Hormonal imbalance is a tricky state of being to address since it can cause a very different symptom picture person to person. Our bodily systems and overall well-being are governed by a variety of different complex hormones which are all interconnected in action. So what can we do when things fall off-kilter with our hormonal balance? In this article, I share with you some of my essential herbal therapeutics for hormonal imbalance to help regain equilibrium from the root again.
Adaptogens
Adaptogens are a complex class of herbs which help the body “adapt” to stressors and regulate their physiological effects on the body. Chronic stress is one of the leading causes of hormonal imbalance in the body through constantly triggering our nervous systems to enter a “fight or flight” state which affects our entire hormonal cascade. Drawing from adaptogens and other herbs to help cultivate stress resilience is one of the most important steps you can take to regain overall hormonal balance in the body. Some of my favorite adaptogens to use for balancing hormones are ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), and rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea).
Emotional Support
The more erratic our emotions are day-to-day, the more stress is put on our nervous system and organ function. In the long run, this can negatively impact our body’s overall balance including our hormonal picture. Depending on the nature of the emotional extremes you experience, different herbs can be used. For instance, if anxiety and nervousness are on the forefront, drawing from herbs like passionflower (Passiflora incarnata), skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora), and lavender (Lavandula officinalis) are all ideal. If frustration and anger are more prevalent, using herbs like milk thistle (Silybum marianum), reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), and lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) would be indicated.
Flower essences are a great tool to use for complex emotional pictures in addition to other herbal therapeutics. Flower essences are “vibrational” herbal preparations designed to help re-pattern specific emotional imbalances depending on the nature of the flower that is used to create the essence. Although this might sound kind of “woo-woo” for some, I have seen profound results from incorporating them in protocols for my clients and with myself so I always present them as a potential tool if you are open to trying them.
Nourish Thy Nervous System
In case you haven’t clued in from the sections above...our central nervous system is pretty darn important for maintaining a healthy hormonal balance. Using daily herbal therapeutics that nourish, restore, and stabilize the nervous system can help tremendously in states of hormonal imbalance over the long term. Some of my go-to herbs for the nourishing the nervous system are oatstraw (Avena sativa), ashwagandha, tulsi, passionflower, and St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum).
Sweet Slumber
One of the first and most important steps I take with my clients who are looking for hormonal balance is to ensure they are getting a good night’s sleep. When our sleep falls out of whack our natural circadian rhythm becomes disrupted. Since our circadian rhythm helps “keep our hormones in line,” determining when they are secreted, as soon as it becomes disrupted, so does our hormonal balance. Ever get that “second wind” at 9 pm when a flush of cortisol is suddenly secreted but your dragging at 10 am to even stay awake? This is a major clue that things have fallen off track. Some of my favorite herbs to help cultivate deeper sleep are valerian (Valeriana officinalis), passionflower, and California poppy (Escholzia californica).
Mind Your Nutritional Gaps
In the average modern-day diet, nutritional deficiencies are a common reality. Unfortunately, these basic deficiencies are also a common cause of hormonal imbalance as well. In addition to ensuring you eat a well-rounded, healthy diet and supplement with a multivitamin (plus other supplements as needed), drinking a daily nutrient-rich herbal tea can help fill in minor “nutritional gaps.” Herbs I often incorporate in these tea formulas include oatstraw, nettle (Urtica dioica), red clover (Trifolium pratense), and raspberry leaf (Rubus idaeus).
Striking A Balance
When in doubt in dealing with hormonal imbalance and other serious health conditions, always consult your professional healthcare practitioner. In some cases, getting a formal hormone panel done can be extremely helpful in understanding your symptom picture. Through receiving support from your entire health team including your doctor and clinical herbalist, addressing and stabilizing hormonal imbalance is possible. Given the complex and diverse presentation of hormonal imbalance, there are many more herbal therapeutics you could draw from in addition to the ones I discussed here.
Are you dealing with hormonal imbalance or know someone who is? Curious to learn more herbal therapeutics that can help you regain balance?
Comment below or send me a message with any questions you have!
