Herbs of Summer: Nurturing Women's Wellness Through Nature's Rythems and Rigorous Testing
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Exploring the Seasonal Power of Botanicals with a Scientific Lens on Safety and Efficacy
As the Northern Hemisphere embraces summer, nature is in full expression, lush, radiant, and unapologetically alive, with its warmth and vitality. Although we associate sun’s intensity with summer, the paradox is the sun's strength in Northern Hemisphere starts to fade right as we celebrate the start of summer with the solstice. This season offers a beautiful reminder of growth, balance, and connection to the rhythms of nature, reflecting on the cycles within our own bodies, and how we might support them with the wisdom of herbal traditions. In this season of abundance, the wisdom of herbal medicine offers grounding support.
Certain seasonal botanicals may play a vital role in supporting women's health and overall wellness. Each plant in this blog, embodies a unique tradition of medicinal practice with its distinct origins. These botanicals are known for their deeply nurturing qualities, fostering balance, resilience, and gentle strength within the body. In this paper, we will explore the benefits of three such plants and their contributions to health and well-being.
Shatavari:
Botanical name + plant part: Asparagus racemosus Willd.
Shatavari, known in Ayurveda as “she who possesses a hundred husbands,” is revered as a nourishing and relaxing tonic for the female reproductive system. Deeply restorative, shatavari is said to support hormonal balance, fertility, and lactation, aiding in menopausal changes and heart health. It’s considered to have a cooling effect on the body and is especially helpful during times of transition like menstruation, postpartum, and menopause, offering resilience and grace.
Constituents: The major active constituents are Shatavarins (I-IV) which are steroidal saponins, Isoflavones, asparagamine, racemosol, polysaccharides present in roots. Quercetin and rutin are found in the flowers and fruits.
Dong Quai:
Botanical name + plant part: Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels
Syn: Angelica polymorpha Maxim. var. sinensis Oliv.
Dong quai, often referred to as the “female ginseng,” has been a cornerstone of Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries. With its circulatory-enhancing properties, it’s traditionally used to ease menstrual discomfort, support regular cycles, and promote overall vitality in the reproductive system. This herb is considered to be warming.
Caution with Chronic Use:
There have been documented potential side effects, such as increased menstrual bleeding and frequency with chronic or high-dose use, which is why some herbalists advise discontinuation during periods.
Constituents: phthalides, ferulic acid, falcarindiol, ligustilide, butylphthalide, furanocoumarins (e.g., osthole), coumarins such as angelols A-H, cadinene, carvacrol as examples of terpenoids, beta-sitosterol which is a phytosterol.
Milky Oats:
Botanical name + plant part: Avena sativa L. + immature seed
A valuable nervine and restorative herb for calming the nervous system, relieving stress and anxiety, and addressing exhaustion, particularly after long periods of stress. Milky oats, harvested when fresh and green, act as a gentle nerve tonic, helping to restore proper function to the nervous system and potentially repairing the myelin sheath. Additionally, it can be helpful for those experiencing stress, anxiety, or burnout, as it promotes relaxation and reduces nervous tension and exhaustion.
Constituents:
carbohydrates, saponins like avenacosides, such as sitosterol and stigmasterol (sterols), proteins like avenin, indole alkaloids such as gramine and avenanthramides, beta-glucan, choline and phosphatidylcholine.
Importance of Testing
While the use of herbs in traditional medicine spans centuries and cultures, today’s global market demands a new level of scrutiny to ensure their safety, efficacy, and authenticity. Modern testing plays a critical role in bridging the gap between time-honored remedies and contemporary regulatory and consumer expectations. At a reputable, accredited laboratory, testing helps confirm botanical identity, verify potency, and detect possible adulterants or contaminants—offering reassurance that what's on the label is what’s in the bottle.
As botanicals supply chains become increasingly complex—often spanning multiple regions, harvest methods, and quality oversight systems—the risk of ingredient substitution, contamination, or degradation grows. That's why scientifically validated, fit-for-purpose testing is essential to maintain both compliance and consumer trust.
Key analytical methods used to assess herbal product quality and safety include:
- Microscopy – to examine plant material at a cellular level
- High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) – to verify botanical identity and detect adulterants
- Liquid Chromatography (LC), LC-MS, and GC-MS – to quantify chemical markers and identify active compounds
- Microbiological Testing – to screen for microbial contamination such as bacteria, yeast, and mold
- Contaminant Testing – to assess levels of heavy metals, pesticides, foreign matter, and undeclared substances
Together, these tools provide a comprehensive assessment, enabling manufacturers to protect product integrity, meet regulatory standards, and deliver safe, high-quality botanicals supplements to consumers around the world.
Conclusion
As we attune ourselves to the rhythms of summer—a season of radiance, abundance, and transformation—we’re reminded of the deep connection between nature’s cycles and our own well-being. Botanicals like shatavari, dong quai, and milky oats offer time-honored support for women’s health, echoing centuries of tradition with relevance in today’s wellness landscape. Yet honoring that tradition also requires modern diligence. Through robust, science-backed testing and transparent quality practices, we ensure that these powerful herbs retain their integrity and deliver their intended benefits. By uniting ancient wisdom with contemporary science, we can cultivate trust, safety, and empowerment—nurturing both body and spirit through every season of life.
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About the Author
Cris Amarillas, Ph.D., is the Chief Science Officer for Botanicals at Eurofins Botanicals Inc. In her role, she serves as the scientific botanical expert, guiding technical direction in botanical testing and quality, and ensuring accuracy and excellence throughout the organization.
Before joining Eurofins, Dr. Amarillas consulted for various dietary supplements, drugs/OTC, cosmetics, food brands and vendors. Prior to her consulting career, she worked with a botanical brand in Quality and R&D, overseeing daily testing and disposition of components and finished products, while providing technical and herbal direction. She led and participated in all stages of product development, from formulation through commercialization, and established the Supplier Quality team while collaborating closely with regulatory, marketing, and procurement teams.
Dr. Amarillas holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Stanford University and is a clinical herbalist, having completed two certificate programs at the California School of Herbal Studies (CSHS).
Cris brings her passion for herbalism, botanical chemistry, regulatory frameworks, and industry applications to all aspects of her professional life. She continues to teach at CSHS.
References:
Zimmermann, M., Johnson, H., McGuffin, M., Applequist, W. (2023) Herbs of Commerce, 3rd Edition. American Herbal Products Association.
Gladstar, R. (1993) Herbal Healing for Women; Simple Home Remedies for Women of All Ages. Fireside (Simon & Schuster, Inc).
Hoffmann, D. (2003) Medical Herbalism; The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. Healing Arts Press.
Romm, A. (2010) Botanical Medicine for Women’s Health. Churchill Livingstone (Elsevier, Inc).
Gardner, Z., McGuffin, M., (2013) American Herbal Products Association’s Botanical Safety Handbook. CRC Press.
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