.
When your moontime calls, listen to your body. She’s calling for nourishment and rest. Calling you back to yourself and your wise woman within. Back to the cycle of the moon within you—your womb, your hormonal cycle, your psyche. Give yourself permission to find a little quiet time to yourself. Soak in some extra self-care. Sip herbal infusions.
Let's look at three common concerns during the days leading up to and during your period. For each, I’ll include two of my top herbs and two natural practices for a holistic approach to menstruation (aka “moontime”) support.
Raspberry (Rubus idaeus) has long been a revered herbal ally for women of all stages: during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. Traditionally used to tone the womb, raspberry is an herbal ally menstruating women today often turn to for soothing uterine muscles.
Raspberry has a strongly astringent flavor reminiscent of black tea. To prepare it as a full-strength herbal infusion to drink with breakfast, you’ll start brewing it the night before. Steep a cup of the dried herb in hot water in a quart jar with an airtight lid. In the morning, strain the infusion and warm up a mugful on the stove, sweetened with milk or honey to taste. Store excess raspberry infusion in the fridge for the next couple of mornings.
I consider motherwort tincture* (Leonurus cardiaca) a staple in my herbal apothecary. Many a time in my menstruating years, working away in my office, I’d groan suddenly at the tug and ache of my womb with my moon coming on. My head swam, numbers and letters blurring. I’d reach for motherwort tincture to help me come back to my center. The soothing hand of motherwort seemed to take the edge and intensity off. I could take a deep breath and focus once more on the task at hand.
* Cautions: Motherwort should not be used during pregnancy. Additionally, if you experience menstrual flooding (most common in menopause) please consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before taking motherwort.
When your low belly or lower back aches before or during your moontime, you can always turn to hot water to soothe the tender tissues. Draw hot water from the tap to fill a simple old-fashioned hot water bottle to lay on, or immerse yourself in a steaming tub.
When I was a budding young herbalist, I lived in a yurt. On winter nights, slipping into the cold sheets could exacerbate tension anywhere in the body. Around my moontime, I found an elegant solution. I’d prep my quart mason jar of herbal infusion while I brushed my teeth and pop it between the sheets! With the radiating jar tucked snugly against my belly, the warmth soothed my womb to sleep.
Inspired by ancient traditions of red tents and moon lodges, many women today take a “Moon Day” to rest and replenish during their period. A break from day-to-day responsibilities nourishes body and soul.
If possible, take time off the second day of your period (or whenever the flow is heaviest). If you cannot manage to take off work for a full day . . . perhaps a half day . . . or even a moon hour. I was amazed that my body didn’t complain so loudly when I preventatively took restorative time, such as journaling quietly in my bedroom or lying on the Earth. Cramps are one of the ways your body calls you back to the moon lodge!
The straw of the oat plant (Avena sativa) is a mildly sweet herb beloved as a gentle, soothing nervine. Sip on a cold glass of oatstraw infusion on a hot summer day or a hot mug by the midwinter fire.
Perhaps you’ve heard of Hildegard of Bingen? She’s considered by scholars to be the founder of scientific natural history in Germany, in the years 1098 to 1179. Oatstraw was one of Hildegard’s favorite “happiness” herbs.
St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) has been studied extensively for how it supports a healthy mood and emotional balance. I love taking this tonifying tincture daily, squeezing a dropperful of the red liquid into a cup of water or tea.
Making tincture from the flowering tops delights the senses. Submerge the yellow flowers in alcohol (I use 100-proof vodka). As it steeps over the weeks, deep red constituents emerge from the yellow buds and flowers into your alcohol solution. Voila!
Sometimes those quiet voices within will roar when you’re on your moon! Today’s norms encourage you to dismiss those strong emotions: “Oh, it’s just my period.” Consider approaching them instead as moments of truth. Remember, there are no bad emotions—only signs pointing to what your heart longs for. In the liminal space of your moontime, the veils between the worlds thin. In other words, you have increased access to your emotions and intuition. Let it flow. Journal. Cry. Allow your powerful wise woman within to be heard. Honor her wisdom.
Take a little time outdoors, whether in the city park or the deep woods. Is your body calling for a slow stroll or a brisk stride? Either way, a walk outside in the fresh air is a quick and easy way to restore your spirits, especially around your moontime. Being out in nature reminds you that you’re a woman connected with the natural cycles of Mother Earth.
With the physical and emotional stressors of the demands of modern life, adrenal exhaustion is common for women today. Even caffeine can overstimulate the adrenals—followed by a drop in energy, requiring the next fix. Rather than caffeine, many women in my community incorporate nettle infusion as a long-term tonic. They like to say this mineral-rich brew tastes like “green velvet!”
Nettles infusion is an all-time favorite for supporting the body after prolonged stress and also to support healthy kidney and urinary function.* Yup, we’re talking about stinging nettle (Urtica dioica)—don’t worry, it loses its sting when it dries. Rich in chlorophyll and minerals, nettles nourish the body after blood loss, like what we experience during menstruation.
If you’ve ever smelled the aroma of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) leaves, you instantly know why this herb has traditionally been used to uplift the spirits. For centuries, lemon balm has been highly esteemed for its emotional and spiritual effects. Botanist Hildegard of Bingen taught, “Lemon balm contains within it the virtues of a dozen other plants.”
Highly versatile lemon balm makes a lovely tea or infusion from fresh or dried leaves. I grow a lemon balm in a pot on my porch, where it is easy to grab a fresh leaf. Even a quick whiff brightens my day as I step out the door.
Consistent sleep will support healthy energy levels throughout the month. Establish a regular bedtime that ensures you get at least 7-8 hours of sleep, and ditch the alarm clock so your body can wake naturally. To wind down in the evening, consider dimming the lights and quieting your mind by writing or reading.
Naps can also be deeply nourishing and restorative. They’re a perennial fave for Moon Days, and if you have less time, take a nap during your moon hour! Grab an eyemask—mine is stuffed with flaxseed and lavender—so you can slumber sweetly despite ambient light.
Remember, be gentle with yourself. Energy levels are naturally somewhat lower during your period. Like the trees in winter, the roots of plants, the dark of the moon...sometimes your body also needs to sink down to your roots. To exhale, relax, and rest.
In today’s sped-up world, we’re inundated with messages to do better, be better, accomplish more. But it is not healthy to try to constantly sustain productivity. Embrace the dark moon phase of your physical and emotional cycles. Trust that the crescent moon will reemerge. And from there, your fullness and your energy levels will return. The wise woman way.
Yields 2-3 cups of infusion.
This hearty and nourishing infusion blend will support you throughout your cycle. The strong, rich flavors of raspberry and nettles are supported by the gentle sweetness of oatstraw and anise hyssop, enriched with a floral hint of rose and earthy undertones of burdock root.
Ingredients:
Directions:
Just warm up a mug at a time, unsweetened—or add honey if you like. Sip in the natural support of the plants and the Earth to ground you as you reconnect with the cycles of the moon and women throughout the ages.
Pro Tips
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications. For educational purposes only.
Topics: Recipes, Herbalism, Tea & Herbal Drinks
A visionary teacher of women’s wisdom and holistic healing for over 30 years, Corinna Wood is a beloved leader in the natural health community. She founded and directed the wildly popular Southeast Wise Women Herbal Conference—the largest herbal event in the country. Corinna is now pioneering an earth-based, woman-centered approach to inner growth and healing. To study from home with Corinna see Wise Woman Studies with Corinna Wood at www.corinnawood.com.
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When your moontime calls, listen to your body. She’s calling for nourishment and rest. Calling you back to yourself and your wise woman within. Back to the cycle of the moon within you—your womb, your hormonal cycle, your psyche. Give yourself permission to find a little quiet time to yourself. Soak in some extra self-care. Sip herbal infusions.
Let's look at three common concerns during the days leading up to and during your period. For each, I’ll include two of my top herbs and two natural practices for a holistic approach to menstruation (aka “moontime”) support.
Raspberry (Rubus idaeus) has long been a revered herbal ally for women of all stages: during menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. Traditionally used to tone the womb, raspberry is an herbal ally menstruating women today often turn to for soothing uterine muscles.
Raspberry has a strongly astringent flavor reminiscent of black tea. To prepare it as a full-strength herbal infusion to drink with breakfast, you’ll start brewing it the night before. Steep a cup of the dried herb in hot water in a quart jar with an airtight lid. In the morning, strain the infusion and warm up a mugful on the stove, sweetened with milk or honey to taste. Store excess raspberry infusion in the fridge for the next couple of mornings.
I consider motherwort tincture* (Leonurus cardiaca) a staple in my herbal apothecary. Many a time in my menstruating years, working away in my office, I’d groan suddenly at the tug and ache of my womb with my moon coming on. My head swam, numbers and letters blurring. I’d reach for motherwort tincture to help me come back to my center. The soothing hand of motherwort seemed to take the edge and intensity off. I could take a deep breath and focus once more on the task at hand.
* Cautions: Motherwort should not be used during pregnancy. Additionally, if you experience menstrual flooding (most common in menopause) please consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before taking motherwort.
When your low belly or lower back aches before or during your moontime, you can always turn to hot water to soothe the tender tissues. Draw hot water from the tap to fill a simple old-fashioned hot water bottle to lay on, or immerse yourself in a steaming tub.
When I was a budding young herbalist, I lived in a yurt. On winter nights, slipping into the cold sheets could exacerbate tension anywhere in the body. Around my moontime, I found an elegant solution. I’d prep my quart mason jar of herbal infusion while I brushed my teeth and pop it between the sheets! With the radiating jar tucked snugly against my belly, the warmth soothed my womb to sleep.
Inspired by ancient traditions of red tents and moon lodges, many women today take a “Moon Day” to rest and replenish during their period. A break from day-to-day responsibilities nourishes body and soul.
If possible, take time off the second day of your period (or whenever the flow is heaviest). If you cannot manage to take off work for a full day . . . perhaps a half day . . . or even a moon hour. I was amazed that my body didn’t complain so loudly when I preventatively took restorative time, such as journaling quietly in my bedroom or lying on the Earth. Cramps are one of the ways your body calls you back to the moon lodge!
The straw of the oat plant (Avena sativa) is a mildly sweet herb beloved as a gentle, soothing nervine. Sip on a cold glass of oatstraw infusion on a hot summer day or a hot mug by the midwinter fire.
Perhaps you’ve heard of Hildegard of Bingen? She’s considered by scholars to be the founder of scientific natural history in Germany, in the years 1098 to 1179. Oatstraw was one of Hildegard’s favorite “happiness” herbs.
St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) has been studied extensively for how it supports a healthy mood and emotional balance. I love taking this tonifying tincture daily, squeezing a dropperful of the red liquid into a cup of water or tea.
Making tincture from the flowering tops delights the senses. Submerge the yellow flowers in alcohol (I use 100-proof vodka). As it steeps over the weeks, deep red constituents emerge from the yellow buds and flowers into your alcohol solution. Voila!
Sometimes those quiet voices within will roar when you’re on your moon! Today’s norms encourage you to dismiss those strong emotions: “Oh, it’s just my period.” Consider approaching them instead as moments of truth. Remember, there are no bad emotions—only signs pointing to what your heart longs for. In the liminal space of your moontime, the veils between the worlds thin. In other words, you have increased access to your emotions and intuition. Let it flow. Journal. Cry. Allow your powerful wise woman within to be heard. Honor her wisdom.
Take a little time outdoors, whether in the city park or the deep woods. Is your body calling for a slow stroll or a brisk stride? Either way, a walk outside in the fresh air is a quick and easy way to restore your spirits, especially around your moontime. Being out in nature reminds you that you’re a woman connected with the natural cycles of Mother Earth.
With the physical and emotional stressors of the demands of modern life, adrenal exhaustion is common for women today. Even caffeine can overstimulate the adrenals—followed by a drop in energy, requiring the next fix. Rather than caffeine, many women in my community incorporate nettle infusion as a long-term tonic. They like to say this mineral-rich brew tastes like “green velvet!”
Nettles infusion is an all-time favorite for supporting the body after prolonged stress and also to support healthy kidney and urinary function.* Yup, we’re talking about stinging nettle (Urtica dioica)—don’t worry, it loses its sting when it dries. Rich in chlorophyll and minerals, nettles nourish the body after blood loss, like what we experience during menstruation.
If you’ve ever smelled the aroma of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) leaves, you instantly know why this herb has traditionally been used to uplift the spirits. For centuries, lemon balm has been highly esteemed for its emotional and spiritual effects. Botanist Hildegard of Bingen taught, “Lemon balm contains within it the virtues of a dozen other plants.”
Highly versatile lemon balm makes a lovely tea or infusion from fresh or dried leaves. I grow a lemon balm in a pot on my porch, where it is easy to grab a fresh leaf. Even a quick whiff brightens my day as I step out the door.
Consistent sleep will support healthy energy levels throughout the month. Establish a regular bedtime that ensures you get at least 7-8 hours of sleep, and ditch the alarm clock so your body can wake naturally. To wind down in the evening, consider dimming the lights and quieting your mind by writing or reading.
Naps can also be deeply nourishing and restorative. They’re a perennial fave for Moon Days, and if you have less time, take a nap during your moon hour! Grab an eyemask—mine is stuffed with flaxseed and lavender—so you can slumber sweetly despite ambient light.
Remember, be gentle with yourself. Energy levels are naturally somewhat lower during your period. Like the trees in winter, the roots of plants, the dark of the moon...sometimes your body also needs to sink down to your roots. To exhale, relax, and rest.
In today’s sped-up world, we’re inundated with messages to do better, be better, accomplish more. But it is not healthy to try to constantly sustain productivity. Embrace the dark moon phase of your physical and emotional cycles. Trust that the crescent moon will reemerge. And from there, your fullness and your energy levels will return. The wise woman way.
Yields 2-3 cups of infusion.
This hearty and nourishing infusion blend will support you throughout your cycle. The strong, rich flavors of raspberry and nettles are supported by the gentle sweetness of oatstraw and anise hyssop, enriched with a floral hint of rose and earthy undertones of burdock root.
Ingredients:
Directions:
Just warm up a mug at a time, unsweetened—or add honey if you like. Sip in the natural support of the plants and the Earth to ground you as you reconnect with the cycles of the moon and women throughout the ages.
Pro Tips
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications. For educational purposes only.
Topics: Recipes, Herbalism, Tea & Herbal Drinks
A visionary teacher of women’s wisdom and holistic healing for over 30 years, Corinna Wood is a beloved leader in the natural health community. She founded and directed the wildly popular Southeast Wise Women Herbal Conference—the largest herbal event in the country. Corinna is now pioneering an earth-based, woman-centered approach to inner growth and healing. To study from home with Corinna see Wise Woman Studies with Corinna Wood at www.corinnawood.com.
