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Page 80
cabbage leaf poultice; simply soften the leaf with a vegetable mallet and hold in place with a loose bandage.
Internally, meadowsweet and St. John's wort tea (1 teaspoon of each to a cup of water) can help to relieve pain in the short term, although if the condition persists for more than forty-eight hours or worsens, seek professional help.
Menstrual Problems
Herbal medicine can be extremely effective for treating menstrual disorders. As always, identifying the underlying cause of the problem is vital for accurate treatment.
Heavy Menstrual Flow
Persistent problems should be referred to a specialist for accurate diagnosis, but an occasional excessive flow can be helped with stinging nettle and yarrow tea (1 teaspoon of each to 1 cup of water). Persistent heavy menstrual blood loss can lead to anemia so add iron-rich foods like liver, apricots, watercress, and parsley to the diet or take supplements of Dong Quai (Angelica polymorpha var. sinensis) available from health food stores.
Menstrual Pain
Try St. John's wort tea and raspberry leaf (Rubus idaeus) tea (1 teaspoon of each to a cup of water), marigold infusion, or massage 5 drops of sage oil in 1 teaspoon of almond oil over the lower abdomen. If available, 2 teaspoons of black haw tincture (Viburnum prunifolium) in half a glass of hot water will often bring rapid and lasting relief. Exercise often helps, so rather than curling up with a hot water bottle and feeling miserable, take a brisk walk. Regular sexual intercourse in the days before a period can also reduce the likelihood of painful menstruation.
Vaginal Itching
This is often related to fungal infections (see p. 88) and can be associated with recurrent bouts of cystitis. It is also common in post-menopausal women. Marigold, tea tree, and vitamin E creams can all bring relief. If it is available, add 1 drop of rose oil

 
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