© Shutterstock

Hormone health -

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.

© Getty Images

PCOS -

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. 

© Getty Images

Using medicine more frequently -

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.

© Getty Images

Herbal medicine -

Given the rise of chronic conditions and the challenges of finding viable and safe treatments, more women are looking toward herbal medicine.

© Getty Images

Over 200 herbs can be used -

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.

© Getty Images

Ceserean sections on the rise -

Since 2000, Cesarean section births have become one of the most common surgical procedures conducted in the US, accounting for 34% of all births.

© Getty Images

Overuse of procedure -

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.

© Getty Images

Pregnant women and prescription drugs -

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.

© Getty Images

Herbs have been used historically -

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.

© Getty Images

Avoiding herbs in first trimester -

If you are at risk for miscarriage or pregnancy complications, herbalists recommend to avoid consuming any herbs during the first trimester.

© Getty Images

Nausea -

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.

© Getty Images

Yeast infections -

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.

© Getty Images

Iron deficiency -

Iron deficiency, another common condition during pregnancy, can be addressed by consuming a tea infusion of nettles (seven-14 grams per day).

© Getty Images

Red raspberry leaf -

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).

© Getty Images

Herbs to avoid when pregnant -

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.

© Getty Images

PMS or menstrual cramps -

Many women have experienced the discomfort of PMS symptoms or menstrual cramps. These conditions are often provoked by estrogen and progesterone imbalances.

© Shutterstock

Menstrual cramps -

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.

© Getty Images

Regular consumption -

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.

© Getty Images

Managing PCOS -

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.

© Getty Images

Managing endometriosis -

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.

© Getty Images

Debilitating pain -

One of the main issues that women with endometriosis suffer from is extreme, debilitating pain that conventional painkillers struggle to manage.

© Getty Images

Herbs that act as painkillers -

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.

© iStock

Infertility issues -

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.

© Getty Images

Healthy reproductive system -

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.

© Getty Images

Perimenopause -

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.

© Shutterstock

Perimenopausal symptoms -

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.

© Getty Images

Menopause -

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.

© Getty Images

Sleep disturbances -

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.

© Getty Images

Sourcing herbs -

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

© Getty Images