The Reproductive System

More than any of the other systems, the reproductive system shows the miracle of life at work. It is a miracle that we can wonder at, can analyse in terms of tissue and hormone function, write poetry about, but which in the end will leave us speechless.

David Hoffmann

The focus of this chapter is primarily on the reproductive system of women, as this system is prone to some specific problems. By the nature of human anatomy, there is not the same degree of complexity of structure or function in the male reproductive system. The miracle of birth is a mystery inherent in the body-form of a woman and less so for men. The main physical problem that arises in men is associated with the prostate gland and this is discussed in the chapter on the urinary system. Infections of the male reproductive system should be approached in the same way as described for infections of the female system.

For the reproductive system to be whole and functioning in a well balanced and integrated way, body and spirit must be well and thriving as a whole. If the diet is deficient, menstrual problems or vaginal discharges may be generated. If one’s way of living is not life-affirming, the system dedicated to the creation of new life will be adversely affected. For children to be born healthy and perfect, and for them to grow well, one’s lifestyle during pregnancy has to be perfect! So it is best to check your health in general, but also check your relationships to the world—go for loving and nurturing emotional support. Check your thought life—do you think positively? What sort of books do you read, what films do you watch, what kind of politics are you involved in? The energy within your body is affected by the energy around you but—more importantly—by the way you relate to it. Be at peace with your world and your relationships with it.^*

Herbs for the female reproductive system

A great number of herbs benefit the female reproductive system. To help understand the herbal approach we will, as usual, group them according to their actions.

Remarkably, many herbs for the female reproductive system which cannot be duplicated by European remedies, have come to us from the cultures of the North American Indians. We can speculate that this may be due to the deep resonance that existed between these peoples and the Earth Mother, a resonance that manifested in physical terms, of deep healing and aid for women and for the birthing process.

Uterine tonics

The uterine tonics have a specifically toning and strengthening action upon the whole system, both on the tissue of the organs and on their functioning. Whilst each has its unique associated actions—which should be checked out to find the most appropriate ones—they all aid the whole reproductive system. Remedies like Black Cohosh, Blue Cohosh, Chasteberry, False Unicorn Root, Life Root, Motherwort, Raspberry and Squaw Vine are used as healers in a holistic sense. They are often indicated when there is no obvious acute disease but where a weakness of the sexual organs has a detrimental effect on the whole body.

Emmenagogues

The emmenagogues stimulate and promote a normal menstrual flow. While most of the uterine tonics are also emmenagogues, which act through normalising the system, there are many other emmenagogues which are not especially healing to the system as a whole. There are even emmenagogues that work by a stimulation that verges on irritation, which can be of benefit in some cases, but it is also the action of herbal abortifacients. A list of those herbs that have to be avoided during pregnancy is given later. The most useful emmenagogues, out of a potentially endless list, are Blue Cohosh, False Unicorn Root, Life Root, Motherwort, Parsley, Pennyroyal, Rue, Southernwood, Squaw Vine and Yarrow, The most appropriate one of these for use in specific treatment should be determined by considering their associated actions.

Hormonal normalisers

The hormonal normalisers are an important group. They balance and normalise the functioning of the endocrine glands and so aid the proper functioning of the reproductive system. As they are discussed in detail in the chapter on the glandular system, I will only mention the most important one, Chasteberry. This valuable remedy normalises oestrogen and progesterone activity and thus finds use in all aspects of menstrual dysfunction and especially in conditions associated with menopause.

Astringents

Astringents will often be used in the context of this system, and the following have a special affinity to it: American Cranesbill, Beth Root, Burr-Marigold, Lady’s Mantle, Periwinkle and Shepherd’s Purse. However, other astringents may also be of value and may be found in the general section on astringents.

Demulcents

Demulcents are often used to provide a soothing and healing action on the system’s mucous membranes. The urinary demulcents are often appropriate. A list of these includes Bearberry, Blue Cohosh, Corn Silk, Golden Seal, Irish Moss and Marshmallow.

Antiseptics

When a condition calls for the use of antiseptics, either one of the general ones or one of the urinary antiseptics can be used: Bearberry, Couch Grass, Echinacea, Garlic, Juniper, Wild Indigo and Yarrow.

Alteratives and lymphatic tonics

As conditions of the reproductive system will affect the whole body and are affected by the condition of the whole body, it is often appropriate to use alteratives and lymphatic tonics like Blue Flag, Burdock, Cleavers, Echinacea, Poke Root or Sarsaparilla.

Others

As there is often a build-up of water associated with conditions of the reproductive system, diuretics may need to be used, for their appropriate use will control this.

As the proper functioning of the digestive system is essential to health, the use of bitters can lend additional help.

Nervines

The proper and healthy activity of the nerves is vital for the reproductive system to work correctly. Many of the emmenagogues have nervine activity, but in addition it is worth considering the relaxing herbs Cramp Bark, Skullcap and Valerian. Nervine tonics such as Damiana and Oats will also be useful.

Patterns of disease of the female reproductive system

We will consider the diseases of the reproductive system in four groups: those associated with the menstrual cycle, those with pregnancy and childbirth, those with menopause and those associated with infections.

The menstrual cycle

To ensure a normal and easy menstrual cycle, any of the uterine tonics may be used regularly or perhaps just for the time leading up to the expected onset of the period. ‘Normal’ is used here recognising that normalcy is relative and that each individual will have her own norm.

If problems like amenorrhoea, menorrhagia, metrorrhagia, dysmenorrhoea or premenstrual tension occur, they can be treated herbally.

Amenorrhoea

Amenorrhoea is a condition where there is an absence of menstruation. In adolescents, the first period cycle can be apparently delayed for various reasons, in which case the uterine tonics may help the body to establish its natural rhythm. Perhaps best herbs are Blue Cohosh, Chasteberry, False Unicorn Root, Rue and Southernwood.

If menstruation is delayed or obstructed in adults, the uterine tonics will also help, especially where the cause lies primarily in a withdrawal from the contraceptive pill, with the need for the body to find its way back into its natural rhythm. A mixture of Blue Cohosh, Chasteberry, False Unicorn Root and Rue will be very beneficial:

Chasteberry	2 parts
False Unicorn Root	2 parts
Blue Cohosh	1 part
Rue	1 part

This tea should be drunk three times a day.

An excellent old remedy for delayed periods is an infusion of equal parts of Pennyroyal and Tansy, which should be drunk three times a day until the period begins.

A word about pregnancy. Menstruation may be delayed because of conception. Check first whether the delay is due to a pregnancy, otherwise these herbs might act as abortifacients. The present western herbal tradition does not have a safe and effective herbal abortifacient. Other traditions may. The emmenagogues are potentially dangerous if used to induce abortion. If you are pregnant and unhappy about it, go to a Family Planning Clinic. If you are not pregnant, these herbs are safe and healing when used as directed.

Menorrhagia

Occasionally your period flow will be stronger than normal, a condition called menorrhagia. This excessive flow can be normalised with the use of astringents, which will regulate it without inhibiting the natural process. If the excessive flow continues over a number of periods, it is advisable to consult a gynaecologist to make sure it does not indicate a more severe problem.

While most astringents will help, those with a special affinity for the uterus and associated tissue are certainly the best. While they are listed above and should be studied to find the most applicable one, a treatment can be based on:

American Cranesbill	1 part
Beth Root	1 part
Periwinkle	1 part

This tea should be drunk three times a day in the week leading up to a period and during the flow itself. If it is an ongoing problem, the tea should be drunk once or twice a day throughout the cycle.

Metrorrhagia

Where bleeding occurs in the middle of the cycle—or for that matter at any unexpected time—the herbs recommended for menorrhagia will prove useful. However, it is important to establish the cause, which will often suggest the use of uterine tonics to help in a more fundamental way. Also, the use of Chasteberry is often indicated.

To balance the loss of additional blood during this time, a diet rich in natural iron is essential.

Dysmenorrhoea

Dysmenorrhoea is a condition where the period is accompanied by cramping pains, which can be incapacitating in their intensity. Herbs like uterine tonics, antispasmodics and nervines have a lot to offer in the relief of these pains. A mixture of Black Haw Bark, Cramp Bark and Pasque Flower may be tried:

Black Haw Bark	2 parts
Cramp Bark	2 parts
Pasque Flower	1 part

This tea should be drunk three times daily when needed.

Herbs like Black Cohosh, False Unicorn Root and Wild Yam should be considered as well, depending on the condition. Consult the Herbal section to choose the most appropriate herb or combination for the individual case.

Premenstrual tension

In the days leading up to the onset of menstruation, tension and anxiety, agitation and depression can occasionally develop, sometimes together with a buildup of water in the body, a heightened sensitivity of the breasts and a range of other symptoms. All of these are caused by the body’s response to the hormonal changes at that time. An important question arises as to whether this is a ‘normal’ response for that individual or compounded by psychological factors. Which comes first, the psychological condition or the hormone problem?

Periods are a very special time in a woman’s life. It is clearly a time when the magical quality of life is manifesting itself. Deep insights into the inner nature of a culture and its relationship to life can be found in examining whether it relates to menstruation as a magical time that is honoured or an unclean time that is to be hidden. How a woman relates to the whole process of menstruation will deeply affect her body’s response to it. Factors that may play a role in compounding premenstrual tension can be one’s relationship to sexuality, the attitudes of relatives, childhood experiences, expectation of tension, or expectation of its interference with work and other activities. If the inner attitude to menstruation is blocked and congested, the experience of the period will reflect this. If the attitude—consciously or not—is clear, at ease and flowing, the experience of menstruation will be the same.^*

Taking all the above into account, herbs can do a lot to ease premenstrual tension. An infusion of equal parts of Scullcap and Valerian can be taken when and as often as needed. If there is associated cramping, Cramp Bark and Pasque Flower might be used and if water retention also occurs, Dandelion can be added to the mixture.

The pill

While the need for effective contraception in our over-crowded world is undeniable, the extensive use of contraceptive pills—which are based on hormones—has also created problems in our society. On the physical level, the systemic impact of the pill poses important questions about the effect of its long term use. The pill is a good example of the two-edged sword of technology, where the solution of one problem raises at least one new problem.

When you stop using the pill, the body and especially the hormonal balance take a while to regain their natural harmonic functions. Herbal remedies that act as endocrine balancers and uterine tonics can speed up the process:

Black Cohosh	1 part
Chasteberry	1 part
Liquorice	1 part
Motherwort	1 part

Drink this tea three times a day for the first two weeks after coming off the pill, twice daily for the third week and once a day for the fourth week.

In this mixture, Liquorice will aid the adrenal glands, Black Cohosh and Chasteberry will tone the uterus and support the glands involved in the production of sex hormones, and Motherwort, while augmenting these actions, will also support the nervous system and allow an emotional balance to be regained.

Pregnancy and childbirth

Pregnancy is a most special time, for mother and father as much as for the baby coming into life, a time to be treated with great respect and awe. For the baby, this time of peace and stillness, of security and wholeness, is dependent on the mother’s lifestyle and that of those around her. What she eats and drinks will construct the child’s body. The energies of her thoughts and feelings, and of the people around her, will colour and influence the child. Be aware and take care!

Whilst it is the mother who carries the child and directly experiences the miracle of gestation, we have all started our lives within the womb. Everybody involved should be wholly present in the process, with willingness, understanding and love, which are essential to the well-being of the child. Loving consciousness is the key, and the willingness to manifest that which is appropriate. This attitude is basic to all matters of wholeness. Herbal remedies or attention to diet are just parts of the process and will not be sufficient to ensure a natural birth and a healthy child.

Whilst nature ensures that the placenta and other physical processes of mother and child will do the very best that can be done for the new being, much special care can be taken and herbs can be used to assist the process. Many excellent books on natural childbirth are now available and should be studied.^** What is written here hopes to add to that knowledge.

Nature offers an abundance of plants for all stages of the birthing process. Some may be used at specific times, and some throughout pregnancy, to ease, aid and tone the tissue and to facilitate the birth itself. By far the best of these are Raspberry Leaves and Squaw Vine, which may be taken individually or together. A cup per day should be taken for at least the last three months and better for the whole of the nine months—or at least as soon as you know you are pregnant. Apart from these two toners, it may be appropriate to use other herbs to augment health in general, ensuring that nutrition and bodily function are at their peak. A typical and usually appropriate example would be the use of Nettles as a source of iron.

Herbs to be avoided during pregnancy

A number of herbs markedly stimulate the uterus; this is the basis of the action of some emmenagogues. Under most conditions this is of no consequence, but during pregnancy it is important that no externally produced stimulation or spasm occurs in the uterus, as this may trigger a miscarriage. The most common of these stimulating herbs are Autumn Crocus, Barberry, Golden Seal, Juniper, Male Fern, Mandrake, Pennyroyal, Poke Root, Rue, Sage, Southernwood, Tansy, Thuja and Wormwood. Whilst these will not always act as abortifacients, it is well worth avoiding the risk of taking them, as their desired actions can be attained by other herbs.

Threatened miscarriage

Occasionally miscarriage is the body’s natural response to certain situations. In such circumstances no herbal remedies will oppose the body’s purpose. However, miscarriage can also be threatened in cases of inadequate diet, stress or trauma, and then herbs can provide that extra strength or vitality to avoid an unnecessary miscarriage. The body can use herbal aid to ensure that the baby thrives. While specific herbs may be appropriate, general uterine tonics like Black Haw Bark, Blue Cohosh, Cramp Bark, False Unicorn Root or True Unicorn Root are indicated to protect against a threatened miscarriage. While all of these may be useful, a combination of toning, anti-spasmodic and nervine relaxant actions can be especially effective:

Valerian

Blue Cohosh	2 parts
False Unicorn Root	2 parts
Cramp Bark	1 part

Drink this tea three times daily.

If there is a considerable amount of stress involved, stronger nervines like Skullcap or Valerian may be considered as well.

Morning sickness

A common occurrence in the first few months of pregnancy is morning sickness, coming most frequently in the morning when the stomach is empty, although it can happen at other times. It seems to be the result of a number of factors acting together. Most important is the massive change in hormone levels that is going on, combined with low blood sugar and possibly low blood pressure. In more naturopathic terms it can be seen as a cleansing of toxins from the system in preparation for pregnancy. Whilst it is best to avoid any medication during pregnancy, there are some specific and safe remedies that can be used if needed, such as Black Horehound, Irish Moss and Meadowsweet. Gentle nervines that will help as well are Chamomile, Hops and Peppermint. A useful mixture is

Meadowsweet	2 parts
Black Horehound	1 part
Chamomile	1 part

This tea should be drunk three times a day or as needed. It will be needed less if the diet is nurturing, stress is avoided and the woman respects body and spirit, self and child.

Labour

If you drink a tea of Raspberry Leaves and Squaw Vine through at least the last three months of pregnancy, labour will probably be easy and not too prolonged. However, if labour should be protracted and if the strength of the uterus seems to be waning, herbs may be usefully employed to stimulate the uterus into contraction. By far the most useful and safe oxytocic herb in this case is Golden Seal. Whilst it should not be used in pregnancy, during labour it may be used to support and strengthen the body’s endeavours.

Milk production

You might find it difficult to either commence milk production or to maintain a high enough level of production when breastfeeding. Since it is best for the child to be on breast milk for as long as it is feasible, herbs that will help can be invaluable. For this, herbs like Aniseed, Blessed Thistle, Caraway Seeds, Fennel Seeds, Fenugreek Seeds, Goat’s Rue and Vervain are available, with Goat’s Rue being perhaps the most powerful. It can safely be drunk three times a day as an infusion made from one or two tablepoonfuls per cup of water.

The seeds I mentioned, which are rich in volatile oils, are also very effective and can be combined to make a very pleasant tea:

Caraway	2 parts
Fennel	1 part
Aniseed	1 part

or just

Fenugreek	2 parts
Aniseed	1 part

To make either of these teas, crush two tablespoonfuls of the seeds and put them in a cup of cold water. Bring it to simmer and then remove it from the heat. Leave it to stand for 10 minutes, covered to reduce the loss of the volatile oils. Drink a cup of this tea three times a day.

If for some reason the milkflow needs to be stopped, the most effective herb is Red Sage, or—if not available—ordinary Garden Sage, made into an infusion and drunk three times daily until the desired result is obtained.

Blessed Thistle

The menopause

Unfortunately, in our ‘civilised’ society, the menopause is approached with dread by many women, as it is feared as a time when their role as women becomes devalued. They are no longer sex objects, their role as mothers or potential mothers is reduced, the children have left home, their role as support for the husband in his struggle to earn money and establish himself has often been accomplished. As we tend to draw our identity from socially-defined roles, indeed tend to become those identities, there seems to be not much left when those roles are gone. But we are not just socially-defined roles!

The menopause can be a great gift in a woman’s life, a liberation, an initiation. It presents an opportunity to re-evaluate one’s purpose in life, perhaps to change one’s life, to see change not as something to fear but as something to embrace as a friend and thus to move onward to greater fulfilment.

Apart from the psychological changes associated with the menopause, it is also accompanied by hormonal changes that are physical manifestations of the menopause and may lead to distressing symptoms. The most notable of these are the ‘hot flushes’, brought about by rushes of hormones into the blood, for the gland system is adjusting to the new situation.

Wild Yam

As a combined effect of the physiological changes and the psychological impact of the new situation, there may be associated symptoms of ‘neurosis’ or ‘depression’. Disruptions due to the hormonal changes, problems related to the change in one’s self image and the resistance to that change, can all interact and lead to such psychological symptoms.

As this is a book about herbs, I shall limit my advice to herbal remedies. However, remember that there is much more going on than hormonal change, and that a number of psychotherapeutic techniques are available to help you in this time of change.

A useful mixture—which will help the body to balance and to adapt to the changes, reducing the severity of hot flushes and their frequency quite quickly too—should be taken for a few months until all symptoms are gone and the change is completed:

Chasteberry	2 parts
Wild Yam	2 parts
Black Cohosh	1 part
Golden Seal	1 part
Life Root	1 part
Oats	1 part
St. John’s Wort0	1 part

Drink this tea three times daily.

Use Motherwort in place of St. John’s Wort if heart palpitations, high blood pressure or tension are present.

This mixture will ease most of the associated problems and enable the body to establish a new level of hormonal function and integration. Remember that the body knows best. However, in cases of associated anxiety or depression, Skullcap or Valerian may also be added to the mixture.

Infections

The whole reproductive system is at least as open to infections as any other part of the body and because it opens to the outside world it also has distinct problems due to infections through contact. In some respect the problems are similar to ear, nose and throat, for here as well it is the mucous membranes that are open to the infection. Discharges of mucus are also common as responses to infections, or are due to the body’s effort to get rid of excessive mucus accumulating elsewhere in the body.

To truly heal an infection of the vagina or of any other part of the system, remedies must be used that aid and clear the whole body. Douches or other local applications will at best only get rid of the symptoms for a while.

An appropriate treatment for vaginal infections involves the use of anti-microbials in association with herbs that clear the lymphatics, usually alteratives. To aid the healing of infected tissue, astringents will usually be indicated, especially in cases with mucus discharge. In addition, the whole picture has to be taken into account and the state of general health augmented with the addition of appropriate remedies. One common cause to bear in mind is the use of the pill or a recent withdrawal from it, for its use will often affect the ecology of the vaginal region. To illustrate this approach, the anti-microbials may include Echinacea, Garlic or Wild Indigo, the lymphatics for this area should be Cleavers or Poke Root, and out of the many astringents that can be applied, American Cranesbill, Beth Root, False Unicorn Root, Life Root, Oak Bark and Periwinkle are the most frequently used. Most astringents will also prove effective as external applications in combination with a tea. A useful internal mixture would be

American Cranesbill	2 parts
Beth Root	2 parts
Echinacea	2 parts
Periwinkle	2 parts
Cleavers	1 part

This tea should be drunk three times daily.

The mixture may also be used as a douche, made in the same way as an infusion. It should be used three times a day also, to support the internal treatment and has to be continued for a few days after the infection has cleared. In a similar way yoghurt may be used both internally and externally. This re-establishes the natural bacterial flora and so the regained ecology can look after itself. This is especially good when a problem follows the use of antibiotic drugs. The general guidelines on combating infection of course apply here. The diet should be rich in natural vitamins and minerals, especially from fruit and vegetable sources. Perhaps a vitamin C supplement is indicated, especially after antibiotic therapy. Abundant Garlic in the diet is advisable, preferably raw.

Garlic

Herbs and sexuality

Almost all cultural traditions in the world have favourite herbs that have the reputation of increasing libido and of reversing impotence. For one of them, Damiana, such a reputation was even carried into its botanical name, Turnera aphrodisiaca. Whether the aphrodisiacs work by directly stimulating a sexual urge is highly debatable. In my opinion such an action does not exist. However, it is possible to enhance sexuality by using herbs if we look at it in holistic terms. If the body is full of vitality, is at ease and the mind is poised and at peace, sex can be a powerful expression of that vitality. From this angle, herbs that will help us to be in such a space of ease and wholeness, will act in a roundabout way as aphrodisiacs. A few herbs like Damiana, Ginseng and Saw Palmetto have a reputation as tonics for the reproductive glands and especially for the male system. They not only undoubtedly strengthen the system itself, but can also help to move a person into a state of greater embodiment of their innate wholeness and vitality.

If sexual problems arise in connection with stress and tension, nervine relaxants and tonics like Lime Blossom, Oats or Skullcap may be indicated.

If the general state of health is in any way below par, it should be aided by the appropriate remedies, with the bitter tonics often being helpful.

The old herbals are also rich in remedies that will reduce the sexual drive. Cures for nymphomania and masturbation abound! If it is appropriate to reduce the experience or expression of sexual energy, the combined use of nervine relaxants (to take off some of the energy) and of nervine tonics (to strengthen and support the system) can be indicated, with good herbs being Passion Flower, Valerian or Wild Lettuce. Hops is especially good for men if there is a need to reduce sexual over-excitability.

* I would like to guide you to a book that is filled with deep wisdom, compassion and humility, a book that every woman should have and every man should read: Hygeia, a Woman’s Herbal, by Jeannine Parvati (Wildwood House, 1979)

* To look deeper into the whole process of menstruation and the mental attitudes related to it, consult a book called The Wise Wound, Eve’s Curse and Everywoman, by Penelope Shuttle and Peter Redgrove (Gollancz, 1978).

** In particular I would like to refer you to an excellent book called Spiritual Midwifery, by Ina May Gaskin (The Book Publishing Company, 1980).