6 herbal remedies just for women

From period cramps to yeast infections, there are many female ailments that can be costly to treat using drugstore brands. Instead, try these all-natural recipes that are good for your body and your pocketbook.

Forget the pills marketed just for cramps. Try this less expensive, easy-to-make remedy instead. These tinctures are available in natural food stores.

• 2 ml (1/2 tsp) valerian tincture
• 2 ml (1/2 tsp)  cramp bark tincture

Take a dose of valerian tincture and a dose of cramp bark tincture every one to two hours. These are both natural muscle relaxants.

You can enhance the help of a heating pad by using a touch of ginger and oil.

• 30 ml (2 tbsp) castor oil
• 10 drops ginger essential oil

1. In a small dish, mix castor oil and ginger essential oil.
2. Spread the oil mixture over your abdomen, cover with a cotton or wool flannel cloth then apply a heating pad for 20 to 30 minutes.

This combination of herbs can safely relax cramps and reduce your discomfort.

• 250 ml (1 c) boiling water
• 1 ml (1/4 tsp) dried raspberry leaves
• 1 ml (1/4 tsp) dried chamomile flowers
• 1 ml (1/4 tsp) crushed fennel seeds
• 1 ml (1/4 tsp) dried spearmint leaves

1. In a large cup, pour 250 millilitres (one cup) of boiling water over the raspberry leaves, chamomile, crushed fennel seeds and spearmint. Steep 10 minutes and strain into a teacup.
2. Drink for relief when the cramps hit.

Here is a simple preparation that will calm your stomach in the morning and reduce nausea without making you sleepy.

• 250 ml (1 c) boiling water
• 2 ml (1/2 tsp) minced fresh ginger

1.  In a large cup, pour the cup of boiling water over the ginger. Steep 10 minutes, strain into a container and refrigerate.
2. Sip in the morning when you wake.

This tea is designed to help regulate hormone levels for all types of premenstrual syndrome without harming your stomach or liver.

• 15 ml (1 tbsp) chopped dried dandelion roots and/or leaves
• 15 ml (1 tbsp) chopped dried burdock root
• 1 L (4 c) water
• 5 ml (1 tsp) chopped dried black cohosh rhizome or root
• 5 ml (1 tsp) dried cramp bark
• 5 ml (1 tsp) grated orange peel
• 5 ml (1 tsp) chopped dried liquorice root

1. In a pot, combine the dandelion roots and/or leaves and burdock root with the water. Add the black cohosh, cramp bark, orange peel and liquorice root. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, 40 minutes. Cover and steep for 15 minutes. Strain into a clean container with a tight-fitting lid.
2. Drink 125 millilitres to 250 millilitres (1/2 to one cup) hot or cold as needed throughout the day. Refrigerate remainder.

You don't need those expensive over-the-counter yeast infection remedies. You can make this in no time and for very little money. Buy capsules of acidophilus bacteria — the bacteria used to make yogurt — in health food stores.

• 1 capsule acidophilus bacteria
• 45 ml (3 tbsp) plain organic yogurt with active cultures

1. In a small dish, open the capsule and mix the bacteria and the yogurt.
2. Apply inside the vagina with a medicine syringe at night and wear a pad to prevent leakage.