5 herbs for men, women & children.

Do you know which of the herbs on my list this is?

I'm just leaving the list and a few notes, in the hopes that anyone who might happen upon this and find an interest piqued will be inspired enough to some more digging.  This is important because not every herb is for every person, and it's important to be aware of possible contraindications before using a particular herb.  This is one area, like most, where it can be said that the more you discover, the more you can use.  It is also important to note that not all herbs are appropriate for use in all people.  Conditions such as pregnancy or diseases such as cancer can turn herbs that heal in many cases into herbs that can potentially create dangerous or otherwise undesirable situations in others.  For example, the hops flower, as you will read below, is an extremely valuable herb for women, but it should not be taken by men because its estrogenic and sedative properties can have a depressive effect, especially on the libido.  So it is important to rely on multiple sources and be thorough in all research, paying special attention to dosages recommended course lengths.  Consider seeking the advice of a professional herbalist, homeopath, naturopathic doctor, midwife, or other kind of holistic health practitioner whenever possible.  And yeah, you can try an allopathic doctor or nurse, provided they can respect your desire to treat yourself originally (my usage, as opposed to traditionally), and back that up with some professional attention.  Again, he more you discover, the more you have to choose from to make an informed, safe and effective decision for your health.  So here's the list!



Just kidding.

Actually, I did want to say something else, since this is my first of the herblogs from herburbia, as I fondly call them in my mind.  I'm a tea girl.  That's a t-shirt; one that I would proudly wear down to rags if I had one.  I almost always introduce myself to a new herb by my good friend hot water and her good friend mug.  (Tip: for most medicinal preparations, use boiling water and be sure to cover your tea as it brews.)  Recipes vary, but I like to take each herb out on a solo date first so we can really catch a vibe.  In fact, this initial dating period usually goes on for awhile so I can figure out what I like and don't like about the herb, and how that may or may not change over time.  You can even keep a log or journal of your experiences with each tea, using a set list of factors you learn to look for: try sweetness, acidity, overall taste, emotional effect, physiological effect to start.  You may come up with more nuanced points of observation as you experiment.  Once you've gotten a feel for a few favorites; some you just plain don't like and some you like for isolated reasons, you can start blending herbs and creating custom teas targeted to your specific needs and/or tastes.  You'll learn that licorice root and rose hips carry along with their beneficial properties elements of sweetness that can turn a bitter burn into a tender yearn, and you'll learn that when a tea with a taste you did not initially enjoy produces a favorable physical or emotional outcome, your body will adjust to prefer the taste of that herb, and perhaps even crave it.  You'll learn what a smart cookie your body really is.  The day you first create a blend based on what results you want to achieve, and discover a delectable design in taste along the way, will be the day you become a tea drinker for life.

without
further
ado:

5 herbs for men.
1eleuthero
2stinging nettle
3schisandra
4ashwagandha
5tribulus

5 herbs for women.
1hops
2blessed thistle
3dong quai
4juniper
5blue cohosh

5 herbs for children.
1calendula
2slippery elm
3mullein
4meadowsweet
5lemon balm

m1builds stamina, fights depression, increases longevity
m2can help alleviate enlarged prostate, promotes hair growth 
m3sexual tonic, fertility booster, protects skin, sharpens concentration, improves memory
m4rejuvenates male reproductive system, supports adrenal function,  increases lean muscle mass
m5commonly used for erectile dysfunction, low libido, infertility & to improve sports performance
w1relieves tension, alleviates menstrual pain, natural estrogen helps menopausal anxiety/insomnia, reduces fluid retention, clears & brightens skin
w2improves circulation, antibacterial & antimicrobial, brings down the menses & eases menstrual aches & tension, regulates female hormonal balance
w3chi tonic, eases bloating, eases pms symptoms, aids in menopausal hormone balance, restores muscles & joints
w4soothes dry/itchy scalp, remedy for urinary tract & yeast infections, helps filter acid waste, disinfects cold sores 
w5treats uterine inflammation, cramping, helps regulate menses, can help to bring on active labor in birthing process (start with homeopathic remedy before using dried herb)
c1eases tummy aches, skin wash for eruptions such as measles or chicken pox
c2treats burns, sore throats, inflammation, skin rashes, also good for digestive distress
c3gentle expectorant with sedative nature, respiratory health tonic for asthma, bronchitis, congestion, contains saponins for cleansing, flowers are antibacterial
c4digestive distress, acid reflux, eyewash for irritated or itchy eyes, fever reducer
c5nature's antihistamine, aids respiratory healing, relieves tensions, thermogenic/helps to sweat out toxins during illness, good for stress-related disorders


So there you have it.  Again, I stress that before taking any of these herbs, and especially before giving them to children in any dosage, it is imperative to do some research on your own to make sure no harm will be done.  All of these plants are here with us and available to us, but do not make the mistake of thinking that just because something is 'natural' it must also be harmless.  These are nature's powerful medicines, they are the inspiration for the entire pharmaceutical industry, and they demand respect and due diligence so they can be administered safely, correctly and effectively.

I also want to remind you that although I've broken them down based on qualities that make them attractive for use by a certain segment of the population, it's well worth it to read about all the herbs listed, as many of them can be used by more than just the focus group I've selected.  In fact, this is part of what I found so difficult in writing this blog -- I kept wanting to add notes here and there to suggest other uses, tell personal stories about my experiences, and most often, to keep adding to these lists, because many of my personal favorites aren't listed here.  I was hoping to include herbs that are not often the most-talked about, but in doing so, I left out many of the herbs that I use most frequently.

So maybe my next herblog will be a personal "Top 10" (or 20) list filled with just that sort of rambling side-information that I just so happen to specialize in.  Until then, enjoy these, get back to me with questions or comments, and remember to thank your lucky stars that you got to be born at the precise moment that you were, on this magical home planet that has so many gifts for us yet to unravel.

how about this one?