Looking for herbs to balance your hormones naturally? There are many herbs out there, that provide a long list of health benefits for women. Some herbs are good for topical application, while others can be consumed as remedies. Health benefits range from improving your digestive system to helping with PMS symptoms and so much more. Today we’ll look at the herbs that are ideal for women specifically, and the conditions women suffer from, including low sexual desire and testosterone levels. Here are the top 4 herbs for women’s health.
1. The Healing Powers of Turmeric
Turmeric is one of the most popular herbs in recent years. It’s become increasingly popular in recent years thanks to the health benefits it offers. While everyone can benefit from taking turmeric supplements, it’s particularly beneficial for women.
Endometriosis
Affecting up to 10 percent of all women, endometriosis is a common condition that’s characterized by tissue growth outside of the uterus. It has also been shown to help stop endometrial cells from growing.
Menstruation
Women who experience painful, long menstrual cycles should consider taking a turmeric supplement. This natural herb, along with red raspberry leaf, has been shown to ease menstrual pains, cramps, inflammation, and general discomfort. By taking turmeric, women can often reduce or eliminate their use of over-the-counter drugs like ibuprofen and acetaminophen, which can damage internal organs. And because it stimulates blood flow and contains high levels of calcium and magnesium, the herb also helps to normalize cycles and support overall reproductive health.
Menopause
The average woman will go through menopause around the age of 45 to 50, during which she’ll experience a wide range of unpleasant symptoms like fatigue, hot flashes, sweating, trouble sleeping, anxiety, and irritability. While there’s no way to prevent this female biochemical process, turmeric may offer relief of its symptoms. Research has shown that menopausal and postmenopausal hot flashes are linked to low antioxidant levels in the body. With its antioxidant properties, turmeric restores these levels and reduces the severity of hot flashes and other symptoms.
2. The Adaptogenic Herb Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), which is Sanskrit for “horse smell”, is a versatile herb and adaptogenic herb that comes from the nightshade family. As it is used to benefit both physical and mental health, it is referred to as a “rasayana” in Ayurvedic medicine. Its numerous benefits include reducing adrenal fatigue, boosting thyroid performance, protecting the brain from cellular damage, and easing symptoms of anxiety and depression. It is recognized as an adaptogen, a substance that helps protect from stress and improves stamina.
With its anti-inflammatory properties, ashwagandha is known for its ability to reduce chronic inflammation in individuals with autoimmune diseases like Rheumatoid Arthritis and Sjogren’s Syndrome.
How Does Ashwagandha Benefit Women?
Since it relieves stress, ashwagandha protects women from premature aging due to the toll stress can take on the body. It also is known to balance out hormone production and cortisol levels, which certainly can benefit women who are going through menopause. Additionally, since it impacts the hormones and blood flow through the body, sexual health, pain relief, and fertility tend to improve in women who take ashwagandha, including increased libido.
On the cognitive side, ashwagandha protects against the neurological degeneration women face as they age and can even improve visual memory processing. With its role in evening out hormone levels, ashwagandha also acts as a mood stabilizer, which can benefit women who struggle with anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders.
3. Don’t Forget the Fenugreek
Fenugreek is a type of plant that can be used for both cooking and medicinal purposes. In cooking, the leaves are most commonly used; the seeds are ground and used as a health supplement.
Milk Production
One of the main groups that will benefit from taking fenugreek regularly is women. This is true because this herb is labeled as a galactagogue, meaning it will help stimulate milk production in lactating women through the use of tincture or capsule form. It can be used as an aide to help bring on lactation or as something to encourage a larger milk supply in women, particularly those from Mediterranean regions, and can easily be incorporated into daily smoothies or taken in pill form.
Treatment of Eating Disorders
Women are the largest population of reported eating disorders, and research suggests that fenugreek can play a role in the treatment of these diseases. While the herb does not prevent issues from anorexia nervosa from occurring, it does help patients by increasing their appetite and motivation to eat.
Menopausal Aide
Fenugreek is also beneficial in treating hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms in women, including mood swings. A compound that is found in fenugreek acts similar to how estrogen normally does in the body. Instead of experiencing the effects of this hormone dropping during menopause, women are able to have diminished symptoms that are much more tolerable.
4. Vitex for Fertility and More
Its scientific name is vitex agnus-castus, but most women know it as the incredible herb contained in the chaste berry fruit from the lilac chaste tree. Vitex has a spicy medicinal scent, and many view it as a lifesaver.
Improve Your Menstrual Cycles
Vitex is also seen as an exceptional healing herb for women to use for menopausal symptoms. In addition, the chaste berry herb is beneficial when it comes to relieving the common cold, inflammation and swelling, migraines, headaches, and joint problems.
The herb also seems to have a calming effect on the digestive system, the spleen, liver, and uterus. When applied topically as an oil, the herb promotes a gentle, relaxing state of being.
Reduce PMS Symptoms
Vitex has a long history of use by women when it comes to balancing their periods. Studies have shown that the herb from the mint family has a natural progesterone-like effect, which may account for its popular use in the support of women’s reproductive health.
Chasteberry supplements are often recommended for a range of menstrual issues that include PMS, period acne, breast tenderness, bloating, insomnia, and moodiness.
Although Vitex does not contain hormones, experts believe the unique herb is able to affect a woman’s hormonal activity by stimulating the pituitary gland. More luteinizing hormone is then produced, and the ovaries begin increasing their production of progesterone. The cycle starts operating again in its normal monthly routine.
Conclusion
If you’re looking to balance your hormones naturally these four healing herbs for women can play a role in helping you feel your best. Always consult with your medical doctor to make sure there are no contraindications with other medications or treatments you’re taking. Like and comment below!
FAQs Related To Healing Herbs For Women
Yes, herbs can be used to help balance hormones in women. There are several herbs that have been traditionally used for this purpose, such as:
1. Maca root: Maca is believed to help regulate hormone production and balance estrogen levels.
2. Dong Quai: Dong Quai is often used in traditional Chinese medicine to support hormonal balance and relieve symptoms of menopause.
3. Black cohosh: Black cohosh is commonly used by women experiencing menopausal symptoms, as it may help reduce hot flashes and night sweats.
4. Vitex (Chasteberry): Vitex is known for its ability to support healthy progesterone levels and regulate the menstrual cycle.
5. Evening primrose oil: This oil contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which can be converted into substances that help regulate hormonal activity.
It's important to note that while many women find relief from using these herbs, individual results may vary. It's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional or herbalist before starting any new herbal regimen, especially if you have any pre-existing health conditions or are taking medications. They can help guide you in choosing the right herbs and dosage for your specific needs.
Some common healing herbs for women that are used to treat menstrual cramps and PMS symptoms include:
1. Ginger: Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve menstrual pain and reduce inflammation associated with PMS.
2. Chamomile: Chamomile has calming and soothing properties that can help relax the muscles and reduce menstrual cramps.
3. Peppermint: Peppermint has antispasmodic properties, which can help relax the muscles and ease menstrual cramps.
4. Dong Quai: Dong Quai is an herb commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine to regulate menstrual cycles and relieve menstrual pain.
5. Raspberry Leaf: Raspberry leaf is known for its toning effects on the uterus, which can help reduce menstrual cramps and regulate the menstrual cycle.
It's important to note that while these herbs may provide relief for some individuals, everyone's body is different, and it's always best to consult with a healthcare professional before using any new herbs or supplements, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.
Using healing herbs for women's health can have many benefits, but it is important to be aware that there can also be potential side effects. While herbs are generally considered safe when used appropriately, they can interact with medications or have adverse effects in certain situations. It is always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional or herbalist before starting any new herbal regimen, especially if you have any pre-existing health conditions, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are taking medications. They can provide guidance on the appropriate herbs to use, potential interactions, and side effects, and help ensure that you are using them in a safe and effective manner. Remember, everyone's body is different, so what works well for one person may not work the same for another. By seeking professional advice and being cautious with your choices, you can enjoy the potential benefits of healing herbs while minimizing any potential risks.
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