infusion and syrup.
Use the roots, the seeds & the leaves.
When? : Utilizing during the menstruation cycle and the bleeding period.
Where? : It grows from Newfoundland to Alaska and South of the United States and Europe.
4. What? : Blackhaw
{Michael Castle in the New Healing herbs book wrote: “In Germany, where herbal medicine is more mainstream than in the United States, black haw preparations are widely recommended for menstrual cramps. A study publish in the British journal Nature found that black haw contains a uterine relaxant called scopoletin, thus supporting the herb’s value in treating menstrual cramps.”}
Why? : Blackhaw helps for reducing muscular cramps associated with the bleeding cycle. It can treat spasms happening in the uterus. It is said that Native American women will consume decoctions of the bark to work as allies through their moon time.
How? : Tea infusions, tinctures, decoctions and supplements.
Consume the root bark and its extract.
*For tea: 2 teaspoons of dried Black haw per cup of water
When? : No specific dosage is recommended, it can vary regarding age and health conditions. Refer to an herbalist for more specifications. It is safer to consult before using it. Pregnant women and people suffering from kidney stones must be vigilant of the usage.
Where? : This plant is native to central and southern North America. In general, black haw blooms from early Spring to Summer. Use the bark for its benefit.
5. What? : Squawvine
{“Squawvine's name refers to its use by Native American women as a remedy for a range of conditions.” -Duke James. A.}
Why? : This herb is effective for menstrual disorders and breast lumps. It is recommended to combine it with raspberry leaves.
How? : Tea infusions, tinctures, extracts and powdered herbs.
When? : There is no specific dosage recommended, varies with age and health. Advise a professional for further advances regarding your body. Do not take if pregnant or breastfeeding.
Where ?: Is a native plant to North America. It is normally found at the base of the trees and stumps. You can harvest it from April to June.
6. What ?: Cramp bark
{Sarah Wander from blood and milk wrote: “ Well, you guessed it, as the name suggests, this herb targets period cramps. It has historically been used by Native Americans for a wide range of illnesses, including inflammation of the uterus.”}
Why? : The bark relieves cramps and muscular spasms associated with menstruation and pregnancy. It can help reduce PMS and endometriosis-related discomfort. People suffering from ‘’period bloat’’ could enjoy this bark!
How? : Tinctures, Tea infusion.
When? : Enjoy a warm cup of its infusion during your moon cycle. Do not consume in a large dose. In case of breastfeeding or pregnancy, make sure to consult before ingesting.
Where? : It Can be collected in both Spring and Summer when the plant is in flower in North America.
7. What ?: Yarrow
{Julie Bruton and Matthew Seal said: “Yarrow is beneficial for a wide range of menstrual problems.’’}
Why? : It has been reported that Yarrow helps to reduce heavy menstrual bleeding and pain. It acts as an analgesic and an anti-inflammatory.
How? : Tea infusions, tinctures, oils, creams.
Utilizing in your bathtub to enjoy a soothing feeling
When? : It is recommended to consume about 4.5g of yarrow per day to fully enjoy its anti-inflammatory effects. If menstrual problems arise, you can start by drinking every day for a month.
Where? : Yarrow is most abundant in the Yukon but can also be found across Canada. It is common to grow it in a garden but also to harvest it wildly.
** For specific treatment and recommendation, please consult an expert of herbalism of health practitioner. This article is made to inspire. It does not insist usage of herbal medicines without proper consultation. **
Bibliography :
-The Boreal Herbal: Wild Food and Medicine Plants of the North, Beverly Gray, 2011.
-Honouring the Sacred Moon Cycle, https://www.drnorthrup.com/wisdom-of-menstrual-cycle/, 2020.
-Wild Remedies: How to Forage Healing Foods and Craft Your Own Herbal Medicine, Emily Han and Rosalee de la Forêt, 2020.
-The Art of Herbal Healing: Herbalism for Beginners, Ava Green, 2021.
-The Herbal Apothecary: 100 Medicinal Herbs and How to Use Them, JJ Pursell, 2015.
-Alkaline Herbal Medicine: Reverse Disease and Heal, Aqiyl Aniys, 2016.