HEALTH ADVICE

August 23, 2024

Balancing Your Hormones Naturally: Six Powerful Herbal Remedies

By Laurie Melrose-DoeringOsteopath & Applied Kinesiologist

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When dealing with hormonal imbalances, it’s easy to assume that only prescription medications can provide the needed relief. However, herbal remedies have been used for centuries to effectively restore hormonal balance, often serving as powerful tools when integrated into a comprehensive health approach. These natural treatments, combined with a healthy diet and lifestyle, can be incredibly effective on their own.

The Importance of Hormonal Balance

Hormones play a vital role in regulating many essential functions in the body, including growth, metabolism, mood, and reproductive health. An imbalance in hormone levels—whether too much or too little—can disrupt these processes, leading to various conditions such as inflammation, endocrine disorders, and autoimmune diseases.

Throughout different life stages, such as puberty, pregnancy, the menstrual cycle, and menopause, hormonal fluctuations are natural. However, when these fluctuations become imbalanced, they can lead to significant and often uncomfortable symptoms.

The Role of Herbal Medicine

Traditional treatments for hormonal symptoms often include hormone replacement therapy, antidepressants, or the advice to “power through” the symptoms. However, these approaches might only mask the symptoms without addressing the underlying hormonal imbalance. Herbal medicine offers a more natural and effective alternative, providing the body with the tools it needs to restore balance gently.

Phytotherapy—the medicinal use of plants—has been a fundamental part of traditional medicine for centuries. Unlike pharmaceutical drugs, which often involve chemically altered plant compounds, herbal treatments use plants in their natural form, making them gentler on the body and effective in preventing health problems before they become severe.

Herbs interact with the body at a cellular level, leveraging what is known as the adaptogenic effect, where the body uses plant molecules according to its specific needs.

6 Herbs to Balance Your Hormones

Improving Blood Flow: Osteopaths place a lot of importance on improving circulation, which brings oxygen and nutrients to the joints, while reducing inflammation and waste products.

1. Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa)

  • Background:This herb is native to eastern North America and has been used traditionally to support hormonal balance, particularly during menopause.

 

  • Mechanism:Black cohosh may bind to opioid receptors in the brain, affecting body tissues, or act similarly to oestrogen in larger doses.

 

  • Benefits:It has been found to relieve menopausal symptoms more effectively than a placebo.

 

  • Suggested Dosage:400 mg daily.

 

  • Caution:There can be adverse effects, so consultation with a professional herbalist before use is advised.

2. Chaste Tree (Vitex agnus-castus)

  • Background:Also known as chasteberry, this herb is often used to treat menopausal symptoms and premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

 

  • Mechanism:It may lower prolactin levels and mimic the action of progesterone, helping to alleviate symptoms associated with hormonal imbalances.

 

  • Suggested Dosage:200–1,000 mg daily. Avoid during pregnancy or nursing.

Tailored Therapeutic Advice

  • Customised Recommendations: Personalised advice on therapeutic exercises and diet can help mitigate arthritis symptoms, emphasising the importance of maintaining muscle tone and joint flexibility. Osteopaths may also suggest dietary changes to avoid inflammation triggers.

3. Kalonji (Nigella sativa)

  • Background:Also known as black seed or black cumin seed, Kalonji is rich in antioxidants and has been shown in animal studies to regulate several hormones, including testosterone and thyroid hormones.

 

  • Form:Typically taken as an oil.

 

  • Suggested Dosage:400–1,000 mg oil daily.

4. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

    • Background: A staple in Ayurvedic medicine, Ashwagandha is known for its ability to treat hormonal imbalances, particularly those related to thyroid function and adrenal fatigue.

 

    • Mechanism: It helps lower cortisol levels, improves brain function, and reduces anxiety and depression.

 

    • Suggested Dosage: 100–200 mg daily.

5. Maca (Lepidium meyenii)

  • Background:Maca, or Peruvian ginseng, has been traditionally used in Peru for its hormone-balancing properties, particularly in enhancing libido and alleviating menopausal symptoms.

 

  • Suggested Dosage:500–3,000 mg daily.

6. Nettle (Urtica dioica)

  • Background:Nettle, or stinging nettle, is rich in iodine and other nutrients that support thyroid health, making it beneficial for those with thyroid imbalances.

 

  • Form:Can be consumed as tea or in supplement form.

 

  • Suggested Dosage:Consult an herbalist to determine the appropriate dosage.

Achieving Hormonal Balance

Hormonal balance is within reach with the right approach. By integrating these herbs into a balanced lifestyle that includes a nutritious diet, regular exercise, and stress management, you can help regulate your hormones and improve your overall health. However, it’s essential to remember that herbs should complement a healthy lifestyle, not replace it.

Additional Tips for Maintaining Hormonal Balance

  • Nutrition:A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats, and fibre can provide the necessary nutrients for hormone health.

 

  • Hydration:Staying hydrated with water and herbal teas, such as green tea, can help balance insulin levels.

 

  • Exercise:Regular physical activity helps regulate hormones, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being.

 

  • Stress Reduction:Practices like yoga, meditation, and spending time in nature can help lower stress hormones like cortisol.

 

  • Sleep:Prioritise quality sleep to support hormonal balance and overall health.

 

  • Avoid Toxins:Minimise exposure to endocrine disruptors by choosing organic foods, using natural beauty products, and avoiding plastics.

 

By adopting these habits and incorporating herbal remedies into your routine, you can support your body’s natural ability to maintain hormonal balance and enjoy a healthier, more vibrant life.

It is always advised to consult a medical herbalist rather than self-medicating, because a herbalist is trained to look at the whole body. Your herbalist will prescribe a combination of herbs to treat you as a whole, which makes the prescription more effective.

Herbal Medicine at Aston Clinic London

At Aston Clinic London, our herbalists are committed to helping patients achieve hormonal balance through personalised herbal treatments. We collaborate closely with clients to create customised plans tailored to their unique needs. By integrating traditional herbal wisdom with modern scientific insights, we offer effective, natural solutions to hormone-related challenges, empowering patients to naturally reclaim and maintain their health.

To book a session with one of our herbalist, click here. Alternatively, you can contact us at 020 8942 3148to learn how our treatments can benefit you.

Aston Clinic London is a third-generation complementary health clinic located in New Malden, serving Kingston, Norbiton, Wimbledon, Raynes Park, Surbiton, Chessington, Worcester Park, Sutton, Richmond, and other areas of southwest London and Surrey.

By Laurie Melrose-DoeringOsteopath & Applied Kinesiologist

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