Looking to cultivate balance? In our fast-paced world, stress and burnout are all too common, leading to higher rates of hormone imbalance. Not only that, but many women today are struggling to sleep, maintain a nourishing diet and active lifestyle, and avoid exposure to toxins and endocrine-disrupting chemicals. While a holistic approach is strongly advised, herbs can help bridge the gap when seeking to nurture hormonal harmony.

Disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your health care practitioner before adding any new herbs to your wellness routine.

Hormone-Supportive Herbs

Dong Quai

Also known as Female Ginseng, this herb has a very long and rich history of use. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Dong Quai is used to treat PMS symptoms, hormonal imbalances, infertility and low libido. For those who suffer from migraines, this herbal ally can reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines associated with menstruation and hormone fluctuation (1).

Motherwort

Motherwort acts on the smooth muscle of the uterus, strengthening reproductive health. Its anti-spasmodic and calming properties soothe cramping and balance menstrual irregularities (2). Motherwort can have a mild sedative effect on the nervous system, making it a wonderful herbal ally for promoting rest, sleep, and cortisol reduction (3).

Black Cohosh

Studies show that Black Cohosh can be effective in supporting or replacing pharmaceutical hormone replacement therapy (4). Black Cohosh is a prized herb among Indigenous women in North America, and they often used it to soothe menstrual cramps, difficult childbirth, and complicated menopause. This herb contains phytoestrogens – which bind to estrogen receptors – promoting hormone balance and metabolism, relaxation, and even deeper sleep (5).

Oregon Grape

This herbal ally is known for its bile-stimulating properties that kickstart liver function. The liver is an integral organ for flushing out excess hormones and supporting overall detoxification. Oregon Grape is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, making it a great herb for soothing acne and other skin flare-ups (6).

Ginger

Ginger has been shown to increase levels of glutathione, which is an antioxidant that can reduce cell damage in the liver (7). It’s anti-inflammatory and digestion-boosting properties make it a choice herb for soothing bloating and menstrual cramps (8). Ginger is also shown to increase androgen levels in the body, which can promote follicle health in the ovaries and support fertility (9).

Discover Female Harmony

All the above herbs can be found within our Female Harmony Tincture. This plant-powered blend was formulated by Clinical Herbalists and is intentionally crafted to:

• Ease menstrual discomfort, including cramps, bloating, breast tenderness, and skin flare-ups.
• Strengthen liver function to promote the detoxification of excess hormones.
• Tone the muscles of the uterus to support menstruation and menopause.

This bioavailable formula can be added to water, tea, juice, or even mocktails. Check out this Moontime Herbal Mocktail recipe for a refreshing way to cultivate hormonal harmony.

References

1. Burke, B. E., Olson, R. K., & Cusack, B. J. (2002). Randomized, controlled trial of phytoestrogen in the prophylactic treatment of menstrual migraine. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 56(6), 283–288. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0753-3322(02)00181-6 
2. Miao, L., Zhou, Q., Peng, C., Liu, Z., & Xiong, L. (2019). Leonurus japonicus (Chinese motherwort), an excellent traditional medicine for obstetrical and gynecological diseases: A comprehensive overview. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 117, 109060. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2019.109060 
3. Tokhiriyon, B., Poznyakovsky, V. M., & Andrievskikh, S. (2020). BIOLOGICALLY ACTIVE COMPLEX FOR MULTIFACTORIAL SUPPORT OF THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM: NEW COMPOSITION, EFFICACY. Carpathian Journal of Food Science and Technology. https://doi.org/10.34302/crpjfst/2020.12.1.5 
4. Mohapatra, S., Iqubal, A., Ansari, M. J., Jan, B., Zahiruddin, S., Mirza, M. A., Ahmad, S., & Iqbal, Z. (2022). Benefits of Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) for Women Health: An Up-Close and In-Depth Review. Pharmaceuticals, 15(3), 278. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph15030278 
5. Mayo, J. L. (1998). Black cohosh and chasteberry: herbs valued by women for centuries. CLINICAL NUTRITION INSIGHTS, 6(15). https://www.acudoc.com/black_cohosh_and_chasteberry.PDF 
6. Dattner, A. M. (2003). From medical herbalism to phytotherapy in dermatology: back to the future. Dermatologic Therapy, 16(2), 106–113. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1529-8019.2003.01618.x 
7. Usman, A. N., Raya, I., Yasmin, R., Aliyah, Dirpan, A., Arsyad, A., Permatasari, A., Sumidarti, A., Umami, N., & Emmasitah. (2021). Ginger honey affects cortisol, estrogen and glutathione levels; preliminary study to target preconceptional women. Gaceta Sanitaria, 35, S251–S253. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gaceta.2021.07.018 
8. Khayat, S., Kheirkhah, M., Moghadam, Z. B., Fanaei, H., Kasaeian, A., & Javadimehr, M. (2014). Effect of Treatment with Ginger on the Severity of Premenstrual Syndrome Symptoms. ISRN Obstetrics and Gynecology (Print), 2014, 1–5. https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/792708 
9. Hamdia, A., & Aliaa, S. a. A. (2016). Effect of daily consumption of dried ginger in the level of some hormones, cholesterol, and total fat in women’s sample. Journal of Biology, Agriculture and Healthcare, 6(2), 120–128. https://www.iiste.org/Journals/index.php/JBAH/article/download/28390/29132