International Women's Day
08 March 2023
We are celebrating International Women’s Day today, the 8th March 2023! On this day we usually discuss the contributions and sacrifices made by all the wonderful women out there to make this world a better place. This year Nature’s Laboratory has decided to not just acknowledge the global contributions of women, but also acknowledge what nature really offers to make this beautiful creation (which is every woman) more healthy, strong and positive in each phase of her life. Nature’s Laboratory offers a range of herbs, and evidence based herbal products for improving the quality of women’s health. Our brand Sweet Cecily’s is exclusively involved in developing skin care and other beauty products using herbs and other natural products.
Since ancient times, herbs and herbal medicines have been proven to be one of the essences for healing women’s health including during adolescent, reproductive, and menopausal periods. During the entire life cycle, women undergo various physiological transitions which are governed by the hormones of her body. These transitions can also sometimes lead to disturbances in mental health.
Globally, herbal medicine (HM) or complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) or traditional medicine (TM) intake among women ranges from 45 to 80%. For women in the 21st century, work/ life balance has been added as a significant new challenge to her health.
Below we will discuss a few herbs that have been proven to have significant potential in women’s health at various stages.
One herb that can be a woman’s lifelong friend in her entire lifecycle is called Asparagus racemosus (Shatavari). Shatavari is a well-known and valuable female-revitalising herb, whose name may be translated as “100 spouses”, implying its ability to increase fertility and vitality in women. In Ayurveda, this amazing herb is known as the “Queen of herbs”, because it is said to promote love and devotion. It is very effective in boosting female fertility and is traditionally used by women for overall health and vitality, to promote lactation, and as an aphrodisiac. Shatavari’s beneficial effect on women during their reproductive life is well established. It is widely used in relation to conception and during lactation.
Shatavari is also known to accelerate the smooth onset of menstruation in young women. Phytoestrogens, plant-based oestrogens, found in Shatavari, can help to control ovarian cycles in females. The hormonally effective substances in these compounds increase growth, variation, and physiological function of the female reproductive tract, pituitary, breast, and numerous other reproductive organs.
Shatavari herb extract is established as an aphrodisiac that can enhance the prospects of conception. It is believed to help in ovulation and also to rebuild any hormonal discrepancy. It also tones and promotes the female reproductive organs. It is also considered to be highly useful for women after childbirth as it facilitates lactation.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), a frequent ovulatory disorder, affects 4-12% of women of reproductive age and often leads to infertility. Increased Oxidative Stress (OS) and Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) induce PCOS onset. In studies Shatavari has been known to effectively reduce PCOS by improving follicular growth and ovulation.
Nature’s Laboratory is involved in developing research-based formulations using Shatavari, we are also involved in the production of organic tinctures using Shatavari.
Menopause is a biological health concern among women all over the world and can be better recognized as a natural transition period in reproductive females. It is described by intense hormonal changes, and frequently includes social changes. It can also change the physical and mental demands of an adult female.
A plant native to North America, Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa) supports a healthy female reproductive system. Black Cohosh, distinguished by its small, feathery white flowers, has been used for centuries to support natural hormonal transitions throughout a woman's life.
It has been reported that Black Cohosh possesses direct estrogenic activity; it is extensively used by menopausal women reflecting its estrogenic activity, as it possesses functions like oestrogen, such as the alleviation of hot flushes, the reduction of depression, and the possibility of providing protection against bone loss. Black cohosh may help with ovulation and, as a result, help support fertility associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Vaginal inflammation or dryness can be experienced at any age among women. It is more frequently associated with women experiencing the menopause. Nature offers a wide array of herbs to address this issue in various ways. Chamomile has been reported to sooth the inflammation, and Chamomile tea also helps to reduce stress and anxiety and supports in boosting mental health during the menopause. A well-known Chinese herb Dong quai, which is also known as female ginseng has proved very efficient in helping women to overcome issues associated with vaginal inflammation and menopause. Bioactive coumarins from this herb help to prevent blood clot formation and ease the blood flow which ultimately helps to overcome inflammation.
Hair loss is another major challenge that women of every age face. There can be a number of reasons for hair loss, such as lifestyle, lack of nutrition, medication, genetic history and extensive stress. Herbs, and oils extracted from herbs have been used for hair care for many years in various traditional systems of medicine. These herbs include Hibiscus, Brahmi, Rosemary, Amla, and Aloe Vera, to name a few.
Herbs and herbal products have been essential elements for boosting and regenerating women to the best of their form. We at Nature’s Laboratory and Sweet Cecily’s have been using these herbs and research-based herbal products for many years to build and support women’s health.
We have a fantastic team of some wonderful women working with us to make our mission successful, we would like to thank them for their contribution. We would like to reach out to every woman who thinks she can benefit positively from our work to connect with us.
We equally appreciate all the men out there who support, encourage and appreciate women in every possible role.
Wishing you a happy International Women's Day!
Dr. Bhagyashree Kamble
Propolis Research Associate
Nature’s Laboratory
Whitby
The article above is for information only, anyone wishing to use herbs or herbal medicine is advised to consult with their healthcare practitioner.