10 Adaptogenic Herbs for Hormonal Balance in Women
Hormones are the chemicals juggling with their respective activities in our bodies such as growth, metabolism, mood, sexual health and reproduction.
And we have over 50 different types of hormones which can get imbalanced owing to different factors, internal and external.
However, women are more vulnerable to the imbalance in these biochemicals which significantly disrupts various normal functions of the body such as:
- Osteoporosis
- Vaginal dryness
- Constipation and diarrhoea
- Breast tenderness
- Heavy, irregular and painful periods
- Acne just before or during periods
- Digestion issues
While adaptogenic herbs come forth as a remarkable solution to resolve the common issue among women.
Also known as adaptogenic herbs that facilitate the body in coping with chemical, physical and emotional stress of the body.
This write-up focuses on some cool all-rounder herbs to rectify hormonal imbalances in women.
Some common adaptogenic herbs of prestige commonly recommended are ashwagandha, nigella seeds, marjoram, shatavari and so on.
We shall discuss the benefits and actions of each of these in detail, to help you regulate your hormones and related symptoms.
Further, do not ignore your diet and mind that your food plate entertains only healthy foods and lots of water.
Keep your lifestyle active and practice exercises and yoga regularly.
1. Shatavari
Proposed by Ayurveda, shatavari is enumerated in the Indian medicine as the finest substitute to hormonal replacement therapy.
It is a tremendous source of various phytochemicals which back your health and wellness.
It contains alkaloids, mucilage, isoflavones, sterols, magnesium, copper, manganese, zinc, calcium, and whatnot.
Furthermore, it is remarkable in healing depression.
While its sterols help in estrogen regulation, in managing PMS (pre-menstrual syndrome), relieves cramps, and fluid retention.
2. Marjoram
Belonging to the family of oregano, marjoram is an adaptogen which is decent anxiety and stress reliever and alleviates digestion problems.
Depending upon the condition being administered, this herb can be used in tandem with others to get the therapy accomplished effectively.
Inhaling vapours of this herb can help women to balance their hormones, enhance fertility, palliate menopause signs, and alleviates from PMS and lowers uterine bleeding.
3. Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha or Indian Gensing is a common go-to herb laid out in Ayurveda to treat various health problems like immunity, cold, sexual health of men and women, diabetes, etc.
But it is also a known antidepressant, helps in regulating the functions of thyroid and adrenal glands.
It is commonly available in powdered form and should be consumed with milk, honey, or water regularly for desired results.
However, pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid its intake.
4. Nigella seeds
Also known as kalonji or black seeds, these are packed with antioxidants and phytonutrients.
It is quite helpful in rectifying PCOS or polycystic ovarian syndrome, which is primarily caused by hormonal imbalances.
Further, it mimics estrogen in our body and thus is deemed helpful in management of menopausal symptoms.
While it raises estrogen levels on one hand, and relieves from menstrual dysmenorrhoea and menstrual cramps on the other.
Although, it can be used in cooked food as a spice, but to receive the original goodness, prefer to take it in powdered form with water or honey. Take the tonic regularly for best results.
5. Black cohosh roots
This adaptogenic herb also belongs to the former nigella sativa and is commonly called rattle weed or bugbane.
Black cohosh is an ancient remedy preferred to treat various women’s issues, like menstrual irregularities, menopausal symptoms and PMS (pre-menstrual syndrome).
It is readily available in the form of capsules or other supplements to reduce the symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes.
But it is better that you consult your doctor before adopting this remedy, as it has certain contraindications.
6. Shilajit
Owing to its features, Shilajit is also labelled as “destroyer of all weaknesses”.
It is available as gold, silver, copper, and iron Shilajit depending upon the composition of the adaptogen.
It contains fulvic acid which is one of the most powerful antioxidants and humic acid.
The intense content of copper, silver, zinc and iron, and so forth.
It helps in regulation of menstrual cycle, by balancing estrogen and progesterone, helps in calcium absorption in menopausal females and increases female fertility.
7. Chaste berry
Also known as monk pepper or vitex, chaste berry is an adaptogenic herb used in traditional medicines to primarily deal with health issues related to women.
Its supplements are accessible in the market in different forms such as capsules, which are effective in promoting hormonal balance in women.
This is helpful in relieving symptoms of pre menstrual syndrome (PMS) such as cramps, mood swings, headaches, bloating, breast tenderness etc.
However, women who are on birth control pills, pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid the intake.
Also Read: 10 Sugar-free Drinks that Will Make You Drool
8. Maca root
Found in high and cold areas of America and China, maca root has been on high trend owing to its medicinal potentials.
This adaptogenic herb is beneficial in balancing hormones in women, and in relieving from the symptoms of menopause.
Apart from its general health benefits for men and women, it is favourable in increasing fertility, PMS, and other menstrual issues effectively.
9. Ganoderma lucidum
This is a medicinal mushroom and a great adaptogen to get relief from various internal and external stressors.
Using Ganoderma lucidum supplements readily available in powdered forms regularly can help women in balancing of their hormones.
Further, it can also help in releasing from the menstrual difficulties, mood swings and other symptoms of PMS.
10. Basil leaves
Basil or Tulsi taken in tea confers various benefits on mood regulation during your menses, lowers inflammation and makes you feel better.
The regular consumption can help you keep your hormones and their functioning in place.
Bottom line
In this article, we walked through different natural adaptogens that specifically are beneficial for various female disorders and hormonal imbalances.
Some of them are Indian ginseng, basil, maca root, Shilajit and so on.
These herbs are remarkable in regulating mental as well physical stress to great extent.
You can even take these supplements regularly but with doctor’s consultation to avoid any side-effects for general health benefits.
Further Reading:
