Our Monthly Companion

Menstruation is an ever present phenomenon in every woman’s life, and a foundation of her functioning reproductive system. With small variations from month to month, menstrual bleeding is rather consistent. Thus, it is not difficult to detect sudden abnormalities. First of all, we need to know what ‘normal’ is. Periods should occur 21-35 days apart, and should not last for longer than 7 days. They should occur regularly on a monthly basis. Although a certain level of discomfort and pain is usually present, it shouldn’t get in the way of our usual everyday activities. The bleeding should occur during the period, and not in between.  

Teenage girls usually find their periods rather frenzied and unpredictable, however as the ovaries age, ovulation and menstruation become more and more regular. Once it becomes stable, even the slightest changes will sound an alarm.

What are the changes in our cycle trying to tell us?

• ·         If periods suddenly start lasting longer than usual, it can be a sign of polyps or uterine fibroids, benign changes on the uterine wall. A detailed pelvic checkup and transvaginal ultrasound is advised.
• ·         Large blood clots, size of a coin, usually accompanied by heavy bleeding during periods, point at endometriosis, the disorder where the endometrium - lining of the uterus, grows outside of it and reacts to the secreted hormones the same way as normal endometrium, shedding its lining during a period. Since endometriosis can cause numerous complications, urgent help from a professional is a must.
• ·         Extremely painful periods can be another sign of endometriosis. Certain level of menstrual pain and discomfort is normal, however if it is so severe that it impedes everyday activities, month after month, professional help is needed.
• ·         Spotting between periods or inter-menstrual bleeding that lasts longer than two months can indicate a hormone imbalance or an STD. However, sometimes spotting can simply be caused by stress or sudden weight loss. Anyway, it’s always wiser to get a checkup on time.
• ·         If menstrual blood is too light, our estrogen levels could be too low, preventing the uterine lining to form properly. It is usually accompanied with hair loss, irregular periods and vaginal dryness.
• ·         Absence of menstruation, amenorrhea, unless caused by pregnancy, can occur at times of extreme stress, malnutrition and low fat diet, too much exercise, thyroid disorder or onset of menopause.
• ·         Irregular periods or missed periods could indicate a hormone imbalance caused by polycystic ovaries, particularly if they are accompanied with weight gain, fatigue, increased facial hair, acne, mood swings and abdominal pain. Any absence of menstruation longer than 3 months requires a medical checkup.
• ·         Heavy periods that last longer than 7 days could be a sign of uterine fibroids. Fibroids are caused by hormone imbalance, and although they are benign, they could cause discomfort by, for example, putting too much pressure on the bladder, or triggering extremely heavy bleeding which could lead to anemia.

We live in a world where menstrual disorders are becoming much more common than normal periods. Sadly, our environment is swamped with hormone disruptors which are impossible to avoid. However, there are certain aspects of our lives that we can control: getting enough sleep, exercising regularly and moderately, cutting out alcohol, caffeine, fast food and sugar, maintaining normal weight and having regular medical checkups.

For centuries, women have been seeking relief in nature. Today, old experience is united with modern, scientific knowledge in Femisan A, an entirely natural, herbal preparation. Femisan A can help regulate the menstrual cycle, balance hormones, strengthen the lining of the uterus, eliminate cysts, protect the ovaries and reduce menstrual pain.

PCOS, Enemy of Body and Mind

If you feel tired, grumpy, you can’t explain the sudden weight gain and facial hair, nevertheless your scalp gets thinner while your periods become irregular… it’s not you, it’s your hormones.

PCOS, the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome affects approximately 18% of women worldwide. It is manifested with ovarian cysts which are benign; nevertheless they can seriously interfere with reproductive hormonal balance, by producing excessive male hormones, thus disrupting the normal menstrual cycle. Apart from creating series of unpleasant physical symptoms like irregular, abundant and painful periods, inability to conceive, greasy and acne-prone skin, facial and body hair, weight gain and constant lack of energy, the PCOS can seriously crush a woman’s self-esteem, lead to depression and poor social life.

PCOS also has an underlying physical aspect: it prevents the body from using the insulin properly, leading to insulin resistance and potentially diabetes. It also affects blood vessels and pressure, and if left untreated, can cause heart attack or stroke. The fact that the PCOS and insulin resistance are so closely linked clearly implies that it can significantly be influenced by proper diet.  

The three essential nutritional  must-dos when diagnosed with PCOS are:

1. Forget about simple carbs like white flour, sugar and processed food, and opt for complex carbs: brown rice, oats, legumes, vegetables and fruit.
2. Eat healthy protein and fats: chicken, eggs, oily fish, avocado, and nuts, use unrefined, good quality cooking oils.
3. Eat small portions more regularly in order to maintain proper insulin levels and avoid episodes of extreme hunger and overeating. 

The following lifestyle changes, apart from proper diet, should be embraced:

• Exercise regularly and spend more time outdoors.
• Maintain a healthy body weight.
• Ditch alcohol and cigarettes.
• Use relaxation techniques to reduce stress: meditation, prayer, whatever works for you.
• Use natural remedies and medicinal herbs to regain hormonal balance.

Femisan A plus Maca capsules is a natural formula designed for women that contributes to normal physiological functions of the female reproductive system. It does not contain any artificial ingredients or hormones. The formula consists of dry extracts of 6 medicinal herbs and zinc. Femisan A plus Maca capsules is efficient in the treatment of PCOS.

Herb-Robert, Our Superhero

Germanium is an element known for its remarkable effects on the immune system: it fights free radicals, carries oxygen to cells and increases the antibody-stimulating interferon levels… Germanium is a super-hero that protects our body from bacteria, viruses and tumours.

Nobel laureate, Otto Warburg discovered that low oxygen was characteristic of cancer cells. Germanium is known to lavish cells with oxygen, provide energy, vitality, immunity and restore balance. Germanium is a natural element which can be found in certain food, for example, in shiitake mushrooms, ginseng, garlic, and one extraordinary medicinal herb – herb-robert.

Herb-robert, Geranium Robertianum, was named after a 13^th century monk who used the plant to cure numerous people. Throughout history it has been considered a symbol of happiness, abundance and fertility, often pictured together with storks.

Healing properties of herb-robert are frequently overlooked today, which is a shame as it can reduce the risk of cancer. It can be consumed fresh or dried, and it combines well with other medicinal herbs.

Its superb antibiotic and antibacterial properties help with open wounds, ulcers, internal bleeding, nose bleeding, toothache, and it is a great protector of women. Herb-robert can help with irregular and heavy periods, prevent disorders of ovaries, and fight infertility. That is why it is one of the key ingredients of Femisan A. Together with five other herbs, herb-robert does its utmost – it performs small miracles.

Every gardener knows that herb-robert is a persistent and adaptable weed. You can pluck it and pull it, and it will grow back. We can learn a lot from its symbolism.

Embraced by Lady’s Mantle

Searching for the philosopher’s stone, which was supposed to enable them to turn metal into gold, the alchemists left us numerous legends. One of them says that the key ingredient required in the process was the guttation water on lady’s mantle leaves. The precious liquid is sap forming on the leaf, unique and pure. The alchemists never succeeded in their mission; however, their legend was not in vain.

Lady’s mantle, or Alchemillae folium, still holds the alchemy in its scientific name, for a good reason: it can help us obtain the greatest treasure of all – our health. Lady’s mantle has had a reputation of the protector of women for ages.

Long ago, when numerous pregnancies ended tragically, for the new born, the mother or both, women sought help in nature. And they found it in this precious herb. Today, with all the fantastic achievements of the modern medicine, women still largely suffer from reproductive system disorders. Moreover, one could say that the modern way of living has brought us numerous health issues, and is particularly to blame for reduced chances of conception.

Once again, we need to seek help in nature. Lady’s mantle, especially when combined with some other medicinal herbs, successfully fights the following disorders:

•         Ovarian cysts
•         Uterine fibroids and excessive bleeding
•         Irregular periods
•         Painful periods
•         Endometriosis
•         PCOS – Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
•         Fibrocystic breast
•         Infertility, inability to conceive
•        Cervical lesions
•        Premenstrual syndrome
•        Hormonal mood swings

The tannin contained in Lady’s mantle not only tightens mucilage, thus protecting from infections and improving wound healing, but also strengthens the heart, alleviates stress and insomnia and helps us maintain healthy body weight.

Lady’s mantle is one of key ingredients of Femisan A Plus Maca Capsules. Completely natural and easy to use, Femisan A is the contemporary mantle protecting reproductive health of modern women.

Thrown off the Track by Hormones

Do you suffer from acne, memory fog, chronic fatigue, depression, anxiety or sleep disorder? Do you often feel frustrated, extremely emotional and find it difficult to stop binge eating? Do you have tension headaches, IBS, sudden weight gain and experience extreme flatulence? Is loss of libido ruining your relationship or marriage?

Do you know that all of these symptoms and conditions can be caused by hormonal imbalance? Our modern way of living made us drift too far away from nature. We often use medications, we are swamped with toxic plastic and polluted air, we give in to unhealthy diet rich in fats, sugars and meat full of steroids and antibiotics, we sit for too long, we don’t get enough sunshine, and we are on the Pill. As a consequence, we are witnesses of an epidemic of hormonal imbalance among women all around the world.

It may take a while before we realize that the symptoms we have been having are caused by hormonal imbalance. Apart from the reproductive system, it can harm the thyroid, the bones and muscles, the heart and veins and it can increase risk of tumors. When it hits the uterus and ovaries, apart from the above mentioned conditions, it can also cause:

·         irregular or missed periods
·         trouble in conceiving
·         PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome)
·         ovarian cysts
·         cervical lesions
·         endometriosis
·         uterine fibroids
·         pre-menstrual symptoms
·         menstrual cramps and excessive bleeding during periods
·         fibrocystic breasts.

Once we get thrown off the track, going back is not easy. We are grateful to modern medicine for all the advances in various treatments of serious diseases, but when it comes to the hormones, apart from the synthetic substitutes, it does not have much to offer. Since the problem is caused by our drifting away from the nature, the solution, logically, would be to get closer to it once again. 

 

Throughout history, women sought help in green fields and woods. There is a vast traditional knowledge that cannot be denied even by modern science. Certain herbs help, and clinical trials have confirmed that the traditional beliefs are well founded.  

Lady’s mantle has been used for ages for female ailments and infertility. It contains tannins which have a strong astringent effect, thus preventing heavy bleeding, which explains why women with heavy, painful menstruations and uterine fibroids find it helpful. Studies proved that lady’s mantle is an efficient tumor inhibitor. Its effect on gastrointestinal disorders has also been proven.

Yarrow, known since ancient times, is known to alleviate cramps and pain, especially in the lower pelvic region. Its flavonoids have a spasmolytic effect, while pro-azulene soothes inflammations. It is an excellent remedy for painful periods.

Marigold can heal wounds, reduce inflammation, kill microbes and parasites and is an excellent diuretic. It prevents water retention during the pre-menstrual phase, and is a potent healer of uterine wounds, cysts and fibroids. Marigold is also used for dysmenorrhea.

Crane’s bill is another very potent herb and healer of wounds, it regulates blood circulation and works as a mild sedative. It is a strong antioxidant which prevents infections and boosts the immunity. It also contains tannins which prevent heavy bleeding.

Golden maca has been used for over two millennia in traditional medicine of the Andes as an adaptogenic herb, helping the body to adapt to harsh environmental conditions, increasing stamina and endurance. It balances hormones and has a very beneficial overall effect, both on the body and mind. It eliminates depression and brain fog, and is particularly useful in stopping the pre-menstrual energy and mood roller-coaster. Its alkaloids work against infertility.

Shepherd’s purse can regulate uterine contraction, blood flow and balance menstrual bleeding. It heals wounds and burns and is also very beneficial for the heart.

These six medicinal herbs, together with zinc which is a potent essential element and antioxidant, are assembled in Femisan A in well-studied doses, aiming to help women from the moment they enter puberty, till the menopause. Femisan A, the potent protector of women, brings us closer to nature.

  

Lady’s Mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris)

An exceptional herb that has been known to help women throughout history. It alleviates pre-menstrual symptoms, dysmenorrhea (painful periods) caused by various disorders such as endometriosis, adenomyosis, uterine fibroids or infections. Its high tannin content makes it a very efficient astringent. Thus, it is not only efficient for female disorders, but also for the treatment of diarrhea, other gastrointestinal disorders such as ulcers and piles, and bleeding. It is proven to inhibit tumor growth. 

Yarrow (Achillea Millefolium)

Used since antiquity, yarrow has a strong spasmolytic effect – it alleviates cramps and pain and is particularly efficient in lower pelvis cramps during periods or due to reproductive system disorders. 

Marigold (Calendula Officinalis)

Marigold herb and flower are proven to have a strong antimicrobial effect. It can reduce inflammation of any kind and is very efficient in healing wounds and burns. Not only does it help with female reproductive system disorders, but is also very beneficial in the threatment of gastro intestinal disorders such as ulcers, constipation, parasitic infections. It is an excellent diuretic – it helps with water retention which is a common problem in pre-menstrual phase. 

Crane’s Bill (Geranium macrorrhizum)

Traditionally associated with good health and longevity, crane’s bill relieves flatulence, which is another common pre-menstrual symptom. It promotes proper healing of wounds and burns, works as a mild sedative and can reduce blood pressure. It is a strong antioxidant, helping the body fight against free radicals, thus boosting the immunity. It fights microbes and protects the liver. 

Golden Maca (Lepidium meyenii)

Originating from the rugged Andes, this plant can withstand harsh natural conditions. It has been used in traditional medicine for over 2000 years to treat numerous diseases, increase stamina and endurance. Maca is believed to be efficient in alleviating the symptoms of rheumatism, stimulating metabolism, and eliminating depression. It is an excellent memory booster, it is very efficient against stress and post-traumatic disorders, it helps with anemia, water retention and alcoholism. Maca improves energy levels, balances hormones and fights infertility in both men and women. It helps women during the reproductive period of life, as well as pre-menopause and menopause.

Shepherd’s Purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris)

This medicinal herb can regulate blood pressure and is very beneficial for the heart. It is very efficient in bleeding disorders and wound and burns healing. It can help with pre-menstrual and menstrual disorders, prolonged menstrual periods and irregularity. 

Zinc

An essential element with major role in numerous biological functions: metabolism, gene activity, bone and muscle functions, cell protection, growth and development, eye health, regulation of insulin levels, immune system activity, antioxidant effect, mental health, healthy skin… Zinc is also essential for the maintenance of normal hormonal levels and fertility in both men and women.