Women’s Cycles & Rhythms

Working with Plants in Relation to Cyclical Change, Balance and Continuity

This section of the Forager’s Guide brings together plants and traditional preparations that have long been worked with in relation to women’s cycles, rhythms and changing phases of life. Entries here explore materials traditionally associated with nourishment, steadiness and balance, recognising cyclical experience as something shaped by season, environment, workload and daily life rather than isolated systems.
Rather than offering prescriptive guidance or universal approaches, this category reflects how plants are encountered through ongoing relationship and familiarity over time. Understanding develops gradually through observation, preparation and repeated use, allowing space for individual variation, lived experience and changing needs.

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Digestion & Nourishment

Immunity & Resilience

Respiratory & Breath

Nervous System & Rest

Skin, Wounds & External Use

Energy, Vitality & Adaptation

Urinary & Cleansing

Tradition, Ritual & Daily Use

Women’s Cycles & Rhythms

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Women’s Cycles & Rhythms, Skin & External Use, Tradition, Ritual & Daily Use

Red Clover ‘Trifolium pratense’

Women’s Cycles & Rhythms, Skin & External Use, Tradition, Ritual & Daily Use

Red clover is a gentle, abundant plant long associated with nourishment, balance and women’s health. This entry explores its role in folk tradition, modern hormonal research, ecological importance and why red clover is best understood as a steady companion rather than a forceful remedy.

Women’s Cycles & Rhythms, Skin & External Use, Tradition, Ritual & Daily Use

Women’s Cycles & Rhythms, Digestion & Nourishment, Tradition, Ritual & Daily Use

Raspberry Leaf ‘Rubus idaeus’

Women’s Cycles & Rhythms, Digestion & Nourishment, Tradition, Ritual & Daily Use

Raspberry leaf is a familiar hedgerow plant traditionally used as a gentle, nourishing tea. Valued for long-term, everyday use, it reflects a steady relationship shaped by cycles, consistency and care.

Women’s Cycles & Rhythms, Digestion & Nourishment, Tradition, Ritual & Daily Use

Digestion & Nourishment, Women’s Cycles & Rhythms, Skin & External Use

Calendula ‘Calendula officinalis’

Digestion & Nourishment, Women’s Cycles & Rhythms, Skin & External Use

Calendula is a bright, familiar garden flower long valued for gentle, practical skin use. Traditionally prepared as oils, balms and washes, it reflects a relationship built on consistency, accessibility and care.

Digestion & Nourishment, Women’s Cycles & Rhythms, Skin & External Use

Energy, Vitality & Adaptation, Tradition, Ritual & Daily Use, Women’s Cycles & Rhythms

Hawthorn Blossom ‘Crataegus monogyna’

Energy, Vitality & Adaptation, Tradition, Ritual & Daily Use, Women’s Cycles & Rhythms

A traditional hedgerow herb long associated with the heart, hawthorn blossom has a well-documented history in European herbal practice. This entry explores its identification, ecology, traditional use, and the modern research that supports its role in long-term cardiovascular care.

Energy, Vitality & Adaptation, Tradition, Ritual & Daily Use, Women’s Cycles & Rhythms