In the wheel of our inner seasons, ovulation is a very incredible time. While it technically takes place within a 24-hour period, in the days leading up to and after this incredible event, we also have an increase in our energy.
Technically speaking, the ovulation phase is the time when a woman's body releases an egg from the ovary, and it's at this time when she is most fertile. So, therefore, it’s really the last day of the follicular phase, before our body’s hormones switch and move into the luteal phase. The last phase before menstruation. Because of this, we see quite a few similarities in our energy and how we can support this time, as with the follicular phase, but it is also a time when the body experiences a variety of hormonal changes.
At this time, estrogen drops while progesterone starts to rise and when they cross, ovulation happens. Following this, progesterone continues to rise until it drops right before menstruation.
Energetically speaking, this is the time of the month when we feel the most energetic. The transition period from the follicular phase into the luteal phase is a great time for social interaction and high-intensity activities.
*Important The Feminine Code and its authors are not doctors, so be sure to check in with your own healthcare practitioner before taking any recommendations here. It is also important to listen to your own body and how it receives each herb or plant - we can respond differently depending on our own individual chemistry.
There are several herbs that can support the ovulatory phase and can also be used throughout the follicular phase, to balance the hormones; however, these herbs can also be used as prevention for easing symptoms that can occur in the later phases. Here are a few examples:
Red Raspberry Leaf is rich in vitamins and minerals, especially high in Iron, and great in combination with nettle, to help those with anemia and to restore energy. Its astringent properties are great at helping to soothe muscle spasms and help alleviate pain from cramps.
Found primarily in Western Asia and Southwest Europe, Chasteberry is also known as Vitex. Chasteberry has been used in women's health for over 2,500 years and traditionally has been used to regulate moon flow, PMS symptoms, cramping, and migraines. Chasteberry works by boosting progesterone levels and is also a great plant to use during the luteal phase.
Wild Yam is a wonderfully supportive plant for all phases throughout the cycle. Wild Yam can help to alleviate muscle spasms and cramps/contractions, during the menstruation phase, and, when taken properly during the ovulation and luteal phase, it can help to balance the body’s progesterone levels. While the plant does not contain progesterone it can, in the right gut environment, help increase progesterone levels in the body.
It's important to note that these herbs should be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner and not as self-diagnosis or self-treatment. Some herbs can have side effects, interact with other medications, or may not be safe for certain individuals. It's also important to be aware of the dosage and the quality of the herbs, only use high-quality herbs from reputable sources.
These herbs can be used in various forms such as teas, tinctures, capsules, and even loose for yoni steaming. Whichever way you choose to use the herbs during your cycle, pick the ones that you feel called to.
Also, these are just a selection, so do your research about what specific issues you’re facing and the herbs that would be most supportive to you during that time.
Additionally, it is of course important to focus on a healthy lifestyle, a balanced diet, and regular exercise. These actions can help to support the ovulation phase and promote overall well-being. Since this is the most active time of the month, you will be most supported in more intense activity compared to the luteal and menstrual phases.
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