Hormones are a huge part of our overall bodily functions. There are many ways in how and when to balance hormones. It can be tricky to maintain the delicate balance between hormones because they require just the right amount. Not too much of this or too little of that.
When hormones are out of balance there can be a cascading effect of symptoms. For example, if estrogen is too high an individual may experience weight gain, fatigue, heavy menstruals, acne, anxiety, cramping, and insomnia. If estrogen is too low, other symptoms occur.
It is necessary for hormones to stay in a nice, neutral flow for different functions and areas of the body besides the reproductive system. We need hormones for growth development, hair growth, skin health, and sleep to name a few.
So how does one go about balancing hormones? Herbs and nutrition!! Together, herbal therapy and nutrition go hand in hand with not only balancing hormones but balancing out the body in a natural way. In this article, the focus will be herbs. There will be another article solely on the focus using nutrition to balance things out hormonally.
For now, let's dive in to see which herbs can help!
Red Raspberry Leaf
This herb is one of my go-tos when it comes to balancing hormones and fighting off PMS. It is a gentle herb that is packed with a ton of nutrients that go a long way! It provides the body with Vitamins B and C, potassium, magnesium, zinc, and iron. It also assists the body with digestion, enhances the uterine lining for conception, and speeds up the labor process when women are approaching their due date.
A 1-2 cups a day the week before and during the cycle is a great way to keep the pms away and the hormones on track.
Lady's Mantle
Lady's Mantle is an ancient herb that isn't talked about much. This lovely herb is used to balance the reproductive hormones by providing antispasmodic and regulating heavy menstrual flow properties. It can also be used to improve progesterone levels to increase fertility.
Lady's Mantle tea can be enjoyed from 1-2 cup daily. To reduce heavy menstrual bleeding, drink 2-3 cups daily a week before and the week during the bleeding time.
**Lady's Mantle is only to be taken during the last week of pregnancy under the guidance of a health practitioner**
Motherwort
This is another ancient herb that has been used to help balance female hormones. It helps to balance hormones of every stage of a woman't life. From the beginning stages of menarche, to enhance fertility, and menopause. This herb has been used to stimulate a delayed cycle by increasing blood flow to the pelvic area. Due to this stimulating effect, it can also ease menstrual cramps and pain.
**This herb is not to be taken during pregnancy**
Chasteberry (Vitex)
Chasteberry is one of the major uterine tonics used to balance female hormones. It reduces inflammation, gently aids each hormone as it fluctuates during the different stages of the cycle, and helps to reduce PMS.
It is best to drink 2 cups daily for about 6-8 weeks, stopping for 1-2 weeks in between and if symptoms persist, continue the routine.
Strawberry Leaf
Strawberry Leaf tea doesn't get as much attention as its cousin, Red Raspberry Leaf tea but it sure does help with the female reproductive system. It helps to reduce inflammation and pain, which in turn, helps to decrease menstrual cramps and pain. It also known for its ability to reducing heavy menstrual bleeding and leveling out irregular menstruals.
Drink 1-2 cups a day the week prior and week of heavy menstrual. It is recommended to drink completely dried or fresh leaves.
Nettle Leaf
I absolutely rave and love Nettle Leaf tea! It's my go-to Spring herb but I truly drink it year around. It is packed with nutrients, has so many healing benefits, and most certainly is able to help with balancing out female reproductive hormones. It helps to regulate estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and the thyroid. It also can reduce PMS, soothe the uterine lining, improving the menstrual flow.
This tea can be consumed 2-3 times a day. It is also recommended to use completely dried or baked and shaken leaves. This plant is also known for having little hairs on the fresh leaves that can irritate the throat when taken in fresh form. But once dried or baked, the hairs fall off, making the leaves ready for a cup of happy tea!
It can be challenging to balance hormones but nature has our back when it comes to remedies!! These herbs are not as common but definitely a great arsenal to have on hand if you are experiencing hormonal issues, PMS, heavy menstruals, delayed menstruals, and so forth. A gentle reminder, always get your herbs from a reputable source.
As simple as it sounds to just drink some tea to balance things out, it is always recommended to work with a trained herbalist or health practitioner to know which teas are best for your needs.