Nestled in the center of a female’s lower pelvic cavity is the uterus – the womb. It is commonly understood that the womb provides temporary residence for a growing fetus until the fetus is ready to make its way into the world.

The uterus, however, has many other “jobs” in terms of supporting female fertility health:

• It responds to cyclic hormone fluctuations in turn shedding its lining during menstruation
• It directs blood flow to the ovaries, vagina and external female sexual organs to increase sexual response
• It builds its lining to nourish a fertilized ovum
• It plays an important role in physically supporting the position of the bladder, bowel – organs within the pelvic cavity

There is no other organ quite like the uterus. If men had such an organ they would brag about it. So should we.” ~ Ina May Gaskin

There are many herbs known to nourish the uterus and to support its tone and function, but also for Improving Uterine Health for Fertility, Conception and Implantation. Many of them taste wonderful as a tea too!

Four of my favorite herbs for strengthening the uterus are:

Red Raspberry Leaf (Rubus idaeus, spp.) – Known as one of the most effective uterine tonic herbs (feeding uterine tissues for proper tension and tone), Red Raspberry leaf is high in vitamins and minerals, most notably calcium.

Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) – High in protein, vitamins and minerals, especially absorbable calcium and magnesium (important for smooth muscle function) and most every trace mineral, important for relaxation of the nervous system and hormonal balance. Red Clover is also known to alkalinize the entire body which may support healthy acid/alkaline balance within the uterus and vagina.

Nettles (Urtica dioica) – Nourishing for the entire body, Nettles has a high mineral content including iron. It contains ample amounts of chlorophyll which provides food for the hormonal system. Nettles also support uterine tone and strengthens the kidneys and adrenal glands.

Lady’s Mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris) – This lesser known herb is well known in the herbal community for it’s affinity for the female reproductive organs. This herb is astringent, drying and strengthening of the body tissues, and is traditionally used to support healthy menses and uterine health issues that are accompanied by inflammation (even postpartum). Lady’s Mantle also maintains the balance of salts and fluids within the cell walls and membranes of the body.

Blend Your Own Uterus Strengthening Tea:

Ingredients:
2 parts Red Raspberry leaf
1 part Nettles
½ part Red Clover
¼ part Lady’s Mantle
and a pinch of one of the following…

• Peppermint (Mentha piperita)– mints are cooling and known as sexual stimulants
• Hibiscus flowers (Hibiscus sabdariffa) – high in vitamin C and supports iron absorption
• Cinnamon bark (Cinnamomum spp.) – warming, supports healthy circulation to the reproductive organs and acts as a catalyst

If you are wondering how to measure “parts” of each herb, watch this video…

Combine each herb in a glass container with a tightly fitting lid. When ready to brew a cup, pour 8-12 ounces of freshly boiled water over 2 Tablespoons (Tbsp.) of loose herb mixture, cover and steep for 15 minutes. Strain and enjoy!

References:
DIY Guide to Tea Blending. (2014, January 8). Retrieved January 23, 2015, from http://www.deliciousobsessions.com/2014/01/diy-guide-tea-blending/
Mandal, MD, A. (2009, November 17). What Does the Uterus Do? Retrieved January 23, 2015, from http://www.news-medical.net/health/What-Does-the-Uterus-Do.aspx
Tierra, M. (1998). The way of herbs: Fully updated–with the latest developments in herbal science (pp. 149-150). New York: Pocket Books.
Weed, S. (1985). Before Pregnancy. In Wise woman herbal for the childbearing year (pp. 1-4). Woodstock, N.Y.: Ash Tree Pub.
Wood, M. (1997). Alchemilla vulgaris; Lady’s Mantle. In The Book of Herbal Wisdom (pp. 112-122). Berkeley: North Atlantic Books.