If you’re a gardener, you must plant one of these herbs for women. These herbs don’t just bring flavor to food but also improve health, which is proven in various studies. Many of these herbs don’t take much space and can be grown in a balcony or even indoors on a windowsill.
Best Herbs for Women
Culinary Herbs
1. Sage
Botanical name: Salvia officinalis
Check out our article on growing sage here
2. Cilantro
Botanical Name: Coriandrum sativum
In a study done by the Department of Molecular Medicine, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, it was found that cilantro can lower down the chances of cancer in women.
According to this study, the herb also has pain-relieving effects that could come handy during menstrual cramps in women.
How to Consume: The fresh leaves of cilantro are a great addition to pesto, dressings, salsa, chutney, dips, sauces, and salads. You can also use its seeds for pickling.
Here is all the information you need about growing cilantro
3. Parsley
Botanical Name: Petroselinum crispum
Apigenin, known chemically as 4′,5,7-trihydroxyflavone, is found abundantly in parsley and according to the research by the Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education for Medicinal Plant Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry, China, it can prevent the chances of breast cancer.
A study by the Departments of Dermatology, Venereology, Allergology and Immunology, Dessau Medical Center, Germany, also shows that the high vitamin C content in parsley can prevent lines and wrinkles in women.
How to Consume: The mild taste of fresh leaves pairs well with salads, veggies, and while marinating meat. You can also use chopped leaves with mint leaves and olive oil.
Check out our article on growing parsley in pots here
4. Basil
Botanical Name: Ocimum basilicum
This research indicates that basil can be of great help to women suffering from stomach cramps and menstrual pains. It is also a great herb to include in the diet to improve kidney function.
According to the research by the School of Health Sciences, RMIT University, Victoria, Australia, basil helps in protecting organs and tissues against chemical and physical stress from prolonged physical exertion in women.
How to Consume: Fresh basil leaves tastes great with pizza, soups, sauces, salads, and stir-fried vegetables. You can also include it in herbal tea.
Here is all you need to know on growing basil at home
5. Thyme
Botanical Name: Thymus vulgaris
A research done at the Institute for Medical Research, University of Belgrade, Serbia, reported that polyphenolic compounds of thyme can lower down the problem of blood pressure in women that might result in heart diseases in the longer run.
A study conducted at the Department of Medical Biology, Comenius University in Bratislava, states that anticancer activities of thyme might also protect against the chances of breast cancer in women.
How to Consume: The leaves pair great with rice dishes and veggies. You can also use it with other herbs like oregano and marjoram in French and Italian cuisines.
Check out our article on growing thyme here
6. Rosemary
Botanical Name: Salvia rosmarinus
According to one research by the Brain, Performance, and Nutrition Research Centre, Department of Psychology, Northumbria University, UK, rosemary improves mood and relieves stress caused by the hormone imbalances in women.
A study also states that rosemary helps in weight control and also helps limiting weight, which can be of great help for women after pregnancy.
How to Consume: Use fresh leaves to season soups, salads, and stews. It also tastes great with meat, especially fish and chicken.
Here are some of the amazing scientific benefits rosemary has on offer
Medicinal Herbs
7. Chasteberry/Vitex
Botanical Name: Vitex agnus-castus
Also known as the monk’s pepper, this popular herb prevents miscarriage, infertility, endometriosis, and PMS. Studies done in the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology-University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia prove that vitex works for female reproductive disorders.
According to the School of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia, it has beneficial effects on PCOS and amenorrhea due to its effect on prolactin in the body.
How to Consume: You can include the leaves in herbal teas.
8. Chamomile
Botanical Name: Matricaria chamomilla
Chamomile is known for treating menstrual cramps and mood swing that comes along. According to a study by the Advanced Dermatology of Westchester, Tarrytown, New York, it clears and moisturizes skin and hair conditions.
A study conducted at the National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan shows that drinking chamomile tea helps in better sleep and reduces stress.
How to Consume: Chamomile tea is very popular.
Check out our article on growing chamomile here
9. Black Cohosh
Botanical Name: Cimicifuga racemosa L.
A flowering herb native to North America, it can be great for a woman’s health! A study done at Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Iran states that this herb will be effective in treating early symptoms of menopause.
The herb is also potent to cure hot flashes according to the study done at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hamadan, Iran.
How to Consume: You can add the petals of its flowers in salads or teas.
10. Nettle
Botanical Name: Urtica dioica
According to a study by the Institute of Fermentation Technology and Microbiology, Poland, nettle is a great herb to relax painful muscles and cramps.
According to the research, nettle contains anti-pain and anti-arthritis properties. It gives the body a dose of iron and helps to replace nourishment, which is lost during heavy bleeding, as shown by a study.
How to Consume: Use its fresh leaves in herbal teas.
Note: Do not touch the plant with bare hands because of the small hair on the stems and leaves contain formic acid, which may cause skin irritation.
11. Raspberry
Botanical Name: Rubus idaeus
This juicy sweet berry contains beneficial nutrients and iron, which helps in reducing nausea and other health conditions during the menstrual cycle, according to a report by the Department of Pharmacognosy, University of Vienna, Austria.
During pregnancy, it is beneficial for both the mother and the child. It is also useful in strengthening the uterus and helps in preventing excessive bleeding after childbirth.
How to Consume: Red raspberry leaf herbal tea is widely used across the globe.
12. Dong Quai
Botanical Name: Angelica Sinensis
Dong Quai roots are used in the preparation of herbal medicines. According to the report by the National Toxicology Program and National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, it is also used to treat various ailments like menopausal symptoms, dehydration, arthritis, and insomnia.
Products containing Dong Quai assists in purifying blood, de-pigmentation, and in the treatment of joint pain.
How to Consume: Leaves and flowers can be used in tea and dress dishes.
13. Fenugreek
Botanical Name: Trigonella foenum-graecum
Fenugreek leaves are low in calorie and high in soluble fiber, which makes it one of the best herbs for women in their post-pregnancy weight-loss journey, as reported in a study published in the European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology.
Additionally, fenugreek seeds possess anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that reduce menstruation cramps, according to a report by the Department of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Fact: It is also a great herb to increase milk supply in feeding mothers.
How to Consume: You can make juice with fresh or dried leaves or add into salads, soups, meat, and vegetable dishes. Seeds can be sprouted and added to salads.
Check out our article on growing fenugreek in pots here
Bonus–Asparagus
Botanical Name: Asparagus Officinalis
Though not a herb, it made its way into our list thanks to the benefits it offers! Asparagus contains folate, which is also known as vitamin B9, an essential nutrient for expecting mothers.
It is rich in many antioxidants, minerals, and nutrients but low in calories that also makes it useful for weight reduction.
How to Consume: You can consume it raw or cooked, add-in salads, frittatas, or pasta dishes.
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