A Woman's Best Friend

     Today, while we were heading home, my husband asked me if we could learn to determine seasons by the herbs that come to their peak around us. "That's what we're doing, isn't it", I replied as I watched the roadside foliage from my window. The end of summer draws near, and it shows through the blooming of the Joe Pye (last week's post) and the iron weed. The fields are rich with yellow and purple hues, soon to be replaced with autumn's changes. The harvest moon hung heavy and low just the other night. There is no denial of nature telling us about the months to come through these subtle hints.

     Saturday afternoon, I left the property to walk down to the field across the way. The Joe Pye and iron weed stood tall above my own height and the goldenrod brushed my legs at its shorter length. You should go and inhale the aromas of these herbs! The Joe Pye is more fragrant and sweeter smelling than the iron weed. The beautiful iron weed is a deeper, more rich purple color than the lovely Joe Pye, and stands just a wee bit shorter. With fewer flowers, the iron weed stands apart from the Joe Pye. 
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     Enough of Joe Pye, though. Her limelight was last week's post.

     Iron weed has a few common names, as we've begun to realize most herbs have. Blue vervain and indian hyssop are two of the most common ones, but don't be swayed by these names as Vernonia (iron weed's latin name) is an herb of its own. Also like Joe Pye, iron weed attracts butterflies and other fluttering wild life with its sweet, rich nectar. You can also find this gorgeous gal by the streams, roadsides, in the fields, etc. Basically, when Joe Pye blooms (July/August) iron weed blooms. Where Joe Pye grows iron weed grows. 
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     Strangely enough, not much research has been done on this herb. What we do know, however, is that it is an herb that benefits women in specialized ways! Women with awful periods, prepare for good news...

     This herb helps women with amenorrhoea. This term relays to the absence of a period - "skipping", if you will. Dysmenorrhoea, a very common condition, is also aided by this herb. Dysmenorrhoea is menstruation with pain, such as cramps. It also helps excessive blood flow (metrorrhagia).  

​     There are other herbs that also help with these conditions. Chamomile, for example, is my favorite for period cramps relief. 
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      Since the root of this herb is the part that is used, a decoction is advised. Whenever a decoction is used, it's usually used for extracting constituents from a root or woody substance. 

     Warning that overuse of this herb may lead to toxic effects. Also, skin irritation may occur if used topically. Pregnant or nursing women, and children should not take this herb.

     As simple as this herb may seem, always use caution when taking herbs and always consult a doctor prior to your herbal regimen. 
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​     As always, good health to you and yours!