Adaptogenic Herbs for Hormone Balance
Do you ever feel like your hormones are out of balance? This is a popular topic for women, but can also apply to men. There are many herbs that can be used to support the balance of hormones, but in this article we will specifically focus on the value of adaptogenic herbs to help with this balance.
Adaptogenic herbs are actually all about balance. They have been used for centuries to help balance the hormones and promote overall health and well-being. These herbs are known to help the body adapt to stressors and support the endocrine system, which plays a crucial role in hormone regulation.
Here are some favorite adaptogenic herbs when it comes to supporting hormone balance.
Ashwagandha
- Ashwagandha is a powerful adaptogen that has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine. It helps regulate the production of cortisol, the stress hormone, which can impact the production of other hormones in the body. Ashwagandha also supports the thyroid gland, which is important for regulating hormones that control metabolism.
Rhodiola
- Rhodiola is another powerful adaptogen that helps the body cope with stress. It has been shown to improve symptoms of anxiety and depression, which can be related to hormonal imbalances. Rhodiola also helps regulate cortisol levels and can improve energy levels and mental clarity.
Maca
- Maca is a root vegetable that is native to Peru. It is a known adaptogen that helps regulate hormones in the body. Maca is particularly beneficial for women, as it can help regulate menstrual cycles and alleviate symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and mood swings.
Holy Basil
- Holy basil, also known as Tulsi, is an adaptogenic herb that has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years. It helps regulate cortisol levels and can improve energy and focus. Holy basil also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce symptoms of inflammation-related hormonal imbalances.
Licorice Root
- Licorice root is a popular adaptogenic herb that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. It helps regulate cortisol levels and supports the adrenal glands, which play a crucial role in hormone regulation. Licorice root also has anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce symptoms of inflammation-related hormonal imbalances.
Eleuthero
- Eleuthero, also known as Siberian ginseng, is a popular adaptogenic herb that helps regulate cortisol levels and improve energy levels. It also supports the immune system and can help reduce symptoms of fatigue and stress-related hormonal imbalances.
As you can see, adaptogenic herbs can be helpful for much more than adapting. It’s nice to know that this is a great natural and effective way to support hormone balance, which can mean a support in mood balance. Hormones can affect so much about our health as they work to support overall health and well-being. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before using adaptogenic herbs if you are pregnant or have any underlying health conditions.
By Melanie Skelton, Master Herbalist
