Study shows mental health challenges are increasing among the working population
The numbers on hormone health are shocking. In the US, one in every six women is struggling with fertility issues. Millions of women are suffering from endometriosis, PMS, and menopausal issues.
It gets worse. Over 10% of women have been diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which carries the risk of heart disease, a condition on the rise for women worldwide. Pictured is an ultrasound of the condition.
More and more women are dependent on over-the-counter or prescription medicine to help manage their symptoms. This is the case despite the fact that many medications haven’t been properly tested on women, if at all.
Given the rise of chronic conditions and the challenges of finding viable and safe treatments, more women are looking toward herbal medicine.
There are over 200 herbs that can be implemented for clinical use in both traditional and modern applications. To take control over your hormonal health, this gallery highlights a selection of these herbs and how they can help you.
Since 2000, Cesarean section births have become one of the most common surgical procedures conducted in the US, accounting for 34% of all births.
While the procedure is common, many practitioners argue that the intervention is overused. It is worth noting that the US not only consistently ranks the lowest of all developed nations in birth outcome, but also in infant mortality.
Simultaneously, pregnant women in the US are consuming high amounts of prescription drugs, including narcotics. A study examining women on Medicaid notes that over 80% of pregnant women are prescribed at least one medication during pregnancy; 22% of prescribed medications were narcotics.
Many prescription medications aren't risk-free for pregnant women, despite their common dispensing. In contrast, herbs have been used during pregnancy over the course of history, with many safe options to choose from.
If you are at risk for miscarriage or pregnancy complications, herbalists recommend to avoid consuming any herbs during the first trimester.
Moderate amounts of ginger root (up to one gram daily, which can be divided throughout the day) can be consumed by pregnant women to treat nausea and vomiting.
A yeast infection, which is a common occurrence during pregnancy, can be safely treated through the suppository use of tea tree oil (three to five drops, one to three times per day) or garlic (one clove inserted every night for seven days), both of which are anti-microbial.
Iron deficiency, another common condition during pregnancy, can be addressed by consuming a tea infusion of nettles (seven-14 grams per day).
Another common herb that’s been used to help ease labor and prevent complications is red raspberry leaf, which can be taken in a tea infusion (one to three cups daily).
There are a number of herbs that should be completely avoided throughout gestation. The extensive list includes angelica, wormwood, mugwort (pictured), safflower, red clover, buckthorn, and rhubarb, among others. All pregnant women should consult a herbalist for specific recommendations.
Many women have experienced the discomfort of PMS symptoms or menstrual cramps. These conditions are often provoked by estrogen and progesterone imbalances.
Herbs like chamomile (pictured) and ginger can be very effective in helping to diminish menstrual cramps. Chasteberry (also known as vitex) is particularly useful for PMS symptoms.
The wonderful benefits of these herbs are not only their ability to reduce symptoms, but over time, their regular consumption can actually help to regulate hormones.
If you’re trying to manage PCOS, try consuming spearmint (two cups of tea a day) and licorice root (one cup of tea per day), which can improve elevated testosterone levels, a common imbalance for women with PCOS.
If you are struggling with a more severe hormonal condition, such as endometriosis, there are also some herbal solutions that you can explore to help manage the condition.
One of the main issues that women with endometriosis suffer from is extreme, debilitating pain that conventional painkillers struggle to manage.
Studies show that the regular consumption of ginger root (through tea infusions, for example), can have a greater effect than common painkillers like ibuprofen. You can also try integrating curcumin (tumeric) and devil’s claw.
Are you struggling to conceive? You’re not alone. Hormone imbalances can greatly impact your ability to ovulate regularly, even if you’re having monthly menstruation.
If you’re on your fertility journey, try integrating the use of chasteberry, flax seeds (pictured), and maca root. These herbs not only help you to achieve hormonal balance but also encourage a healthy reproductive system.
Perimenopause can be a disruptive time in a woman’s life as she begins her transition toward menopause and hormone levels become irregular. Hot flashes, irregular sleep, and disruptions to your menstrual cycle, among other symptoms, can wreak havoc on your life.
Try ashwagandha (pictured) to help manage your stress levels during this challenging period. Chasteberry can also help to stabilize hormone levels, while black cohosh can help to manage symptoms like hot flashes.
Finding it challenging to manage menopause? Instead of going right for the commonly prescribed hormone replacement therapy, consider herbs like Dong Quai, chasteberry (pictured), and sage to provide some comfort during this period.
As sleep disturbances are common in perimenopause and menopause, try integrating herbs like lemon balm and lavender (pictured) to ease your nervous system and support quality sleep.
Just as important as the herbs you’re consuming is where you source your herbs. Make sure you are sourcing herbs from trusted sources to avoid consuming fillers or other harmful substances.
Sources: (Aviva Romm)
See also: Boost your liver health: 10 essential herbs to include in your daily routine
Hormonal health can feel like an unending struggle. Painful and unpredictable periods, bouts of disruptive PMS, and attempting to navigate perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms are just some examples of the challenges women face. Without many options to manage symptoms, many women rely on NSAIDs or other pain relievers and medications just to make it through their menstruation.
But there are lesser-known strategies we can use to support hormonal health without dealing with unwanted side effects: enter herbal medicine. Gentle and accessible, there are many herbal solutions that can not only help women deal with their symptoms but also achieve hormonal balance.
Curious to know more? Click through the gallery for more information.
Herbs that naturally improve hormonal balance in women
Natural strategies to diminish hormonal symptoms
HEALTH Natural medicine
Hormonal health can feel like an unending struggle. Painful and unpredictable periods, bouts of disruptive PMS, and attempting to navigate perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms are just some examples of the challenges women face. Without many options to manage symptoms, many women rely on NSAIDs or other pain relievers and medications just to make it through their menstruation.
But there are lesser-known strategies we can use to support hormonal health without dealing with unwanted side effects: enter herbal medicine. Gentle and accessible, there are many herbal solutions that can not only help women deal with their symptoms but also achieve hormonal balance.
Curious to know more? Click through the gallery for more information.