Of all the formulas I make, this is one I use in my own life, not just recommend. Think of it as food for the female system. It’s a balancing formula that can be used from puberty on, and it never goes out of use. It’s the starter formula for any woman needing support, through the cycling years, menopause and beyond.
What I like about it is that it doesn’t try to do just one thing. It gives the body the raw material it needs to make and balance its own hormones, while calming the nervous system that so often gets frayed along with the hormonal swings. It supports better communication between the brain’s endocrine centers and the ovaries.
What a Good Female Formula Contains
Here is the combination I trust, with the proportions:
- Chaste Tree Berry, 3 parts. Helps regulate irregular cycles, tending to shorten a long cycle and lengthen a short one. It’s traditionally used for other cycle-linked troubles too, like migraines and acne, and can support fertility where progesterone runs low.
- Wild Yam Root, 3 parts. A natural antispasmodic, doing much of the work on cramps by relaxing muscle tension and soothing the nerves.
- Dong Quai Root, 2 parts. Sometimes called the “ultimate herb” for women, traditionally used for menopause symptoms, cramps, low energy and low desire.
- Damiana Leaf, 1 part. A traditional vitality tonic that supports circulation and energy and increases libido.
- Licorice Root, 1 part. One of the best foods I know for the adrenal glands, helping the body handle stress and easing the nervousness and irritability of adrenals worn thin.
- Hops Flowers, 1 part. A gentle, calming touch that supports restful sleep.
“Parts” can be any measure you like, as long as you use the same one for every herb.
Putting It Together
Put the dry herbs in a glass jar and pour in 80-proof vodka. Once the herbs have settled, you want about 60% herb sediment on the bottom and 40% liquid on top. Shake the jar every day. The traditional timing follows the moon, from the new moon to the full moon, about two weeks. I prefer to let my extracts sit a full three months, which makes them good and strong. Then strain and bottle the liquid.
How I Use It
The amount is simple and doesn’t change: 1½ teaspoons a day, regardless of age, weight or situation. I usually take it all at once in the morning. If hot flashes or night sweats are part of the picture, split it instead and time it: an hour or two ahead of when hot flashes tend to strike, or the larger share before bed for night sweats.
Normally, set it aside the week of your period. The one exception is breakthrough or excess bleeding, during menopause or any other time. Then a full tablespoon, taken for a day or two in a row, will usually slow the bleeding within a few hours. Keep up the higher amount another day or so to help keep it from starting back up. The only thing to expect at that amount is some breast tenderness from the natural progesterone-like action. It’s harmless and clears up once you’re back to the normal amount.
Over the years I’ve watched many women use this formula to gradually come off synthetic hormones. That weaning is best done slowly, over 30 to 60 days.
My Own Story
My last cycle came after 11 months without one, and it hit hard. I was 48, and my body seemed determined to make up for all those missed months at once: heavy bleeding, clots, and emotional swings that were honestly the harder part. I took a tablespoon of my female formula twice that first day. Within a few hours the emotional swing eased and I felt like myself again, and the bleeding slowed to a normal flow in about four hours. I kept up that high amount for the week, and the bleeding stopped within five days. I never had another cycle after that, and I was more than ready.
Every woman’s experience is different, but we’re all likely to run into something unexpected along the way. Menopause doesn’t have to be a nightmare with the right support behind you.
A Family Favorite
If you have several daughters and want a peaceful household, make sure they all get their female formula. It keeps the PMS grouch away. It’s no surprise that husbands and fathers are the ones I hear from most often about keeping it in the house!
Three Formulas, Three Jobs
I keep three formulas for the female system, and each has its own job:
- The everyday formula (this post): basic food for the female system, a balancing formula for every woman from puberty on. It’s the starting place for anyone needing support.
- The structural formula: for rebuilding and revitalizing a female system that has been worn down, as part of a program for endometriosis, cysts and similar troubles.
- The hormonal formula: hormonal food that gives the body the raw material to make whatever hormones it calls for, for men and women alike.
This is shared for educational purposes, from my own study and experience. It is not medical advice.
