The gift of natural health, for mums everywhere

What are the origins of Mother’s Day?

Mother's Day has been celebrated for centuries in various cultures around the world, but the modern-day celebration of Mother's Day as we know it can be traced back to the efforts of Anna Jarvis in the early 20th century.

Anna Jarvis was a social activist from West Virginia, USA, who was inspired by her own mother's dedication to improving public health in their community.

After her mother's death in 1905, Anna Jarvis began campaigning for a national holiday to honour the sacrifices that mothers make for their children. In 1908, Anna Jarvis organized the first official Mother's Day celebration at a Methodist church in West Virginia. The event was a success, and Jarvis continued to campaign for Mother's Day to be recognized as a national holiday. In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation designating the second Sunday in May as Mother's Day.

Over time, Mother's Day has become a popular holiday celebrated around the world, with many countries adopting their own traditions and customs to honor mothers. In the United States, Mother's Day is typically celebrated with gifts, cards, and special meals, while in other countries, such as Mexico and Spain, Mother's Day is celebrated with music, dance, and elaborate feasts. Regardless of the specific traditions, the sentiment remains the same: to honor and appreciate the incredible women who have given so much to their families and communities.

How do we continue to support our mothers as they age?

With the march of time, it’s important to prioritize the health of our loved ones. Whether the normal hormone fluctuations of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or the gradual loss of menses as menopause starts, here are some easy tips for any woman:

1. Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is essential for overall health and well-being. Studies have shown that drinking more than 1600 mL of water a day helps normalize menses, reduce the intensity of pain and even reduce the number of painkillers needed to cope.¹
2. Eat a healthy diet: A balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is important for good health. Less than two pieces of fruit per day increased the risk of suffering from menstrual pain and increased the length of menses. Menstrual bleeding was also lower in those who consumed olive oil daily.²
3. Get enough sleep: Sleep is essential for good health, and many women experience sleep disturbances during menopause and PMS.^3,4 Encourage your mom to establish a regular sleep routine and to practice good sleep hygiene, such as avoiding caffeine and electronic devices before bed.
4. Practice stress reduction: Stress can take a toll on women's health, so it's important to practice stress-reducing activities such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises. The amount of stress perceived by women increases the severity of not only PMS symptoms⁵, but the fatigue associated with menopause as well.⁶

What do I do about PMS?

If your mom experiences PMS symptoms, Vitex PMS may be the perfect gift for her. This natural supplement contains vitex agnus-castus, a plant that has been traditionally used to support women's hormonal balance. Vitex PMS can help ease mood swings, irritability, and other uncomfortable symptoms associated with PMS. By taking Vitex PMS regularly, your mom may find that she feels more balanced and in control during her monthly cycle.

What about menopause?

Menopause is a challenging time for many women, but MenoSupport Complex 40+  can help. This supplement contains a blend of natural ingredients that support women's hormonal health during menopause. MenoSupport Complex can help relieve common symptoms of menopause and your mom may find that she sleeps better, feels more energized, and experiences fewer uncomfortable symptoms. One of those symptoms includes the dreaded hot flashes where the body quickly cranks the internal thermostat. This is where the clinically-proven MenoForce can help. In two separate human research trials, this product was shown to relieve hot flashes and night sweats after just four weeks! By taking MenoForce regularly, your mom may find that she feels more comfortable and in control during this challenging time.

Regardless of which A.Vogel product you choose, it's important to remember that self-care and wellness are essential for all mothers. Moms give so much of themselves to their families, but it's important that they take time to care for themselves too. Encourage your mom to prioritize her own health and well-being by making time for activities that she enjoys, such as reading, taking a yoga class, or going for a walk in nature. By taking care of herself, your mom will have more energy and resilience – the greatest Mother’s Day gift of all.

References

1. Torkan, Behnaz, et al. "The role of water intake in the severity of pain and menstrual distress among females suffering from primary dysmenorrhea: a semi-experimental study." BMC Women's Health21 (2021): 1-9.
2. Onieva-Zafra, María Dolores, et al. "Relationship between diet, menstrual pain and other menstrual characteristics among Spanish students." Nutrients6 (2020): 1759.
3. Jehan, Shazia, et al. "Sleep and premenstrual syndrome." Journal of sleep medicine and disorders5 (2016).
4. Baker, Fiona C., and Kathryn Aldrich Lee. "Menstrual cycle effects on sleep." Sleep Medicine Clinics2 (2022): 283-294.
5. Gollenberg, Audra L., et al. "Perceived stress and severity of perimenstrual symptoms: the BioCycle Study." Journal of women's health5 (2010): 959-967.
6. Taylor-Swanson, Lisa, et al. "The Dynamics of Stress and Fatigue across Menopause: Attractors, Coupling and Resilience." Menopause (New York, NY)4 (2018): 380.