
Herbs are a group of plants whose flowers, leaves, roots, and seeds are beneficial to the body. Traditionally, some herbs have even been used to balance hormone levels.
However, it’s still difficult to separate fact from fiction when it comes to how to use herbs for medical and health reasons. In this article, we cover 5 herbs that have evidence to support their hormone-balancing claims.
Nigella Seeds
Nigella Sativa is also called the fennel flower, and it produces tiny black antioxidant-rich seeds. In animal studies, nigella seed extracts helped regulate testosterone, insulin, luteinizing hormone, and thyroid hormone levels.
Certain studies in rats also explore the potential of nigella seed extracts as an alternative to hormone replacement therapy during menopause.
Black Cohosh Root
Black cohosh is also known as bugbane or rattleweed, a popular supplement made from the ground roots of the black cohosh plant. It is usually taken as an extract, a capsule, or tea.
Like Nigella sativa, black cohosh could act as a phytoestrogen, a plant substance that operates similarly to the hormone estrogen when taken in large doses. A few studies have also discovered black cohosh to relieve symptoms of menopause more effectively than a placebo or no treatment at all.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha, also called winter cherry, is highly regarded in herbal medicine, with multiple ashwagandha supplements, teas, and root powders widely available. This adaptogen is believed to help your body overcome stress by regulating your brain’s
hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which produces and releases multiple hormones, like cortisol, that initiate your body’s response to stress.
Chasteberry
Chasteberry is another common herbal supplement available in extract and capsule form. It is often combined with black cohosh and sold as a remedy to treat menopause symptoms and support women’s reproductive health.
The berries also contain diterpenoid compounds, which could be responsible for the supplement’s effects on hormones such as prolactin and the neurotransmitter dopamine.
Marjoram
The marjoram herb contains bioactive plant compounds such as phenolic acids and flavonoids, partially responsible for its medicinal properties.
Early research in humans and animals has also evaluated how it could reduce stress and assist people with PCOS. For instance, a recent study discovered that rats induced with PCOS have improved estradiol levels after being treated with marjoram extract.
Conclusion
Hormone levels in the human body are constantly changing. By using herbal remedies, you can address such changes naturally. The five herbs discussed in this article have the potential to help you balance your hormone levels.