Seasonal Advice
Hi everybody. I hope you all are staying warm as the season cools. Did you know keeping your uterus warm helps reduce cramping and discomfort? Many cultures teach women not to sit on cold surfaces like cement or metal because it’s believed the chill will travel up into the woman and cause issues. This month we are going to discuss a few helpful tips for the female reproductive system. This is directed at the ladies but I feel like the gentlemen can also learn some things too. I’m not forgetting you guys; I’ll do a male centric newsletter in the future.
Below are herbal formula recommendations for common female reproductive symptoms. They can be a bit confusing. If you have all or most of the symptoms, you’ll be a good candidate to take them. Feel free to text, email, call me so I can help recommend the correct formula. All but the last formula are by Health Concerns.
PMS, bloating, fatigue, breast swelling, mild depression, cramps - Woman’s Balance
Painful cramps, fibroids, cysts - Cramp Bark Plus
Hot flashes, night sweats, irritability, infertility or menopause - Fertile Garden
Back cramps, cold feet, frequent urination, hair loss - Astra Essence
Infertility, cold all the time, irregular menstruation, uterine bleeding - Maternal Herbal
Fatigue, mild bleeding and cramping due to birth, miscarriage, or abortion - Postpartum
Feeling warm, endometriosis, cysts, fibroids, PID, or cervical dysplasia - Unlocking Formula
Mild cramps - Chewable Chocolate Cal Mag by Pioneer
It’s important for women to replenish iron because of regular blood loss. If you have a heavy flow or are prone to blood deficiency, try supplementing often with iron. I like Energizing Iron or Liquid Iron by Integrative Therapeutics. Eating foods high in iron is a great way to replenish your iron stores. Below is an iron rich beef stew perfect for a chilly fall day. It’s so delicious and pairs nicely with buttery mashed potatoes if you are looking for comfort food. This stew is modified from a Tyler Florence recipe.
Recipe Beef Stew
2 pounds organic beef chuck, cut into small pieces
8 fresh thyme sprigs
2 carrots, cut into 1/4-inch slices
6 garlic cloves, crushed
1 large onion, largely chopped
1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
1 orange peel
Cloves, a handful
1 bay leaf
1 bottle dry red wine
1/4 cup olive oil
3 tablespoons organic butter
Sea salt and ground black pepper
Bouquet Garni
2 1/2 cups organic beef stock (store bought or home made)
1/2 pound baby carrots
1/2 pound garden peas
1 pound white mushrooms, chopped
Pinch organic sugar
Fresh parsley, ripped, garnish
Chives, chopped, garnish
In a large bowl, add beef, thyme, garlic, onion, carrots, orange peel, peppercorns, cloves, bay leaf, and wine. Mix well, cover, and refrigerate for a few hours hours. Remove beef from the marinade and blot dry on paper towels. Heat the oil and butter in a large pot on high heat. Add the beef and brown evenly on all sides. Season with salt and ground black pepper. Strain the marinade into the beef and stir, scraping up the flavorful bits in the bottom of the pot. Add bouquet garni and stock. Reduce heat, bring to a simmer and cook, uncovered, until the liquid starts to thicken, about 15 to 20 minutes. Cover on low heat for 2 hours. Then add the baby carrots, garden peas, mushrooms, and sugar. Turn the heat up slightly and simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes more, until the vegetables and meat are tender. Garnish with chopped parsley and chives. Serves about 6 people.
Acu point 合谷 He Gu union valley Li 4
Location: In the middle of the 2nd metacarpal bone on the radial side
Action : Treats chronic pain. Regulates digestion. Helps any issue of the head and face. Promotes labor and counter indicative for pregnancy.
Li4 is used in combination with Lr 3 to strongly move the qi and blood which alleviates pain. Sp 6 is helpful too.
Exercise
Mayan Abdominal Massage from Dr. Rosita Arvigo
Benefits uterus, prostate, bladder, and digestion. Promotes fertility.
The Mayan Massage works best with massage oil and short fingernails. This massage can be preformed all month long except if you are menstruating because we want your energy to be going downward, not upward, at that time.
Void your bladder, lie on your back, and take a few deep breaths. 1 - Bring both of your hands together with your index fingers side by side and tuck one thumb under the other. Bring all eight fingers close together, slightly bent and relaxed. 2 - Locate where your pubic bones meet and place your fingers on it. As you exhale, slowly slide off the top of your pubic bone. Press as deeply as it is comfortable for you into the soft tissue space above your pubic bone. 3 - While maintaining the same pressure, gently and slowly move your fingertips toward your navel. Repeat this stroke from your pubic bone to your navel a total of 3 times. 4 - With the same starting hand position, while exhaling, slowly slide off the bone and press as deeply as it is comfortable for you into the soft tissue space of the pelvic bowl, drawing your fingers up from the public bone toward your right front hip bone. 5 - Repeat this stroke a total of 3 times. 6 - Repeat #4 and #5 on the left side of the pelvis. 7 - Repeat this entire massage 3-5 times.
Meditation Sit or stand comfortable. Take a few deep, slow breaths. Focus your intention on your lower abdomen and see if you can feel your second chakra or dan tian (power center). Envision your uterus and ovaries or prostate. Imagine them blooming into a beautiful deep red flower or ball. Redirect all the stress and negative energy in your life into healing energy and send it into your lower abdomen. Watch it pulse and strengthen. Continue to connect and observe your dan tian for 10-20 minutes or until you feel yourself relax.
Happy November To All! See you soon at your next appointment. Dr. Heather Bird
All of the products mentioned can be found on my online store for 10% off.