Herbal Womb Wisdom

There is certainly nothing new about herbal medicine it is likely humans have used plants, gods medicine, for as long as we have existed. Archeological excavations dated as early as 60,000 years ago have found remains of medicinal plants, such as opium poppies, ephedra, and cannabis.

As the knowledge from shamanism and other practical experimentation grew, herbalists began to catalog their knowledge of medicinal plants.

One of the oldest written records on medicinal plants, dated 1500 B.C., is the Egyptian Ebers Papyrus. In India, the Charaka Samhita, dated 700 B.C., documented the uses of more than 300 medicinal plants.

Women have been using herbs for centuries to balance their hormones, heal and nourish their wombs. Hormones — such as estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, adrenaline and insulin — are extremely important chemical messengers that affect many aspects of your overall health. Hormonal balance during a woman's life may be influenced by a variety of factors such as nutrition, diet, lifestyle, exercise, stress, emotions, age and ovulation.

5 top Herbs for Balancing Hormones

1. Chaste Tree Berry (Vitex Agnus-Castus)

This Mediterranean bush has a long history of being used for female reproductive health. Chasteberry extract acts on the pituitary gland to regulate various hormones like progesterone, estrogen, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone, and prolactin. These hormones, particularly progesterone post ovulation, is essential for regular menstruation and to restore overall hormonal balance, conceive a healthy child and increase lactation.

Vitex is now used in treating a host of health issues arising from hormonal imbalance in women, including premenstrual syndrome, acne, early periods, cyclical breast pain, polycystic ovary disease, uterine fibroids, endometriotis, menopausal problems and fertility issues. In preliminary studies, it has shown promise for treating enlarged prostate in men. Because the effect of vitex is cumulative, it has been recommended that the herb must be taken consistently for at least one month, but ideally four, in order to see a marked improvement.

2. White Peony Root (Paeonia Lactiflora )

Peony is a very popular traditional chinese medicine herb for used for enriching blood and regulating menses. It is used often in women with PCOS, Like Vitex, white peony has been shown to help increase low progesterone, reduce elevated androgens (like testosterone) and help regulate both estrogen and prolactin levels.

What all of this means is that peony may be helpful in regulating menstrual cycles, as it supports healthy follicle (egg) development in the ovaries via the Aromatase enzyme. This enzyme is also helpful in regulating LH:FSH hormone ratios, which out of balance delay ovulation and can interfere with healthy fertility.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, peony is often combined with licorice for maximum benefit, and I happen to agree which is why licorice is in our top 5!

3. Licorice (Glycyrrhiza Glabra)

Licorice root has been used medicinally for several thousand years in both Eastern and Western cultures. Prescribed for problems including respiratory infections, peptic ulcers, abdominal pain, and adrenal fatigue, licorice is especially useful in treating PMS, which can be caused by a dominance of estrogen in relation to progesterone levels.

A review article published in the American Journal of Natural Medicine indicated that licorice root can lower estrogen while at the same time raising progesterone. Licorice promotes an increase in progesterone by inhibiting the enzyme necessary for its breakdown. Licorice root is also a phytoestrogen. The potency of licorice root is 400 times weaker than estradiol, the most potent form of estrogen created within the body so it won't increase your oestrogen levels.

Licorice is also useful in counteracting the common PMS symptoms of bloating and breast tenderness caused by water retention and mentioned above a great herb to add into a herbal prescription to treat PCOS.

4. Dong Quai (Angelica Sinensis)

Dong quai, is a fragrant plant with a cluster of small white flowers. The flower belongs to the same botanical family as carrots and celery. Dong quai has been used in traditional chinese medicine for more than 2,000 years. Dong Quai builds blood health, promotes blood flow in the pelvis, which could be helpful for stimulating irregular menstruation or helping with scanty periods. Dong Quai is also rich in iron, which is good news for your energy, especially when on your moon cycle. Dong Quai is simply a fabulous tonic for most hormonal issues, as the circulation and blood flow it provides releases stagnation in the reproductive organs hence reducing pain. Dong Quai also has other health benefits such as its ability to detoxify the body, improve mood, reduce signs of aging, protect skin health, lower blood pressure, improve sex drive, and protect the heart.

5. Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga Racemosa)

Black cohosh has been used by Native Americans for treating many conditions associated with female fertility. Studies have shown that certain components in black cohosh can act like estrogen in the brain, and they may have a similar effect on the reproductive system. In fact, many menopausal women find black cohosh highly beneficial in reducing symptoms associated with estrogen insufficiency such as osteoarthritis. Black cohosh is most often used to control the symptoms of menopause, such as: headaches, hot flashes, mood changes, insomnia, heart palpitations, night sweats, vaginal dryness.

Note: Because no two people are the same and dosages differ, it’s always best to consult a qualified naturopath before taking these herbs. Based on your specific symptoms, an expert can prescribe the right herbs for your individual hormonal picture.