Women Elders: Practical Herbal Care for Older Women
Older women often turn to herbs for relief from sleep issues, joint pain, digestion troubles, and low energy. If you’re caring for an elder or you’re one yourself, you want simple, safe steps that actually help. Here are clear, practical tips for using herbs without making things worse.
Safe herbs many women find helpful
Start with mild, well-known herbs. Rooibos and honeybush (both South African) make gentle teas that hydrate and deliver antioxidants without caffeine. Ginger helps nausea and digestion — use fresh slices in hot water or a light tea. Turmeric can ease inflammation; take it with black pepper or a little fat so your body absorbs it better. Chamomile tea aids sleep and anxiety for many older women. For mild joint aches, topical arnica gels can work without swallowing anything.
Try one change at a time. Make a single cup of rooibos every evening for a week and watch how sleep or digestion responds. Then try ginger in the morning for a few days. Small steps make it easier to spot benefits and side effects.
Watch for drug interactions and safety tips
Older women often take several prescription medicines. Some herbs mix badly with drugs — for example, ginger and turmeric can affect blood thinners, and St John's wort can interfere with many medicines. Don’t guess. Ask a pharmacist or a trained herbal practitioner about specific combinations.
Other safety basics: use lower doses at first, avoid selling unlabelled mixes, and buy from suppliers who list ingredients and expiry dates. If skin becomes irritated from a topical herb, stop using it. If an elder has liver or kidney problems, discuss any new herb with their doctor first.
Prefer prepared forms when unsure. Standardized capsules or pharmacy-grade tinctures show clear dosing. Homemade brews are fine for gentle herbs like rooibos or chamomile, but be cautious with concentrated extracts.
Where to get help locally? Look for registered herbal practitioners or community clinics that offer traditional healer referrals. Herbal News SA (herbalpractitionerssa.co.za) lists local stories and resources that can point you to trusted practitioners and community programs across South Africa.
Practical daily tips: keep herbs in labeled jars away from heat, track what you give in a simple notebook, and involve family in decisions. Encourage light activity, good hydration, and balanced meals — herbs help, but basic care matters most.
This isn’t medical advice. If an elder experiences new symptoms, severe pain, breathing trouble, or sudden changes in mood or appetite, contact a healthcare professional right away. When used carefully, herbs can support comfort and quality of life for women elders — but safety comes first.
Phoebe Asiyo: Kenya's Groundbreaking Woman Elder and Champion for Gender Equality
Phoebe Asiyo, a trailblazing leader in Kenya, passed away at 92 after a lifetime devoted to advancing women's rights. From breaking barriers in politics to becoming Kenya's first woman elder, her story continues to inspire future generations striving for equality.
