Health & Wellness, Herbalism

The Menopausal Women’s Good Health Tea

My teacher, David Winston, RH, a renowned herbalist, shared many herbal tea formulas during our classes.
This is a general detox tea inspired by David Winston.
I call it: The Menopausal Women’s Good Health Tea
In this tea blend, the properties of herbs relevant to menopausal women are aimed at optimizing estrogen production.
These medicinal plants are commonly used for detoxification and hormonal support.
Try this safe and efficacious tea that supports the body in the fight against disease.
Ingredients (for a single batch yielding ~1 quart of tea, approximately 4 cups):
  • Nettle leaves (Urtica dioica), dried: 2 tablespoons (~6-8 grams)
    •  Nettle is nutrient-rich (vitamins A, C, minerals like magnesium, calcium) and supports kidney/liver function. It aids detoxification and provides precursors for adrenal hormone synthesis. It’s often a primary ingredient in detox teas.
  • Red clover flowers (Trifolium pratense), dried: 1.5 tablespoons (~4-5 grams)
    •  Red clover is a phytoestrogen source and supports lymphatic and liver detoxification, which may enhance peripheral estrogen production in menopausal women. Its slightly sweet, floral flavor complements nettle. It’s used in similar detox blends.
  • Burdock root (Arctium lappa), dried, ground or chopped root: 1 tablespoon (~3-4 grams)
    •  Burdock is a gentle alterative that supports liver and lymphatic function, aiding in toxin elimination and indirectly supporting hormone balance. David Winston notes its use for chronic skin and lymphatic issues, suggesting a moderate amount.
  • Turmeric (Curcuma longa), dried, ground, or chopped root: 1 teaspoon (~1-2 grams)
    •  Turmeric is anti-inflammatory and supports liver health, which is crucial for hormone metabolism. Due to its potent flavor and effects, a small amount is sufficient. It’s included in detox blends for its synergistic benefits.
  • Violet leaves (Viola spp)., dried: 1/2 teaspoon (~0.5-1 gram)
    •  Violet leaves are soothing, support lymphatic health, and aid in gentle detoxification. The little amount shows its role as a supportive herb. 
The total dried herb blend is four tablespoons (13-20 grams) per quart of water (946 ml).
Preparation Instructions
  1. Measure and Mix: Combine the dried herbs in the proportions above.
    If making a larger batch, store in an airtight container.
  2. Boil Water: Bring 1 quart (4 cups) of water to a boil, then cool slightly (to ~195°F/90°C) to preserve volatile compounds.
  3. Steep: Place the 4 tablespoons of herb blend in a teapot or heat-safe container. Pour hot water over the herbs. Cover and steep for 10-15 minutes for a balanced flavor and extraction. (Longer steeping, e.g., 20 minutes, may intensify bitterness from burdock/turmeric.)
  4. Strain: Use a fine mesh strainer to remove herbs. Compost the used herbs.
  5. Serve: Drink 1-2 cups daily, hot or cold. Add honey or lemon to taste, as turmeric and burdock can be slightly bitter.
    NOTE: You can add a pinch of black pepper to help absorb curcumin, the main bioactive chemical in Turmeric.
  6. Storage: Refrigerate leftovers and consume within 24-36 hours to maintain freshness.
Notes for Menopausal Women
  • Estrogen Support: This blend supports estrogen production indirectly by:
    • Providing cholesterol precursors via liver health (burdock, turmeric) for adrenal androgen synthesis, which converts to estrogen via aromatase in adipose tissue.
    • Supplying phytoestrogens (red clover) to mimic estrogen’s effects.
    • Enhancing detoxification (nettle, burdock, violet) to optimize liver metabolism of hormones.
    • Reducing inflammation (turmeric) to support adrenal and aromatase function.
  • Dosage: Limit to 2-3 cups daily for 10 days, followed by a 1-week break, to assess tolerance and avoid overstimulation of detox pathways.
  • Safety:
    • Nettle: May cause mild diuretic effects; ensure adequate hydration. Avoid if allergic to stinging nettle.
    • Red Clover: Contains phytoestrogens; consult a doctor if you have estrogen-sensitive conditions (e.g., breast cancer).
    • Burdock: Generally safe but may cause mild digestive upset in large amounts.
    • Turmeric: Safe in culinary doses; avoid high doses if on blood thinners or with gallbladder issues.
    • Violet: Safe in small amounts; no significant contraindications.
  • Consultation: Before starting, consult a healthcare provider, especially if you’re on medications (e.g., hormone therapy, anticoagulants) or have conditions like liver disease or hormone-sensitive cancers.
Why These Amounts?
  • Proportions: Nettle and red clover dominate for their nutrient and phytoestrogen benefits, burdock supports detoxification, turmeric adds anti-inflammatory support, and violet is a supportive herb.
  • David Winston often uses alteratives (burdock, red clover) and tonics (nettle) in moderate doses to support systemic health. The small violet amount aligns with his use of compounds for lymphatic support.
Alternative Recipe Sources
Similar blends:
  • Cheryl’s Burdock Purifying Tea: Includes burdock root, violet leaf, nettle leaf, red clover blossom, and pau d’arco (1-2 tsp per cup, steep 5-7 min). 
  • Herb Haven Menopausal Replenishing Blend: This blend uses red clover, nettle, oats, calendula, licorice, rose buds, and lemon verbena (1/4 cup per quart, steep overnight), suggesting a nutrient-rich approach for menopause.
The Menopausal Women’s Good Health Tea Blend:
2 tbsp nettle leaves, 2 tbsp red clover flowers, 1 tbsp burdock root, 1 tsp turmeric, 1/2 tsp violet leaves per quart.
This blend offers a balanced, safe, and effective tea for menopausal women to support estrogen production via detoxification, nutrient support, and phytoestrogens.
Drink 1-2 cups daily, monitor effects, and consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice.
Disclaimer: Please consult a doctor.