Do you ever feel overwhelmed by all the latest health trends?
It's not surprising that a lot of us are struggling to keep up when we're bombarded with meditation apps, women-only sanctuaries, fad diets, and living walls.
When we're setting health goals for ourselves, there are so many things we can do — or so many things we feel like we "have" to do — that it can feel impossible to know where to start.
As many of you know, I'm a firm believer that food is the basis of a hormone-happy life. No matter what trends come and go, food — and anything we put inside our bodies — is a great place to start.
Today I want to share with you why herbal medicine has become such a central part of how I maintain my health. I love the complex medicinal properties of herbs and how they rev up our healing time.
While there's no magic herb, here are my top 10 herbal teas for women's hormonal balance.
1. Rhodiola
Rhodiola is a class of herbal medicines called “adaptogens” that can be helpful for improving both physical and mental energy. Rhodiola reduces inflammation, supports blood sugar imbalance, improves immunity and helps fight the negative effects of stress. Rhodiola is especially known for it's effectiveness in relieving anxiety.
2. Chaste Tree Berry
Basically, if you’re a woman, this herb can support you in some way. Chaste tree berry is the queen of herbs for improving progesterone balance, regulating the menstrual cycle and reducing PMS symptoms like depression, irritability, bloating, breast tenderness, cravings and acne.
3. Nettle
Nettle tea is rich in vitamins and nutrients. It's called a “trophorestorative” which means it helps restore the kidneys, adrenals, and ovaries. Nettle helps with inflammation and water retention, making it a win for PMS!
4. Milk Thistle
Milk thistle has been used for thousands of years to support liver and kidney health. Milk thistle contains silymarin, a flavonoid that heals and supports the liver's ability to detoxify excess estrogen.
5. Hibiscus
Hibiscus is high in vitamin C, minerals, and antioxidants. It's been recognized as a remedy to calm nervous disorders, decrease inflammation and speed up metabolism. Hibiscus is also used to regulate the menstrual cycle.
6. Dong Quai
Dong quai has been called the “female ginseng” and has been used as a tonic for more than 2,000 years in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Dong quai can reduce inflammation and pain before and during menstruation.
7. Red Raspberry Leaf
Red Raspberry leaf is known as “the woman's herb" in that it eases menstrual discomfort, supports reproductive health, and improves fertility by improving the chances of implantation. Red raspberry also contains fragrine which can help strengthen the uterus and the pelvic area.
8. Peppermint
Peppermint tea isn't just for bad breath. In fact, drinking peppermint tea can help reduce menstrual cramps, fight bacterial infections, relieve headaches, and support digestion.
9. Oolong
Oolong is one of the healthiest varieties of caffeinated tea. It supports weight management and boosts brain function. It's rich in antioxidants like theaflavins and L-theanine for relaxing properties. With oolong, you can get your caffeine-kick and a mood stabalizer in one.
10. Rosehips
Rosehips are a source of vitamin C, flavonoids, carotenoids, polyphenols, catechins and other phytochemicals that promote healthy and vibrant skin.
I hope you’ve found this useful. I'm curious, do you drink herbal teas? What are some of your favourite herbs and why? Let me know in the comments below.
About the Author
Elaine Clark
Founder of LADYFLOW & Nutritionist
