Herbs For Heavy Bleeding
and Anemia
For centuries, herbs have played a critical role
in relieving and preventing heavy bleeding and anemia. Think of
them as a form of extended nutrition you can take either as a tea
or capsule. But check with your physician first before you taking
them for menorrhagia. Excessive and irregular bleeding can be dangerous
and should never be allowed to continue without medical help. If
you have a normal, just somewhat heavier menstrual flow, these herbs
may be helpful for symptom relief.
These herbs are available as extracts, tinctures,
and whole dried herbs. Use as directed on the bottle or package.
Soy and red clover. These plants contain
chemicals called isoflavones that act like mild estrogens in our
body. These plant estrogens help reduce your own excess estrogen
levels by interfering with estrogen production, and by binding to
estrogen receptors on cells so your own more potent natural estrogen
can’t. Estrogen receptors trigger growth of the uterine lining,
so excessive stimulation causes overgrowth and excessive bleeding
during a menstrual period. Isoflavones help balance estrogen/progesterone
deficiencies that can lead to heavy menstrual bleeding. Red clover
also contains bioflavonoids that can strengthen capillary walls,
reducing bleeding.
Flaxseed. Flax seeds
contain both omega-3 fatty acids
and lignans, which make up the cellular wall of the seeds. Both
are weakly estrogenic, helping reduce estrogen levels in your body
as well as promoting healthy ovulation. Flaxseed or flax oil can
thus help with heavy menstrual flow.
Turmeric, or curcumin. This yellowish herb,
a traditional flavoring in Indian food, helps your liver break down
estrogen, thus reducing excessive amounts of estrogen within your
body that can lead to excess bleeding.
Vitex agnus castus, or chasteberry.
This herb improves the estrogen-to-progesterone ratio in your body
by enhancing the production of progesterone during the second half
of your menstrual cycle. This helps limit the amount of blood you
lose during menstruation.
Silymarin, or milk thistle. This herb has
a high flavonoid content. Flavonoids are strong antioxidants
that help protect the liver from damage, enabling it to remove excess
estrogen from your system and balance the hormones involved in your
menstrual cycle.
For more on nutrients for heavy bleeding
and anemia, read on:
Vitamins for heavy bleeding and
anemia
Minerals for heavy bleeding and
anemia