Additional comments: other herbs which are of particular benefit to women are chasteberry and the ginsengs.

Chasteberry has been used to restore a normal estrogens to progesterone balance. It has been shown to not only ease, but also in time, actually cure premenstrual syndrome, which has been linked to abnormally high levels of estrogens, especially if symptoms tend to disappear when menstruation begins.

The ginsengs are known to be effective, when taken regularly, in regulating the menstrual cycle. Panax ginseng has been used to tone the uterus in preparation for implantation of the foetus after conception Ginseng may also help the body deal with physically and mentally stressful exposures such as heat, cold, physical exhaustion, viruses, bacteria, chemicals, extreme working conditions, noise, and pollution. This article cites a study published in the April issue of American Journal of Epidemiology where ginseng has been linked to better breast cancer survival.

Ginseng has antioxidant properties, as has green tea The health benefits of green tea, in fact have been the subject of much recent debate. Its antioxidants have been clearly demonstrated to be highly beneficial to the heart by helping prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol. A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association showed a significant inverse relationship between the consumption of green tea and cardio vascular disease

Ginkgo Biloba is perhaps the most widely used herbal treatment aimed at augmenting cognitive functions--that is, improving memory, learning, alertness and mood. Germany recently approved the extract for treating dementia.

Studies in Scandinavia and the former Soviet Union have shown Rhodiola Root also to be effective in improving cognitive function. It is also used by herbalists to boost the immune system, enhance athletic performance, promote weight loss, and relieve stress.

Kava is used to relieve stress, anxiety, and tension, sleeplessness and menopausal symptoms. The most common effects of the herb, which, I stress, should be taken under supervision and with considerable caution because it has been linked to liver damage in some patients, are relaxation, mild euphoria, and feelings of peace and contentment.

Other herbs included in supplements targeting women are barley and wheat grass and spirulina. Between them they contain a wide array of minerals, vitamins, proteins, antioxidants and nutrients. The details of these are to be found in the relevant herb pages. Spirulina, in particular is regarded as a “superfood” . It contains vegetable protein, all the essential amino acids, the antioxidant beta-carotene and is rich in iron, magnesium and trace minerals.

Supplement manufacturers experiment with combinations of all of those herbs and others to improve women's health and well-being.

The supplements reviewed above represent a small sample of those available and I have selected them because, firstly, their herbal ingredients are openly advertised (this is not always the case) and, secondly, the known properties of their ingredients are relevant to the health issues they claim to address.