On May 28, the world highlights the importance of health, body harmony, and self-care. Hundreds of years ago, Ukrainian women already understood the power of nature: they gathered herbs, dried them in attics, prepared infusions, and passed recipes from mother to daughter. Folk medicine was not just about healing — it was part of women’s wisdom, beauty, and everyday life.
This was reported by Liktravy, along with a number of ethnographic and medical sources.
Chamomile — for Calmness and Women’s Health
Chamomile was one of the most commonly used herbs. It was used for colds, inflammation, pain relief, and calming the nervous system. Ukrainian women also rinsed their hair with chamomile infusions and used it for skincare.
Mint — Against Fatigue and Insomnia
Mint tea was often prepared in the evening after a long day. In folk medicine, it was used to reduce stress, improve sleep, and calm the body. People believed that the scent of mint “cleared the mind” and restored inner balance.
Nettle — A Symbol of Female Strength
Nettle was especially valued in springtime. It was added to dishes, infusions, and herbal remedies to strengthen the body and support healthy blood circulation. Women also washed their hair with nettle water to make it thicker and stronger.
Calendula — A Natural Antiseptic
Calendula was an essential herb for treating skin irritation, wounds, and inflammation. Women used it in herbal infusions and compresses. In villages, calendula was often grown near homes as a symbol of health and protection.
Sage — “The Women’s Herb”
Sage was considered particularly beneficial for women’s health. It was used to restore strength, support inner balance, and calm the body. Modern studies also mention sage among plants containing natural phyto-components.
Oregano — The Herb of Female Harmony
Ukrainian women used oregano for exhaustion, insomnia, and painful menstrual periods. Folk traditions claimed that oregano tea could “calm the heart and soul.” Its aroma was associated with home comfort and feminine energy.
Wormwood — The Herb of Cleansing
Wormwood was one of the most mystical herbs in folk medicine. It was used to support digestion, restore energy, and cleanse the body. People also hung wormwood in their homes as protection against negative energy.
Lovage — For Beauty and Attraction
Lovage in Ukraine symbolized female beauty and youth. Girls washed their hair with it, added it to bathwater, and wove it into flower crowns. It was believed that this herb brought beauty, health, and love.
Yarrow — A Women’s Guardian Herb
Yarrow was used for weakness, inflammation, and body recovery. In some regions, it was called the “herb of strength,” and dried bundles were stored at home as part of a natural herbal аптhecary.
Hops — For Calmness and Recovery
Hop cones were added to herbal infusions to calm the nervous system and improve sleep. In folk medicine, they were often combined with mint and lemon balm.
Herbs Were Gathered on Special Days
Ukrainian women believed that herbs had the greatest power during certain times of the year — especially on Ivan Kupala Night or at dawn after rain. The herbs were dried separately, tied with threads, and stored in linen bags as a home herbal medicine kit for the entire year.
Traditions That Survived Through the Centuries
Today, interest in natural care and herbal medicine is growing again. Many plants used by our grandmothers are still included in teas, cosmetics, and natural health products.
The World Health Organization states that traditional medicine remains an important part of culture and healthcare systems in many countries around the world.
For Ukrainian women, herbs were not only natural remedies but also part of culture, traditions, and feminine strength. Even today, many ancient recipes remain relevant, combining the wisdom of ancestors with a modern interest in natural wellness.
Read also: On May 23, Yerevan Hosted a Vyshyvanka Day Festival Celebrating Ukrainian Culture and Unity
Photo: from open sources