1. Promoting women's health

• Regulates menstrual cycle and hormonal balance.

• Restores vaginal muscles and tone.

• Eases menstrual symptoms.

2. Refreshing
   

• Boosts up immunity.

• Combats body odour.

• Eliminates excessive vaginal discharge and itchiness.

• Detoxifies and aids in intestinal function.

3. Improving fertility

• Improves blood circulation.

• Elevates lagging libido and sexual desire.

• Improves stamina.

• Heals scar and wound which may exist in the reproductive system.

• Prepares the womb for conceiving.

4. Toning muscles

• Elevates basal metabolism.

• Increases muscles contraction resulting in better firming and toning effect

1. Dates Scientific Name: Phoenix Dactylifera L. Common Name: Kurma (Bahasa Melayu)

The usage and nutrition of dates for women are:

Dates as lactose initiator: Date contains potassium, glycine and threonine that will stimulate the production of milk hormones (prolactin). Date helps in initiating lactose production during breastfeeding.

Dates as aphrodisiac or sexual desire stimulant: The mixture of date with fresh milk and cinnamon is considered to be useful in stimulating sexual desires and lusts in love making.

Habit of drinking date will increase body's immune system

2. Honey

Honey has special properties for married women. Honey hastens recovery time'from tiredness, supplies energy for physical activities and therefore can increase sexual energy. Honey also heals various problems faced by women such as listlessness, lack of energy, minor infections, preserve and promote recovery of skin conditions and body conditions. These properties are suitable for married women as well as unmarried women.

3. Scientific Name: ParameriaPolyneura Common Name: AkarSerapat (Bahasa Melayu)

For centuries, Malay women in Southeast Asia have used akar serapat (Parameria polyneura) for post-partum care. This herb helps to speed up the healing of the womb and birth canal, firm up breasts and abdominal muscles, and regain body strength after childbirth, it strengthens and tones pelvic muscles to prevent prolapse of the uterus.

4. Scientific Name: VitexPubescens Common Name: Halban (Bahasa Melayu)

Vitex does not contain hormones. The benefits of vitex stem from its actions upon the pituitary gland-specifically on the production of a hormone called luteinizing hormone (LH). This indirectly increases progesterone production and helps regulate the menstrual cycle. Vitex also keeps prolactin secretion in check. The ability to decrease mildly elevated prolactin levels may benefit some infertile women as well as some women with breast tenderness associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Vitex has been used in connection with the following conditions such as pre-menstrual syndrome, female infertility, fibrocystic breast disease, acne (associated with menstrual cycle), amenorrhea, and dysmenorrhea.

5. Scientific Name: LabisiaPumila Common Name: Kacip Fatimah (Bahasa Melayu)

Labisia pumila or Kacip Fatimah is a small woody plant that can be found widely in the forest. A decoction made from boiling the plant in water is given to women in labour to hasten delivery of their babies. After childbirth, it may still be consumed by mothers to regain their strength. In other medicinal preparations, it can treat gonorrhoea, dysentery and eliminate excessive gas in the body.

There are 3 main varieties of L. pumila found in Malaysia; var. alata, var. pumila and var. lanceolata (Stone, 1988). The plants are usually boiled and the water soluble extract taken as supplement drink. It is used effectively to treat dysentery, rheumatism and women's ailments associated with childbirth.

Summary of medicinal uses:

• Used effectively to treat dysentery, rheumatism and women's ailments associated with childbirth.

• Anti-dysmenorrhoea; cleansing and avoiding painful or difficult menstruation.

• Anti-flatulence; drive away and prevent the formation of gas.

• Administered as a postpartum medication to help contract the birth channel and help the new mother to regain body strength.

• Firming and toning of abdominal muscles.

The biological activities of the phytoestrogen which is naturally found in the plant assist women to achieve fuller and firmer breasts and tighten vaginal muscles.

6. Black Cumin Scientific Name: Nigella Sativa L. Common Name: JintanHitam (Bahasa Melayu)

The hardy annual has feathery foliage, grey, blue flower and inflated pods of black seeds. The strawberry scented seeds have a peppery, nutmeg taste popular in India, Egypt, Greece and Turkey. Fresh or dry roasted Nigella seeds flavour curries, vegetables, and pulses. In India, they are used to repel insects from cloths and are given to treat intestinal worms and nerve defects, to reduce flatulence, induce sweating and stimulate milk flow. The warm ground seed was once used in sweet powders and sniffed to restore a lost sense of smell.

Black cumin (Nigella sativa) is related to a common garden flower that goes by several names including cinnamon flower, nutmeg flower and love-in-a¬midst. In the Mediterranean and Middle East where Nigella sativa seeds are traditionally used, it is also referred to as black seed and is used for a variety of ailments including upper respiratory conditions, cancer, stomach aches and jaundice. Nigella seeds are traditionally eaten alone or grounded with honey. Niegella also stimulates the immune system, as shown in an experiment conducted with human lymphocytic white blood cells.

7. Witch weed Scientific Name: Striga Asiatica Common Name: Jarum Emas (Bahasa Melayu)

Uses beneficial to mothers: the anti-inflammatory property is useful to mothers after childbirth as many of her organs may be swollen and inflamed such as her breasts and reproductive organs- the uterus, vagina and labia. Digestion promotiion is also good for mothers as this ensures proper digestion and nutrient absorption by mother which will be beneficial to her health and increase the quality of her milk if she is breast-feeding. Digestion promotion also helps the body to get rid of toxins. The ability of this herb to relieve intestinal obstructions is also important for the health of mothers. The effectiveness of this herb to treat illness due to pent-up feelings is certainly beneficial to mothers. Mothers after giving birth face many changes in her life such as lack of sleep, tiredness, adjusting to caring and feeding the baby, hormonal changes and various other pressures that can easily lead to a build up of pent-up feelings that can result in physical and emotional illness. Overcoming the build-up of her pent-up feelings will ensure her health and well-being.

Uses beneficial to women in general: the anti-inflammatory property is also useful to all married women as this will help them to recover faster from the effects of sexual activities such as swollen, inflamed or painful vaginas and labias. As a stomach tonic and digestion promoter, this is also good for all women as this will help them to be healthy and rid their body of toxins, which in turn will delay the aging process, and help the body to retain the optimum shape and size. Getting rid of toxins will also lead to smoother and healthier skin conditions. Married women without babies can also have pent-up feelings that can lead to depression, resulting in physical and emotional illness. Overcoming the build-up of her pent-up feelings by talking this herb can help improve her health and feeling of well-being.

8. Piper Betle Scientific Name: Piper Betel Linn Common Name: Daun Sireh (Bahasa Melayu)

Betle's Nutrition for Women:

The Indian or Malays in the older generations were used to chew betel. Their habitual betel chewing caused the teeth to be stained yellow, the results from the chemical reaction of the nut and 'gambir' (a type of flavouring). But this helps to strengthen their teeth and to prevent bad breath. The reason being that the leaf is a stimulant antiseptic, useful to kill germs.

The oil in betel is an active local stimulant used in the treatment of respiratory catarrhs. The antiseptic action in the betel is used as a local application or gargle, as well as feminine's hygiene wash. Other than this, betel leaves are aromatic - refreshing and soothing. The betel leaves are used by women to stop breastfeeding. It acts as "counter-irritant" to suppress the secretion of milk in women's abscesses.

9. GotuKolaScientific Name: CentellaAsiatica Common Name: Pennywort, Marsh Penny, White Rot, Thick-Leaved Pennywort, Pegaga (Bahasa Melayu)

Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) is a herb found in Madagascar and East Africa. An extract of Centella asiatica has been used for wound healing and venous insufficiency. Various studies have shown active components in Centella asiatica to be effective in scar management by aiding in the production of collagen Type I (Bonte et al. 1994; Maquart et al. 1999; Widgerow et al. 2001). Centella asiatica, under the name Madecassol, has been used on focal and systemic scleroderma with positive results.

It is a perennial herb creeping along the ground and rooting at leaf nodes. Its leaves are heart shaped to circular or kidney shaped with straight or regularly shallow lobed margins. They may be slightly hairy and vary from 2-3cm in length. Flowers occur in small heads of three to four with small leaf-like bracts under the flower head. Petals are pink or white and overlap. The fruit is compressed sideways and measures 3mm or so in diameter. This herb rebuilds the energy reserves, and is useful after a nervous breakdown and to help prevent nervous breakdown. Gotu Kola is sometimes called "food for the brain". It helps to combat stress, improve reflexes, and increase mental and physical power. Gotu Kola is used for high blood pressure, senility, aging, and to help the body protect itself against toxins.

The constituents of Gotu Kola are Triterpenoid glycosides (including asiaticoside), Vallerin, Tannins, Alkaloid, Volatile oil and Pectin. Besides, it is also usually apply for fever, bowel complaints, noted remedy for leprosy, rheumatism ichthyoids, poultice for syphilitic ulcers, uterine cancer, wounds, arthritis, stuttering, hemorrhoids, ‘fountain of youth herb’, cellulite, skin disease, respiratory tract infection, cirrhosis, venous insufficiency and tremors and twitching muscles.

The primary active constituents of gotu kola are saponins (also called triterpenoids), which include asiaticoside, madecassoside and madasiatic acid.

These saponins may prevent excessive scar formation by inhibiting the production of collagen at the wound site. These constituents are also associated with promoting wound healing. One preliminary trial in humans found that a gotu kola extract improved healing of infected wounds (unless the infection had reached bone). Additionally, a review of French studies suggests that topical gotu kola can improve healing of burns and wounds. Adding this herb, it helps to promote a health vagina by improving the healing of infectious area.

10. TurmericScientific Name: Curcuma Domestica Common Name: Kunyit (Bahasa Melayu)

Turmeric is a perennial herb, growing to a height of about 1 m. The leaves are borne in a tuft, alternately arranged, light green in color and rather flaccid. The leaves are glabrous, elliptical-lanceolate in shape with an entire margin. The leaf apice is acuminate leaves are glabrous, elliptical-lanceolate in shape with an entire margin. The leaf apice is acuminate and the base sheathing. The rhizomes are robust, fleshy and branch at right angle forming a dense clump. The rhizomes are aromatic, orange-brown in color on the outside and bright orange in the inside. The tubers are elliptical in shape, fleshy, white in color and grow vertically downwards.

The aromatic roots of Turmeric are related to ginger and Turmeric will do well wherever ginger thrives. Not only does Turmeric have an exotic aroma, its intensely saffron-yellow color makes it a valuable dye ingredient. Turmeric promotes the flow of bile from the liver. Bile is one vehicle the body uses to excrete fat-soluble toxins. Curcumin, a potent antioxidant, is believed to be the most bioactive and soothing portion of the herb turmeric. In many eastern countries, it's still used as a cosmetic, which gives the skin a golden glow. It has many uses in the religious and ceremonial life of the Orient.

The active ingredient is curcumin, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Curcumin is found in the spice turmeric root. Curcumin contains curcumunoids (including curcumin, demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxy-curcumin) which are powerful antioxidants. Turmeric in Latin is Curcuma longa. The roots of the turmeric plant are used as an herb in Asian cooking such as curries. Curcumin is the major component of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) and extensive scientific research on curcumin has demonstrated its potent antioxidant properties. Through its antioxidant mechanisms, curcumin supports overall health against risk on cancer. Its anti-inflammatory action helps in maintaining a healthy vagina.

11. Oak Gall Scientific Name: QuercusInfectoria Common Name: Manjakani (Bahasa Melayu)

Oak galls is an abnormal herb that is roundish or resembles a small ball. It occurs in selected species of trees found throughout the world. It is produced when the hormones of the trees are initiated by the chemical action of secretions of infesting insects and have used some parts of these trees to lay eggs. Once the insects rest on the leaves or any other parts of the tree, a chemical reaction occurs and the composition of this reaction is quite complicated.

The spontaneous chemical transformation after the infestation of the cynips on Quercus infectoria leaves, creates a small roundish ball that is developed individually and not part of the tree. The ball is enriched with tannin and tannic acid and other relevant substances that help in the firming of the vaginal muscles and the absorbance of excessive vaginal discharge.

In addition, it also contains natural antiseptic that destroys bacteria and is an excellent antioxidant countering the ageing process and preventing breast and womb cancer.

Other than this, oak galls are also rich in proteins, fat, carbohydrate, roughage, calcium, iron, vitamin A, E, and B which is essential for human body.

12. Radix Angelicae Scientific Name: Radix AngelicaeSinensis Common Name: Chinese Angelica Root

Radix Angelicae, the axial root conical, with several fibrous roots, 15 cm long, the root base 1.5-4.0 cm in diameter, brown in colour. Cork longitudinally and transversely lenticellate; the root body longitudinally wrinkled; the root base rounded flat, with lanceolate stem leaf remnant lying flat at its top. Prepared by crosscutting, the section showing a cortex with brown spotted oil cavities and an even xylem, cambium rings appearing between them. It is soft in texture, delicately fragrant in smell, sweet and acrid in taste, warm in nature, and attributive to liver, heart and spleen channels.

It also known as Dong quai (Angelica sinensis) or Chinese angelica which has been used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese, Korean and Japanese medicine. It remains one of the most popular plants in Chinese medicine, and is used primarily for health conditions in women. Dong quai has been called "female ginseng," based on its use for gynecologic disorders such as painful menstruation (dysmenorrhea) or pelvic pain, recovery from childbirth or illness and fatigue/low vitality.

13. Radix Puerariae Scientific Name‎: ‎PuerariaLobata Common Name‎: ‎Kudzu Root

This herb is the root of Pueraria lobata (Willd.) Ohwi or Pueraria thomsonii Benth. (family Leguminosae), grown mostly in the provinces of Henan, Hubei, Zhejiang and Sichuan,dug in spring or autumn, sliced, dried in sunlight, and used unprepared or roasted. It is sweet and pungent in flavour, cool in property, acting on the spleen and stomach channels.

Effects:

Dispelling pathogenic factors from the superficial muscles to allay fever, promoting the production of body fluid to quench thirst, promoting the eruption of measles and invigora- ting the spleen-yang to stop diarrhea.

1. Expelling the toxins in the muscles and relieving fever

Effects:

It is indicated in exterior syndrome marked by fever, anhidrosis, headache, stiffness of the nucha and back. For treating the patient with remarkable chilliness, it may be combined with Herba Ephedrae, Ramulus Cinnamomi, Radix Paeoniae Alba, etc.; for the patient with high fever, combined with Radix Bupleuri, Radix Scutellariae Gypsum Fibrosum, etc.

2. Promoting the production of body fluid and quenching thirst.

For treating the exterior syndrome of febrile disease accompanied with thirst, or treating diabetes, it is often used as a single medicine or combined with drugs for dispelling heat and promoting the production of body fluid

3. Promoting eruption for measles.

For treating the exterior syndrome of febrile disease accompanied with thirst, or treating diabetes, it is often used as a single medicine or combined with drugs for dispelling heat and promoting the production of body fluid

4. Ascending spleen-energy and relieving diarrhea

For treating diarrhea due to deficiency of spleen-energy it is often combined with Racix Codonopsis Pilo-sulae, Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae, Poria, etc.; for treating diarrhea or dysentery due to heat and accompanied with the exterior syndrome, with Rhizoma Coptidis, Radix Scutellariae, etc.

Besides, it is also indicated in hypertensive cerebropathy and used to relieve symptoms such as headache, dizziness, stiffness of the nucha etc.; and it may also be used to treat angina pectoris due to coronary heart disease, and the effects are fairly good.