Hormones are molecules released by glands in our bodies that control different aspects of our body. These complex chemical components help in the better activity of our system.
Sometimes they tend to have the opposite nature, for example, the combination of glucagon and insulin. Where glucagon helps in glucose production, insulin removes glucose from our blood.
The endocrine system is responsible to maintain balance among the hormones. Further, thyroid, pituitary, and adrenal glands; ovaries in women and testes in men release different kinds of hormones dealing with different actions.
It is necessary for these hormones to be in perfect balance for optimum condition of the body. However, issues like illness, change in eating habits, or change in the atmosphere often result in hormonal imbalance, leading to strange symptoms and problems.
To protect ourselves from these unwanted illnesses, we have compiled a list of 10 herbs that help in balancing hormones :
1.Astragalus ( Milk Vetch)
Essential in Chinese Medicine, it helps in curing liver problems, asthma and other respiratory troubles, cardiovascular problems and has great immunity enhancing and anti-aging abilities. It also regulates blood pressure and protects the pancreas’ beta cells. It also has to counter effect on insulin resistance.
2.Ashwagandha ( Withania Somnifera)
This herb, picked straight out of Ayurveda medicine, looks after the adrenal and thyroid glands. It helps in curing hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and enhances circulation of blood, reduces stress, has anti-aging properties, improves memory, helps in erectile dysfunction and also increases blood supply to female reproductive organs.
3.Maca Root ( Lepidium Meyenii)
Popular among the natives of Andes, Maca Root improves energy and stamina. It helps in reducing stress which is why many athletes swear by it. Containing plant hormones, it also helps in premenstrual and menopausal syndromes like night sweats and hot flashes.
4.American Ginseng ( Panax Quinquefolius)
This herb ensures hormonal balance, targeting the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis. Other benefits include- better digestion, immune system, nutrient absorption, and stress relief. Also enhances male reproductive health and sex drive.
5.Saw palmetto ( Serenoa Repens)
Good for the endocrine system, Saw palmetto’s berry can treat benign prostatic hyperplasia. It also lowers exhaustion, stress, improves the immune system, sperm count and is good for both male and female reproductive organs.
6.Tribulus( Tribulus Terrestris)
Tribulus is mainly used to cure male reproductive issues like sperm count. It boosts the androgen receptors in the brain which leads to improved usage of testosterone and also other hormones. A component called Protodioscin in this herb can treat infertility and erectile dysfunction.
7.Epimedium( Epimedium Spp.)
Epimedium is useful in the treatment of hypertension, osteoporosis, coronary heart disease, memory loss, joint aches, irregular periods in women and also sexual troubles. A flavonoid called icariin present in this herb imitates testosterone which helps in sex drive and muscle relaxation.
8.Chasteberry (Vitex Agnus-Castus)
Acting on the pituitary gland, it controls hormones like estrogen, stimulating hormone ( FSH), prolactin follicle and luteinizing hormone. Also helps in the treatment of hormonal imbalances related issues like polycystic ovary disease, cyclical breast pain, uterine fibroids, premenstrual syndrome and menopausal problems.
9.Suma Root ( Pfaffia Paniculata)
It regulates endocrine activity, boosts the immune system and strength, regulates blood sugar level, improves memory and also appetite. Suma means “Russian secret” as many Russian athletes used to intake extracts from its plant as it has a more intense anabolic effect.
10.Black cohosh( Actaea Racemosa)
Popular among Native Americans, this is useful for treating issues involving female reproductive system. With some components similar to estrogen, menopausal women use this to treat symptoms arising from a lack of that hormone. It also reduces pain, stress, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis due to its high level of Isoferulic acids.
