Women today are busy juggling careers and families. Burning a candle at both ends can be extremely stressful and exhausting. What are some herbs that may be beneficial for the busy women?
American Ginseng (Xi Yang Shen西洋参)
American ginseng gives energy and replenishes moisture in our body. It relieves fatigue and helps us to stay focused. Due to its cool nature, it is especially beneficial for smokers and those who often stay up late at night. Do not take if you have loose bowels or copious white phlegm.
Lingzhi (Ling Zhi 灵芝)
Lingzhi is an all-round performer. Apart from invigorating energy like American Ginseng, it also helps to counter stress, promotes blood circulation, enhances digestive function, and promotes better sleep. Take it in the morning for energy or at night for sleep. Lingzhi reduces blood pressure; hence do not take if your blood pressure is low.
Dendrobium (Shi Hu石斛)
Many women suffer from dry eyes after they reach forty. If you are one of them, you can take dendrobium regularly as tea. It provides moisture and relieves dry, tired eyes. It is also good for thirst and aids in the relief of menopausal hot flush.
Rose (Mei Gui Hua 玫瑰花)
Being a busy woman, having menstrual cramps is not only disruptive to work but also uncomfortable. Take rose tea regularly to help you with this, especially before and during that time of the month. Rose relieves stagnancy of the Liver channel which is responsible for giving women the regular period. It is a warm herb, so if you find it “heaty”, mix it with chrysanthemum (or add red dates and wolfberries for better taste and nutrition).
Honeysuckle Flower (Jin Yin Hua 金银花)
You feel more heat in the air coming out from the nostrils and a sore throat coming up, but you cannot afford to fall sick. What can you do? Take honeysuckle flower tea. This humble flower bud is cold in nature, is anti-inflammatory, and helps bring down body temperature. Take 6-10g as tea each day. Do not take if you are of cold constitution or is having soft bowels.
(by Tan Shiau Tse, TCM Physician, Copyright® HST Medical Pte Ltd)