HERBS FOR HORMONE BALANCE AT ANY AGE
There is a long history globally of many plants that have been highly revered for their profound ability to support women's health during various life stages - Maiden, Mother, Maga and Crone.
Herbs can assist to heal hormonal imbalances, enhance fertility and ease the symptoms of the hormonal transitions of peri and post menopause, which nourishes and supports the wellbeing of ourselves, our family & community. By incorporating these plants into our foods, teas and skin care, we are empowered as women with natural ways to achieve hormonal balance & harmony.
Below are 19 herbal allies and superfood plants that are exceptional in promoting hormone harmony and balance at all ages. These plants are from all over the world so see what herbs resonate for you and whether they are able to be sourced organically, sustainably and locally.
1. Vitex agnus castus (Chaste tree) berries are a traditional European herbal remedy for menstrual cycle irregularities and premenstrual syndrome, amenorrhea, endometriosis, infertility, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), insufficient lactation, acne, and for menopause symptoms like hot flushes. Vitex directly enhances the function of the pituitary gland, a primary gland in the endocrine system that regulates hormone secretion. Vitex promotes hormone balance through decreasing prolactin levels, and simultaneously balancing both progesterone deficiency and oestrogen excess.
2. Lady’s mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris, which translates as ‘common alchemist, or ordinary alchemist) is traditionally used for female hormonal balance and is recommended for PMS, amenorrhoea (no menstruation), dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), heavy periods, perimenopause & menopause symptoms, PCOS, endometriosis, and postpartum healing. It strengthens the uterine muscles, making the womb more fertile, is antispasmodic for relief from menstrual pain & cramping, and eases breast tenderness. Lady's mantle is particularly supportive for postpartum healing, both externally and internally, for example in a Yoni steaming tea, Alchemical is beneficial for healing, discharge and itching.
Alchemilla vulgaris - Lady’s Mantle
3. Red Clover (Trifolium Pratense) is a rich natural vitamin and mineral supplement containing beta-carotene, calcium, vitamin C, a whole spectrum of B vitamins, and essential trace minerals including magnesium, manganese, zinc, copper & selenium. Red clover is often used to boost fertility, and is an excellent tonic to prepare the uterus for pregnancy due to its blood purifying and mineralizing properties. Red Clover offers gentle estrogenic support for menopausal women experiencing hormonal fluctuations. Due to its phytoestrogen content, Red clover is commonly used by women to menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, hypertension and night sweats. The isoflavones in Red clover appear to bind with estrogen receptor sites, preventing certain forms of oestrogen (eg. estradiol and/or excess estroge)n from accumulating. Beneficial to lower cholesterol, treat osteoporosis and also benefits the cardiovascular and immune systems.
4. Shatavari (Asparagus racemosa) is an adaptogen (strengthens the body) native to India, and the root has been used for centuries in Ayurveda for women in all stages of life. As an adaptogenic tonic for the womb, Shatavari assists with the physical and psychological aspects of hormonal imbalances and reproductive disorders. Balance menstrual flow and improves general reproductive health, assisting with issues like PCOS and infertility, and is a remedy for vaginal dryness and hot flashes around the onset of menopause, during and post-menopause.
5. Blue butterfly pea (Clitoria ternatea) s traditionally used to promote fertility and reproductive health. It can help to regulate menstrual cycles and support healthy fertility, promote healthy vaginal discharge and aid in normal sperm production. Blue butterfly pea enhances the ovulation process and creates a favourable environment for conception with its ability to balance hormones. Also acts as a potent aphrodisiac. Read the full Clitoria Ternatea Monograph here.
6. Sweet marjoram (Origanum majorana) has been shown to stimulate menstrual flow, regulate menstrual cycle, and restore hormone balance in women with an irregular or absent menstrual cycle. Traditionally Sweet Marjoram herb is reputed for its ability to balance hormones, regulate the menstrual cycle, treat PCOS and acne. A recent study found Sweet Marjoram to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the levels of adrenal androgens in women with PCOS.
7. Rose (Rosa spp.) petals are toning to the reproductive system, and are a beneficial herb for moving stagnation in the womb. Helps to regulate hormones, assisting with period pain & cramping, menstrual irregularities, blood stagnation & excessive menstruation. Balancing for mood swings during the menstrual cycle. Considered an aphrodisiac, in both Traditional Chinese Medicine & Ayurveda, Rose is used to increase libido & fertility. Read the full Rose Herbal Monograph here.
8. Motherwort (Leonuris cardiaca) Known in China and ancient Europe to cure all kinds of ailments related to the physical and emotional heart, this bitter ‘mother herb’ is utilised for its calming properties, easing anxiety and lowering blood pressure. Used traditionally to regulate the menstrual cycle and ease symptoms of menopause. Helps to regulate the heart beat, aids in digestion and appetite, and promotes a healthy sleep cycle. A potent Heart Tonic, effective in supporting the ‘mother wound’. Useful in a Yoni steaming blend for preconception and postpartum cleansing.
Motherwort (Leonuris cardiaca)
9. Black haw (Viburnum prunifolium) is traditionally used as a uterine tonic and muscle relaxant. Containing the uterine relaxing glycoside Scopoletin, which has been scientifically proven to exert an antispasmodic effect on the uterine muscle, which explains its effectiveness for menstrual cramps and post-partum uterine cramps. The active compound salacin is an analgesic, relieving menstrual pain and lower back pain. The bark of Black Haw is also used to alleviate heavy bleeding in both the menstrual cycle and menopause. As an anti-spasmodic, Black haw has been traditionally used in Native American culture to prevent abortion, bleeding in early pregnancy and miscarriage.
10. Damiana (Turnera diffusa) has an affinity to the pelvic region, stimulating circulation in this are and bringing fresh blood to the reproductive system. It is known to assist with painful periods, decreasing blood clots in menstrual blood. Studies suggest that Damiana extract, and its anti-aromatase activity, help the body stop the conversion of some testosterone to estrogen. In trials using a combination of Arginine and Damiana, pre & post-menopausal women “experience significant improvement in desire and sexual responsiveness after 4 to 6 weeks of daily use”. An aphrodisiac herb that increases sexual energy, by calming the nervous system alleviating inhibition. Damiana has astringent properties as well as diuretic effects that may be helpful in in treating bacterial UTI and expelling toxins through the urinary system. Read the full Damiana Herbal Monograph here.
11. Dong quai (Angelica sinensis) is also known as ‘female ginseng’, ands is a traditional remedy for menstrual and muscle cramping, irregular menstrual cycles, infrequent periods, PMS, and menopausal symptoms. This potent women's herb has the ability to regulate oestrogen levels - whether they're too high or too low - strengthening the uterus, improving uterine tone and regulating the menstrual cycle. In Chinese Medicine, it has been shown to improve red blood cell count, which is helpful after menstruation to replenish rapidly. For those with sluggish periods, Dong Quai is utilised to relieve stagnation that may often lead to PCOS, endometriosis, ovarian cysts and uterine fibroids.
12. Blue Cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides) is a tonic herb for the female reproductive system, strengthening uterine function. Beneficial for menstrual pain, PMS, amenorrhea, ovarian pain, endometriosis, pain due to fibroids or cysts (ovarian or uterine). Often used in formulas to increase fertility, especially for women with a history of miscarriage. As an analgesic it relieves pain caused by endometriosis, fibroid tumors, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), menstrual and menopausal discomfort.
13. Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa, unrelated to Blue Cohosh) With a long history of use in North America and Canada where it is native, Black Cohosh root is a trusted ally for relieving menopausal symptoms including heart palpitations, nervousness, irritability, sleep disturbances, depression and hot flashes and night sweats, due to content of phytoestrogens in the roots. It’s hormone balancing properties also benefit PMS and dysmenorrhoea. Improves circulation and reduce blood pressure by dilating blood vessels.
14. Cramp bark (Viburnum opulus) is native to eastern North America, where it is traditionally used to ease PMS, menstrual cramps and muscle spasms. Beneficial for supporting hormonal health with it’s compounds recognised for their ability to regulate hormonal balance, particularly in women, by modulating oestrogen levels and promoting smooth muscle relaxation. As an anti-inflammatory, Cramp Bark can help reduce inflammation related to hormonal imbalances. The astringent action of Cramp Bark also helps to slow down heavy menstrual periods and post part bleeding.
Cramp bark (Viburnum opulus)
15. Raspberry leaf (Rubus idaeus) has been used for centuries to reduce menstrual cramps, acting as a muscle relaxant in the womb and gastrointestinal tract, supporting healthy menstruation, soothing menstrual cramps and toning the uterus. Rich in vitamins, minerals and iron that are easily absorbed, the high nutritional content is a perfect foundation for hormonal balance. Beneficial for PCOS, PMS, amenorrhea and heavy menstrual flow. Raspberry leaf strengthens the uterine wall, due to the increase of blood flow to the uterus.
16. Moringa (Moringa oleifera) The nutrient-dense leaves of Moringa are rich in vitamins and minerals essential for healthy hormones. Specifically, vitamins A, C, and E help with hormone synthesis, regulation, and function. Moringa oleifera has an abundance of minerals like iron, calcium, and magnesium, all essential for supporting hormonal health and overall well-being. Moringa is also rich in antioxidants, including flavonoids, polyphenols, and beta-carotene, which help combat oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which are known to disrupt hormonal equilibrium.Nutrient dense and rich in antioxidants and bioactive compounds, such as B6, Iron, Magnesium, C, Riboflavin, A, Magnesium, Protein. Has been known to reduce the effects of high blood pressure, cholesterol and oxidative stress (high levels of free-radicals in the body) commonly associated with Heart Disease and Diabetes. Read the full Moringa Oleifera Monograph here, and shop Yantra Herbs Moringa powder here.
17. Sea Moss (Chondrus crispus) contains the vital thyroid hormone precursor DI-Iodothyronine (DIT), and the thyroid hormones Thyroxin (T4) and Tri-iodothyronine (T3), essential for maintaining hormone balance. The thyroid gland contains the highest concentration of Iodine than any other organ in the body. You cannot make thyroid hormones without sufficient levels of Iodine. Iodine is also important for cognitive function and fertility. Read about the benefits of Sea Moss here in this blog post, and shop Yantra Herbs Wildcrafted Sea Moss here.
18. Nettle root (Urtica dioica) is a useful herb for women’s hormonal health, offering targeted support for the endocrine system. With it’s ability to work via multiple pathways to regulate hormone production, modulate hormonal activity and support the breakdown and clearance of excess hormones through a dual-action mechanism - enhancing hormone production when levels are low, such as during menopause or periods of hormonal imbalance and also reducing hormone release when levels are sufficient, thereby preventing excessive production that could lead to oestrogen dominance, allowing Nettle Root to adapt to the body’s hormonal needs, supporting balance and promoting well-being. Nettle Root has been shown to modulate hormone levels, particularly by interacting with two significant substances - Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG) and Aromatase, important in maintaining hormonal health and balance.
Nettle leaf and root are a blood and Qi tonic that is useful for supporting the menstrual cycle as well as postpartum cleansing. Beneficial for treating Iron deficiency and reducing inflammation, nourishing Nettle is nutrient dense and loaded with protein and essential amino acids, promoting resilience and overall vitality.
19. Yarrow (Achillea milliefolium) As an astringent herb, Yarrow has been used traditionally for skin conditions, wounds and minor bleeding, and to prevent infection. Internally used as a bitter to reduce digestive inflammation and heartburn, and as a diuretic to increase urine flow. Yarrow has antispasmodic and analgesic properties which relieve pain, as it relaxes the smooth muscle in the intestine and uterus, providing relief from stomach and menstrual cramps. Helps to restore a regular menstrual cycle, and has sedative properties to relieve anxiety and insomnia. Yarrow aids in toning the muscles and increasing muscular activity of the uterus, and is useful for regulating the menstrual cycle and menstrual blood flow, whether for absent periods (amenorrhea) or heavy periods. Yarrow stimulates circulation, increasing blood flow to the reproductive organs and helping to heal uterine congestion including PCOS and endometriosis. Excellent in a post-partum Yoni steam for cleansing and toning the uterus, and healing any tears or haemorrhoids from birthing.