GODDESS BLEND

Yarrow Leaf (Achillea millefolium)

• Menstrual Cycle Regulation: Yarrow is a potent regulator of the menstrual cycle. It can be used to help with both heavy bleeding (menorrhagia) and to encourage a delayed or absent period (amenorrhea).
• Cramps and Pain: It has antispasmodic properties that help to relax the muscles of the uterus, making it excellent for easing menstrual cramps and pain.
• General Astringent: Yarrow is an excellent astringent and hemostatic herb, meaning it can help stop bleeding. This is why it's a traditional remedy for heavy periods.

Wood Betony (Stachys officinalis)

• Nervous System Tonic: Wood Betony is a fantastic nervine. It helps to calm a "frayed" or overstressed nervous system. For women, this can be particularly useful for managing stress and anxiety that can exacerbate PMS symptoms or hormonal imbalances.
• Headaches and Tension: It is traditionally used to relieve tension headaches, which can be a common symptom of hormonal fluctuations.
• Mood Support: It can have a gentle uplifting effect on mood, which is helpful during times of stress or premenstrual mood swings.

Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)

• Menstrual Cramps: Chamomile is a well-known antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory. It helps relax the smooth muscles of the uterus, significantly reducing the pain and discomfort of menstrual cramps.
• Anxiety and Stress: Its calming properties are legendary. Drinking chamomile tea can help soothe anxiety, nervous tension, and irritability associated with PMS or perimenopause.
• Digestive Upset: It's also great for "nervous stomach" or digestive issues that can sometimes accompany the menstrual cycle.

Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

• Anxiety and Mood: Lemon Balm is a gentle but effective nervine. It is particularly good at calming anxiety, lifting the spirits, and promoting a sense of well-being, which is often needed during the premenstrual phase.
• Insomnia: When a racing mind prevents sleep, Lemon Balm can help. It's a wonderful herb for promoting restful sleep.
• Digestive Support: It can ease digestive distress, bloating, and gas, which are common complaints during the menstrual cycle.

Vitex Berries (Vitex agnus-castus), or Chasteberry

• Hormonal Regulation: This is perhaps the most specific and powerful herb on the list for women's reproductive health. Vitex doesn't contain hormones itself, but it acts on the pituitary gland to balance the hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle.
• PMS Symptoms: It is a go-to herb for a wide range of PMS symptoms, including breast tenderness, mood swings, headaches, and fluid retention.
• Cycle Irregularity: Vitex is particularly effective for women with irregular cycles, helping to lengthen the luteal phase and regulate the timing of ovulation.
• Menopause Symptoms: It can also be used to help manage symptoms of perimenopause, such as hot flashes and mood changes.

Oat Straw (Avena sativa)

• Nervous System Support: Oat straw is a premier "nervine tonic." It is rich in minerals, particularly magnesium, which nourish the nervous system and help the body cope with stress. This can be especially useful for women who are "run down" or experiencing nervous exhaustion.
• Stress and Hormonal Balance: By strengthening the nervous system, oat straw indirectly helps support hormonal balance. It can calm anxiety and provide a gentle energy boost without being a stimulant.
• Nutritive Tonic: It is a highly nutritive herb that is a great source of vitamins and minerals, making it a wonderful daily tonic for overall wellness.

Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca)

• Menstrual Cramps: As its name suggests, Motherwort has a powerful affinity for the female reproductive system. It is an excellent antispasmodic for relieving menstrual cramps, especially when they are accompanied by emotional tension.
• Heart Palpitations and Anxiety: Motherwort is also a profound "heart tonic." It's excellent for calming a racing heart or anxiety that can sometimes accompany hormonal shifts, such as during menopause or PMS.
• Perimenopause and Hot Flashes: It is a well-known herb for helping to manage the symptoms of perimenopause, including hot flashes and mood swings. It can help ground and calm a woman during this transitional time.

Add 1 teaspoon of loose-leaf tea per 8 ounces of boiling water. Place your measured loose-leaf tea into a tea infuser or tea ball into your mug or teapot. Make sure the leaves have space to expand. Steep for 10-12 minutes.

Add sweetener if needed.

Yarrow (Leaf & Flower)

 

• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Yarrow is generally considered unsafe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It can stimulate uterine contractions and affect the menstrual cycle, which could potentially lead to miscarriage.

• Allergies: People with allergies to plants in the Asteraceae/Compositae family (e.g., ragweed, chamomile, chrysanthemums) should avoid yarrow as it can cause an allergic reaction.

• Blood Clotting: Yarrow may slow blood clotting. If you are taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications (blood thinners) like warfarin or aspirin, or if you have a bleeding disorder, you should avoid yarrow as it may increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.

• Surgery: Stop using yarrow at least two weeks before any scheduled surgery.

 

Wood Betony (Leaf)

 

• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: There is not enough reliable information on the safety of wood betony during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It's best to avoid use to be safe.

• Low Blood Pressure: Wood betony might lower blood pressure. If you have low blood pressure or are taking medications for high blood pressure, consult your doctor as it could cause your blood pressure to drop too low.

• Surgery: Stop using wood betony at least two weeks before any scheduled surgery as it might affect blood pressure control.

 

Chamomile (Flowers)

 

• Allergies: Like yarrow, chamomile is in the Asteraceae/Compositae family. If you have an allergy to ragweed, daisies, or chrysanthemums, you may have an allergic reaction to chamomile.

• Blood Thinners: Chamomile may increase the effects of anticoagulant medications (like warfarin), potentially increasing the risk of bleeding.

• Hormone-sensitive Conditions: Chamomile could interfere with the effects of tamoxifen, hormone replacement therapy, and estrogen-containing oral contraceptives.

• Pregnancy: It is generally recommended to avoid the use of chamomile during pregnancy as it can stimulate the uterus.

 

Lemon Balm (Leaf)

 

• Thyroid Conditions: Lemon Balm can affect thyroid function and may interfere with thyroid hormone replacement therapy. People with thyroid disease should avoid this herb.

• Sedative Medications: Lemon balm can cause drowsiness. Combining it with other sedatives (prescription medications, alcohol) could lead to excessive sleepiness.

• Surgery: Stop using lemon balm at least two weeks before a scheduled surgery.

 

Vitex Berries (Chasteberry)

 

• Pregnancy: Vitex is unsafe during pregnancy. Its hormonal effects could interfere with pregnancy and should not be used.

• Hormone-sensitive Conditions: Because Vitex has hormonal effects, it may not be safe for women with hormone-sensitive conditions, such as breast, uterine, or ovarian cancer.

• Hormonal Medications: It can interfere with hormonal medications like birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy.

• Breastfeeding: Its use during breastfeeding is controversial and should be approached with caution, as it can affect prolactin levels.

 

Oat Straw

 

• Gluten Sensitivity: Oat straw is generally considered safe, but individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should use caution, as oats can be cross-contaminated with gluten.

• Allergies: Some people may have an allergic reaction to oats.

 

Motherwort (Leaf & Flower)

 

• Pregnancy: Motherwort is likely unsafe during pregnancy as it can stimulate the uterus and might cause a miscarriage.

• Breastfeeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if it's safe to use while breastfeeding.

• Heart Conditions: Motherwort can affect heart rate and blood pressure. If you have a serious heart condition, low blood pressure, or are taking heart medications (like beta-blockers), you must consult your doctor before use.

• Sedative Medications: Motherwort has a sedative effect. Taking it with other sedative medications can cause excessive sleepiness.

• Blood Thinners: It can affect blood clotting, so use caution if you are on blood thinners.

 

Summary of the Blend's Warnings

 

The combination of these herbs, particularly Yarrow, Vitex, Motherwort, and Chamomile, makes this blend unsafe for pregnant and breastfeeding individuals. The hormonal actions of Vitex and the uterine stimulating effects of Yarrow and Motherwort pose a significant risk.

Additionally, this blend should be avoided by anyone who:

• Is allergic to plants in the Asteraceae/Compositae family.

• Is taking blood thinners.

• Has a hormone-sensitive condition (e.g., breast cancer).

• Is taking hormonal birth control or hormone replacement therapy.

• Has low blood pressure.

• Has a thyroid condition.

The most important takeaway is to consult a qualified healthcare professional, such as a doctor or a clinical herbalist, before consuming this tea blend, especially if you have any pre-existing health conditions or are taking any medications.

Please note that the products offered on our website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information provided on our website is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. It is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare provider before using any products, especially if you have existing health conditions or are taking medication. We encourage you to make informed decisions and seek guidance from a healthcare professional regarding the use of our products.