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10 Best Herbs for Female Hormone Balance
Hormones play a major role in the normal functioning of your body. Most of the women feel whack to keep their hormones in balance. This is because of your stress, anxiety, PMS, depression, and the symptoms of menopause. But women can overcome hormonal imbalance by the intake of natural health supplements in your daily diet.
What are hormones?
The hormones are the chemicals produced from the Endocrine glands that carry messages from the glands to other organs throughout your body. The glands include the pituitary, hypothalamus, adrenal, thyroid, pancreas, thymus, and ovaries. These hormones help in the body functioning and keep you safe and healthy.
Female Hormones
Estrogen and Progesterone are the main hormones in females. Estrogens are generated in the fat cells, ovaries, and adrenal glands. Progesterone is produced in the uterus and is a key factor for women.
A crucial function of progesterone is to regulate the inner lining of the uterus. So it is very important to keep the progesterone levels in proper balance especially when you’re trying to conceive.
Because progesterone hormone helps in the development of the uterus for pregnancy.
Imbalance of both hormones leads to many severe problems. Lack of estrogen can cause a fertility problem, hair loss, bloating, fatigue, etc.
Whereas progesterone imbalance leads to irregularity in the menstrual cycle, headache, and anxiety. To bring back your hormones into balance we have introduced some natural herbs to our list that keep you healthy.
Taking these supplements in your regular diet provides a huge difference in your lifestyle.
Have a look at the 10 Best Herbs for Female Hormone Balance.
Table of Contents
10 Best Herbs for Female Hormone Balance
1. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
Botanical Name: Withania somnifera
Native: India, North Africa
Best known for: Thyroid
Ashwagandha is a natural gift to mankind. The name Ashwagandha is derived from the Sanskrit word “ashva and gandha” which means horse-like odor. As the word describes, the root of this plant has this smell.
History shows that it has been in use for over 3000 years in Ayurvedic medicines. This medicinal herb is also known as Indian ginseng, winter cherry, or poison gooseberry.
Ashwagandha is a small shrub, grows up to 35-75cm. It grows in the dry stony regions facing partially or completely to the sun. The root of this plant has been used in traditional medicine for centuries.
Why Ashwagandha is best known for Thyroid?
Generally, Ashwagandha root does not contain thyroxine in it, but it stimulates your body to produce more thyroxine hormone. The strong antioxidant property helps in protecting your thyroid tissue and helps in the normal functioning of your body. It also reduces the autoimmune inflammation of the thyroid gland.
Another important reason is that it normalizes the stress hormone that affects thyroid functioning and regulates the flow of blood to the female reproductive organs. Records have shown that at least 10% of women have been cured of thyroid using this Ashwagandha.
Health Benefits
Some clinical studies have shown that ashwagandha supports the treatment of anti-aging, Parkinson’s disease, and thyroid problems.
It improves the WBC count in your body to fight against various diseases.
It soothes your pain, stress, anxiety, and depression associated with menopause.
Ashwagandha Powder helps to increase arousal and sensitivity.
It is an effective way to improve your health and lifestyle.
Precautions
Ashwagandha can be taken in the form of extract or tablet. As it does not have any side effects, you can also take this together with your thyroid medications. But consult your medical advisor before consuming it.
2. Phytoestrogens
Best known for: Menopause
Phytoestrogens are the natural dietary compound found in plants and foods. Foods such as fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes contain phytoestrogens, fiber, and other constituents that are very powerful for hormonal balance. Soybean is the best source for phytoestrogens.
Estrogen is a hormone that is produced from the ovaries of female reproductive organs. It regulates the menstrual cycle. Estrogen plays a major role in adolescents, in the development of breasts, pubic hair, and armpit hair. This hormone controls the menstrual cycle up to the menopause stage in women.
The phytoestrogens present in food modulates the estrogen level in your body. It helps both in the higher and the lower state of estrogen levels. For example, if you have excess estrogen production in the body, then phytoestrogens will help in reducing the estrogen content and prevent you from the negative impacts.
If your ovaries stop producing estrogen i.e, in the postmenopausal stage, phytoestrogens fill up the gaps left to reduce hot flashes and bone loss.
Health Benefits
Phytoestrogens are more effective and beneficial for women in hormonal balance. This is very powerful for women who reach the menopause stage.
During perimenopause, women experience various symptoms due to the imbalance of hormone level. The symptoms include;
Hot flashes
Tender breasts
Low sex drive
Tiredness
Mood swings
Irregular periods
Phytoestrogens help to relieve intolerable hot flashes without producing any side effects.
Estrogen deficiency after menopause affects your bone health. Consuming phytoestrogens is an effective remedy for bone loss and is an excellent natural alternative for Hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
Phytoestrogens tend to overcome the risk of cancer associated with estrogen. Specifically, it reduces the death rate of breast cancer.
It also improves your heart health.
Side Effects
Though phytoestrogens help to reduce the symptoms of cancer, overconsumption can also lead to cancer. So care should be taken before consuming.
3. Vitex agnus-castus (Chaste tree)
Botanical Name: Vitex agnus-castus
Native: India
Best known for: Menstrual disorders
Vitex or the Chaste tree is the natural herbal plant that supports the hormonal balance in females. It is one of the best remedies for women’s health. The berries of vitex deal with the progesterone hormone level in the body.
Progesterone hormone is generally produced by the corpus luteum during the post-ovulation period of the menstrual cycle. Vitex is a natural progesterone supplement that directly communicates with the brain and ovary and stimulates the production of the hormone in the reproductive organ. It also helps in regulating your menstrual cycle.
Vitex also plays a vital role in the perimenopause stage of women. It soothes the intolerable symptoms of perimenopause, like breast tenderness, hot flashes, mood swings, and PMS.
Why is Vitex best known for Irregular periods?
The main function of vitex is to suppress the action of the prolactin hormone in the body. If the prolactin is present in excess, then it causes irregular periods or your menstrual cycle stops completely. If you have less prolactin in your body, it leads to libido problems.
Few studies have shown that regular intake of Vitex can re-promote the menstrual cycle within 3 months. It increases the level of progesterone hormone production, thereby having stronger ovulation in your monthly cycle. It also takes care of healthy ovaries.
Health Benefits
The major benefit is that Chaste tree Powder deals with infertility problems.
It is an ideal herb to balance female hormones estrogen and progesterone by reducing the level of prolactin in the body.
Vitex helps to reduce the effect of Follicle Stimulating Hormone(FSH).
When to take Vitex?
Chaste Berry should be taken only in the morning because during that time your body will have a natural wave in hormones.
Also, care should be taken before consuming it. You should use this vitex before the ovulation of your menstrual cycle and should be stopped when your monthly period begins.
Other Uses
You can also combine Vitex berries with Ashwagandha or Schisandra. This combination acts as a stress buster and keeps you fresh and relaxed from depression.
You can also consume chaste berry as an ingredient in tea.
Precaution
It is not suggested to consume Vitex by the girls below the age of 18. Because during this adolescent stage the pituitary and the ovarian axis will start developing, so it might be disrupted if consumed.
4. Fenugreek Seeds
Botanical Name: Trigonella foenum-graecum
Native: Asia, Mediterranean region, Western Asia, Southern Europe.
Best known for: Menstrual cramps, Diabetes.
India is the largest producer of Fenugreek herb. It is cultivated worldwide for its medicinal benefits. The seeds and the leaves of Fenugreek are commonly used in cooking all over India.
Fenugreek is an annual herb that grows up to 60-90 cm tall, with small white flowers and yellowish-brown seeds. It belongs to the family Fabaceae.
Why is Fenugreek best known for Diabetes and Menstrual cramps?
Fenugreek is an excellent remedy for diabetic patients. Some studies in animals have proven that the compounds in fenugreek possess anti-diabetic properties.
Reduces the absorption of glucose in the intestine.
Helps with gastric related problems.
Increases the insulin action
Helps in the decrease of lipid-binding protein.
Fenugreek seeds are most powerful for women during their monthly periods. The anti-inflammatory and analgesic property reduces the menstrual cramps and other symptoms like headache, nausea, and fatigue associated with the periods.
Recent studies have shown that nearly 50% of women have consumed the capsules of fenugreek seed powder three times a day during their periods.
Health Benefits
Fenugreek seeds are rich in phytoestrogens which helps to maintain the level of estrogen in females.
The intake of fenugreek seeds during the menstrual cycle helps to get rid of menstrual cramps.
It also helps to improve low libido in women.
Helps in controlling the cholesterol level in the blood and reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
The fiber content of Fenugreek keeps you less hungry and controls from overeating. Consuming its powder helps in weight loss.
It is also a powerful remedy for men. The extract of fenugreek seeds helps to increase the sperm count and the testosterone level.
Additional Benefit for women
Fenugreek can also help to stimulate the production of milk in lactating women and ease the flow of breast milk. Ancient traditional medicine had recommended fenugreek for lactating women. It increases the volume of milk in the initial stage after child birth. Ancient times, these women used to take three cups of fenugreek tea daily after their child birth.
Other Uses
Fenugreek is also used as a flavoring agent in foods, beverages, maple syrup, etc. The extract of fenugreek is used in the manufacture of soaps and cosmetics.
Side Effects
Consuming fenugreek can have allergic reactions rarely. Pregnant women are advised to avoid fenugreek in their diet, because this might cause birth abnormalities.
5. Black Cohosh
Botanical Name: Cimicifuga racemosa
Native: North America
Best known for: Menopause
Other Name: Black snakeroot, black bugbane, baneberry
Black cohosh is a flowering plant that belongs to the buttercup family. It is a perennial herb that is used for various medicinal purposes. Black cohosh has a long history.
Native Americans were the first to use Black cohosh for medicinal purposes. They introduced it to the European colonists. Later it became popular worldwide in the 1950s by the Europeans. Nowadays Black cohosh is used as a supplement in balancing the hormone levels in women.
Black cohosh is a herbaceous plant that grows up to a height of 25-60 cm tall. It can grow in a variety of woodland openings. It produces a cluster of white flowers with no petals and sepals. The flowers have distinct sweetness and fragrance. In olden times flowers and roots were used in Traditional medicine.
Why is Black cohosh best known for Menopause?
It has numerous health benefits. Native Americans used Black cohosh for the treatment of fever, cough, irregular periods, and other skeletal problems.
Now Black cohosh is most effectively used for the symptoms of menopause like
Hot flashes
Night Sweats
Sleep disturbances
Vaginal dryness
Irritability
Decreased sex drive
Heart palpitations
Loss of bone density during the postmenopausal stage
Black cohosh is not a herbal estrogen but acts as a phytoestrogen that helps to balance the estrogen hormone level in the body.
Health Benefits
The roots and flowers of this plant deals with the symptoms of menopause infertility, and hormonal imbalance.
The roots contain chemicals that work to strengthen your immune system and protect your body from disease-causing microbes.
It also helps in the functioning of your nervous system. It helps in sending messages from the brain to other parts of the body.
Recent research proves that Black cohosh works in reducing the Luteinizing hormone(LH).
How to take it?
Regular intake of Black cohosh for about 20mg is more effective for menopause symptoms. But it should not be taken continuously for more than a year. Consulting your doctor, before consuming is appreciable.
Other Uses
Black cohosh is available in powdered capsules, a liquid form, and tea form. It is also blended with other herbal supplements like the red clover, chaste berry, and Dong Quai for hormonal balance. It also relieves you from the symptoms of menopause.
Side Effects
Overconsumption of Black cohosh can cause side effects. Records show that it causes liver damage. Also, there are some reported cases of liver damage due to the effect of Black cohosh.
Precautions
You should not exceed consuming 40mg of Black cohosh per day.
6. Dong Quai
Botanical Name: Angelica sinensis
Native: China
Best known for: Menstrual cramps
Other Names: Chinese angelica root, Radix Angelica sinensis, Dang gui.
Dong Quai is a flowering plant that belongs to the celery family. It is mostly found near the coastal areas, riverbanks, and in meadows.
It produces a cluster of white flowers with a pleasant smell. These flowers bloom during the period of May to August.
The roots of this plant are dried and then used as medicine by the Chinese, Japanese, and Korean people, for thousands of years.
Why is Dong Quai best known for Menstrual cramps?
Traditional Chinese Medicine used Dong Quai as a tonic to increase RBC in the blood. This in turn regulates the flow of blood circulation. So your uterus gets proper blood flow and thereby reduces the menstrual cramps.
Health Benefits
Dong Quai is a supplement for females that helps to maintain their hormone levels in balance.
Dong Quai regulates the synthesis of prostaglandins without blocking them. So it does not cause any side effects. It effectively works your periods.
Some studies have shown that Dong Quai also helps in irritable bowel syndrome and inflammations.
It also contains an estrogen compound that helps to promote fertility.
Dong Quai is the most powerful remedy for painful periods. It smoothes your blood flow and soothes your pain during periods.
How to take it?
If you actually want to get relief from the menstrual cramps, then you should consume it throughout the month. It would not provide a better result if consumed only during the periods.
Other Uses
Dong Quai is one of the popular ingredients used in female herbal mixes. You can also blend Dong Quai with cinnamon and peony and use it for menstrual cramps.
Precautions
It should be avoided during pregnancy, or else it would create unwanted contractions. Also, don’t take this before surgery.
7. Bupleurum (Bupleurum falcatum)
Botanical Name: Bupleurum falcatum
Other Name: Sickle leaved hare’s ear
Native: Europe, Western Asia
Best known for: Liver Infections, Premenstrual syndrome(PMT)
Bupleurum is an annual herb that belongs to the family Apiaceae. There are about 190 species of Bupleurum available.
Among them, Bupleurum falcatum is a flowering plant with a small cluster of yellow flowers. This is most commonly used in Chinese Traditional medicine to protect the liver from damage.
This herb is loaded with anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-viral properties. So the people of China and Japan used this herb in the treatment of respiratory infections, digestive problems, liver damage, and menstrual pains.
Health Benefits
Bupleurum stimulates the cells of the immune system to fight against diseases.
It helps to get rid of pain, inflammations, and bowel infections.
It is also a good remedy for menopause symptoms.
It contains Saikosaponin that deals more effectively with stress.
It increases the cortisol hormone that helps to reduce muscular pain and severe headaches that occur during the periods.
It also balances the production of progesterone hormone levels in the reproductive organ.
Why is Bupleurum best known for PMT and Liver infections?
Here both infections are caused due to the imbalance of estrogen hormone. Bupleurum normalizes the estrogen hormone and brings back into balance. This in turn clears the liver disease and bowel syndrome. It also reduces the risk of liver cancer.
Excess estrogen causes symptoms like tender breasts, mood swings, fluid retention. This herb helps you to get rid of these symptoms.
Other Uses
Bupleurum is blended with peony to reduce the symptoms of excessive estrogen hormone.
Side Effects
Bupleurum should be avoided during pregnancy and breast feeding. If it is used in excess, it may cause diarrhea.
8. Licorice Root
Botanical Name: Glycyrrhiza glabra
Native: Asia, Europe
Best known for: PCOS
Licorice is a flowering plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is a type of bean that grows up to a height of 1m. It produces purple or whitish-blue flowers.
The roots are stoloniferous, which means the roots are connected horizontally between organisms. The roots of this plant are used in herbal medicine.
Health Benefits
The powerful ingredient in Licorice Powder is glycyrrhizic acid which is used in traditional medicine. The glycyrrhizin is sweeter than sucrose and so it is used in candies, cough syrups for their sweetness.
This extract is also used for peptic ulcers by removing some of the active constituents present in it.
Coming to hormones, licorice is an ideal herb to increase the production of cortisol and estrogen hormone. It decreases the production of the male hormone (androgens) level in the ovary.
Why is Licorice best known for PCOS?
PCOS is an abbreviation of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. It is most common among women at the reproductive age. It is caused due to the excessive secretion of the testosterone hormone level in the body. So the ovaries fail to release eggs and results in prolonged periods.
To overcome this problem, consume Licorice extract regularly. The main function of Licorice is to reduce the testosterone hormone level in the blood. Excessive testosterone causes infertility, weight gain, facial hair growth, etc. Regular intake of Licorice prevents you from these symptoms of PCOS.
How to take it?
In the case of PCOS, Licorice is always blended with the Peony herb in a ratio of 1:1 to gain better results. The combination of two herbs decreases the production of testosterone by the ovary and improves the progesterone production level.
Other Uses
The extract of Licorice root is used as a flavoring agent for tobacco and a variety of candies.
Side Effects
Taking 50mg of licorice extract a day will cause no effects. But if the dosage exceeds, it leads to the risk of high blood pressure.
9. Shatavari
Botanical Name: Asparagus racemosus
Native: India
Best known for: Libido
Shatavari is an asparagus species that are commonly seen in the Himalayas.
The word Shatavari is a Sanskrit word, which means having a hundred roots. As the word describes, this plant has an adventitious root system. The root portion is used as medicine in ancient times.
In Ayurveda, it is used to increase breast milk production. Ayurvedic literature says that Shatavari has a cooling effect and soothing effect, So this is used to get relief from heartburn. It enhances female fertility. It was also considered a sexual tonic long ago.
The main ingredient in Shatavari is the steroidal saponins. It plays a vital role in hormones. These saponins help to improve the FSH in women. This also helps to increase the production of estrogen, which is very important for hormonal balance in women.
Why is Shatavari best known for Libido?
Shatavari Root Powder contains two types of saponins (steroid molecule) that acts as a mediator between the brain and sex hormones, which in turn regulates the libido in humans.
Libido is the desire for sexual activity that is affected due to psychological, biological, and social factors. Sexual relationships are also very important for hormonal balance. Consuming Shatavari stimulates Libido.
Health Benefits
The extract prepared from the dry roots of Shatavari is used for hormonal balance and other related problems in the reproductive system. This extract also deals with gastric ulcers and stomach upset.
As it contains an estrogen hormone, it regulates your menstrual cycle and the symptoms associated with PMS.
It relieves you from the menstrual cramps and controls the blood loss during periods. It also soothes your pain that is associated with menopause.
Shatavari is very helpful for breastfeeding mothers. Taking this in your daily diet increases the milk production and nourishes the growth of the immune system of your cute little babies.
It acts as a diuretic and fights against urinary tract infections and kidney stones.
How to take it?
Shatavari is available in the form of a tablet, powder, or liquid extract. You can have the capsule of 500mg twice a day for your natural health. If you’re using its extract, then you can consume it thrice a day. Also, get support from your doctor, before taking in.
Other Uses
In Ayurveda, they preferred mostly the powder which is dissolved in water or milk for consuming. It is also combined with amino acid for sexual arousal.
Side Effects
Studies in rats have shown that Shatavari had no toxins even after overdosage. So it does not have any side effects. Ayurvedic tradition believes it to be safe even during pregnancy.
10. Shilajit
Other Name: Mumijo
Native: Himalayas
Best known for: Heart Health
Shilajit is a blackish-brown sticky substance generally found in the high mountain rocks of the Himalayas. It is formed due to the slow decomposition of plants that are left over the centuries.
Shilajit is loaded with antioxidants, amino acids, and various nutrients that boost up your health.
Health Benefits
Regular intake of Shilajit deals with a brain disorder and prevents you from the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.
The tonic form of Shilajit provides physical energy and sexual drive.
The antioxidants of Shilajit offer numerous health benefits.
It boosts the immune system to fight against foreign bodies.
The fulvic acid present in Shilajit clears away the intestinal barrier.
It also helps in the production of ATP that promotes vitality.
The fulvic acid also protects you from cell damage and reduces the formation of free radicals.
The diuretic property helps to remove excess fluids present in your body.
Researchers have tested this Shilajit on rats and noticed that a regular intake of this substance improves your heart health.
How to Use it?
Shilajit is available both in liquid (tonic) and powder forms. You can consume this shilajit powder with milk twice a day. If you take liquid form, you can take three times a day based on the instruction of your consultant.
Side Effects
Though Shilajit is natural, you’re not supposed to consume it before processing. The raw substance contains free radicals, heavy metal ions, fungus, and other microbes that might make you ill. Also, stop taking Shilajit if you feel dizziness or rashes in your body. Because this might be allergic to your body.
Precautions
You’re not recommended to consume more than 400 mg of Shilajit a day. Seek advice from your doctor before taking in.
Wrapping Up
Imbalance of hormone level is the most prominent way to affect the health of women. Stress, libido, PMS, menstrual cramps, and the uncomfortable symptoms of menopause are all the reasons for hormonal imbalance.
You can bring back your hormone levels in balance by taking natural supplements in your daily diet. These supplements regulate the hormone level and give you peace and relaxation during the unpleasant stages of menopause.
All the herbs in our list are safe to consume in moderation, doing so boost up your health and hormonal balance. All these natural herbs have been in use for hundreds of years for its medicinal benefits. It reduces stress, anxiety, blood pressure, blood sugar level, and improves fertility, sexual arousal (libido).
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