Stinging Nettle

While Եղինջ [yegheench] (stinging nettle) has long been revered for her antihistamine properties, I consider her the integral companion to those who have/had a body that menstruates. Nettle is known to increase iron levels naturally, soothe period symptoms, assist breast cancer treatment and alleviate menopausal hot flashes.

Amirdovlat points out how եղինջ was known to wholly strengthen the body. In addition to having anti-phlegmatic properties, nettle was said to clear out the arteries. Her seeds would be used to pull out loose teeth and most relevant to armmad, a fresh poultice of nettle leaves would be placed on the abdomen over the uterus during menstruation. Eating nettle was said to help with kidney stones and when mixed with sesame oil, it would alleviate the lingering cough as well. Further internal uses listed were to extract bile, help with abdominal pains, serve as an aphrodisiac, alleviate shortness of breath and to promote spleen and kidney function. Topically, it was used to soften eruptions on the skin (pimples), clean wounds, and help heal hemorrhoids.

Armenians liked to chase down stinging nettle juice with rose water to soothe the subsequent burning, but luckily it loses its sting when dried. I have gotten a lot of my friends to incorporate nettle loose leaf tea during their cycle and I hope you try it too.