Maintaining hormone balance is essential. Hormones play an important and significant role in helping our bodies to function effectively. For women, hormonal fluctuations occur throughout their lives. As well as the monthly fluctuations associated with menstruation, women can also experience drastic hormonal changes during pregnancy and the menopause. The effects of hormone imbalance can be not only uncomfortable, but deeply stressful and challenging to cope with. Luckily, there are many herbs which have properties that can help women to balance their hormones naturally.
The Endocrine System
Made of the pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid and adrenal glands, as well as the pancreas and the ovaries, the endocrine system is the collection of glands which produce hormones. These hormones are crucial for ensuring that important functions within our bodies are regulated, including, amongst others, our metabolism, reproduction, sexual function, sleep and mood. Hormonal imbalances, where the hormone levels are either too high or too low, can have significant and negative effects on the body and the overall wellbeing of the individual.
8 Natural Hormone-Balancing Herbs
Increasingly, women are turning to natural herbs to help manage the symptoms associated with hormone imbalance. The major use of herbal medicines is for health promotion and therapy for chronic, as opposed to life-threatening, conditions. For example, CBD has been well studied for its medicinal properties. Research suggests it may relieve chronic pain and help reduce anxiety and inflammation, which is why products like CBD gummies and CBD water are gaining traction.
Below are the top eight herbs to help support female hormone balance.
1. Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is one of the most popular herbs used by women who are seeking to restore hormone imbalance. An Ayurvedic herb, it has been used to help reduce the levels of cortisol, which is often referred to as the “stress hormone”. An imbalance in cortisol levels can lead to premature ageing, as well as disrupting the endocrine functions.
Ashwagandha is also effective for stimulating blood flow to the female reproductive organs, helping to increase arousal and sensitivity. Furthermore, many women regularly use the herb to help manage and regulate their thyroid health. For those who may be looking for an herb to help with hot flushes, anxiety and depression triggered by or associated with the menopause, then ashwagandha, has also been found to be helpful.
2. Avena Sativa
The Latin name of oats is avena sativa. For generations, women have regularly turned to oats as a way to help alleviate menstrual cramps. Avena sativa is also the herb of choice for many women who are looking to increase their libido. In particular, avena sativa is believed to help increase blood flow and it has also been found to have positive impact in stimulating the central nervous system. Additionally, it is also believed that oats help release testosterone, which is an important hormone for sexual desire, for both men and women. As a result, avena sativa is a popular herb for those seeking to increase their sexual desire.
3. Maca Root
Maca root, sometimes known as Peruvian Ginseng, is an herb that has been used for centuries by the indigenous women of the Andes region in South America to help with a range of female hormone imbalance issues. Not only does maca root offer benefits to those seeking to increase their fertility, but it can also significantly help women to manage and decrease menopausal symptoms. For instance, maca root has been used by women to help combat hot flushes, night sweats and disrupted sleep. However, as it is also rich in zinc and phytonutrients, maca root also helps to support sexual-related hormones and has proven helpful to women suffering from a range of sexual dysfunctions.
4. Shilajit
Shilajit is a common tonic prescribed in traditional Chinese and Indian medicinal practices for women who are looking to increase their physical energy, as well as their libido. Additionally, many women also take shilajit in order to help manage and reduce their levels of anxiety and mood swings. Shilajit is formed from plant materials which have becomes compressed in the Himalayas over many years. As a result of this, shilajit is packed full of antioxidants, amino acids, fulvic acid and nutrients, which help to improve overall health.
5. Chasteberry
Chasteberry, also known as vitex, is an herb which is often used to help treat a range of female conditions, including premenstrual syndrome (PMS), menstrual cramps and pain, acne and infertility. Chasteberry works by decreasing the levels of prolactin in the body. As a result, this helps to balance the levels of estrogen and progesterone in the body, making it a highly useful and relevant herbal treatment for women. It is commonly taken by women in either a liquid form, including teas, or as a supplement.
6. Black Cohosh
Black cohosh is a great herb for supporting female hormonal imbalance because it is a phytoestrogen. This means that black cohosh can both increase or lower levels of estrogen in the body. Usually taken in the form of a supplement, it is most commonly used to help treat symptoms of the menopause. For example, it has been found to be helpful to alleviate hot flushes, extreme or excessive sweating and mood swings associated with the menopause.
Black cohosh can also be used to help treat PMS and menstrual cramps and painful periods. Although black cohosh has been used to help induce labor in pregnant women, it is not advisable to take black cohosh if you are either pregnant or breastfeeding.
7. Clary Sage
Similarly to black cohosh, clary sage contains natural phytoestrogens which are important in helping to ensure and maintain balanced levels of estrogen in the body. Often used in the form of an essential oil, many women use clary sage to help alleviate PMS, menstrual cramps and to help regulate their menstrual cycles.
Clary sage has also been found to help reduce anxiety and depression. Often, women have found that they are able to get benefits of this herb simply by placing a few drops (a maximum of five) of clary sage essential oil in a diffuser and breathing in the scent. Alternatively, for those looking to relieve menstrual cramps, 5 drops of clary sage can be mixed with a teaspoon of coconut oil. This can then be applied directly to the abdominal area to help relieve the pain.
8. Tongkat Ali
Tongkat Ali is an herb which has been used for many years by the women of Malaysia to help stimulate an improve the libido and is considered by many to be one of the greatest natural aphrodisiacs available. Not only does tongkat ali help to make the female erogenous zones more sensitive, but it also helps to improve energy levels, boost cognitive function and help to manage the hormonal fluctuations so often associated with the menopause. Moreover, it is also an herb taken by women who are seeking natural ways to reduce and manage stress.
Conclusion
Hormonal imbalance can lead to a range of problems. By restoring hormonal balance, women are not only able to experience higher levels of sexual desire and a higher sex-drive, but crucially, can effectively manage negative symptoms, including those related to the menopause and menstruation. As a result of balanced hormones, women will be able to maintain better health and mental wellbeing and develop more self-confidence. However, you should always consult a healthcare provider before taking any herbs or supplements, particularly if you take any other medication or have any existing or underlying health conditions.
Author:
Mildred Delgado is a responsible, up-and-coming marketing strategist, working at Essay Writing Service. She enjoys working closely with organizations of all sizes, helping them to develop fully-functioning and successful websites, whilst keeping the organization’s brand image at the core of all her work. Mildred enjoys going on hikes and exploring the uses and applications of plants and herbs in her spare time.
