The hormones within the body are a delicate system, impacting every bodily system from the circulatory system to the digestive system in some way. When these hormones are out of balance, the body fails to operate in an optimal manner. Side effects from a hormone imbalance include weight gain, irritability, insomnia, and fatigue.
Hormone imbalances can be caused by a number of different factors from the natural shifts of puberty, menopause, and perimenopause to unhealthy lifestyle habits such as an overabundance of stress in our lives, lack of sleep or unhealthy eating habits. While you will need to fix the underlying causes, adjusting your lifestyle to a healthier, more balanced way of living, there are a number of herbs that were traditionally used in Chinese medicine to help to balance the body’s hormones, allow you to feel better.
Here are 10 herbs that were used in traditional Chinese medicine to balance hormones:
- White Peony Root
White peony root works to balance the body’s hormone levels in a number of ways, lowering testosterone levels and promoting circulation the reproductive organs. It also works to relax the muscles and ease pain, making it a great choice for managing menstrual pain.
- Longan Fruit
Longan fruit provides the body with a natural boost of energy, helping to manage exhaustion and insomnia. It is also used to calm anxiety and protect the brain. Practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine used longan fruit heavily for its anti-inflammatory properties.
- Lotus Seed
The lotus seed has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of two main systems in the body – the digestive system and the reproductive system. It has been found to treat digestive problems and manage fatigue.
- Astragalus Root
Astragalus root was often used to manage blood deficiencies. It has also been found to boost natural energy levels and optimize the immune system.
- Goji Berries
Goji berries are high both in selenium and potassium, both of which help to balance the pituitary gland. Loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, many experts believe that goji berries are one of the most nutrient dense berries that exist. The berries possess a number of positive benefits including anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and antifungal properties.
- Chinese Red Dates
Full of a number of essential nutrients, Chinese red dates have been found to strengthen the immune system, promote energy and nourish the blood, all of which work to help achieve a natural balance of hormones in the body.
- Chinese Wild Yam
The Chinese wild yam has been found to promote healthier sleep patterns, which helps to balance the natural hormones in the body. It is also credited for soothing anxiety and lowering blood sugar levels.
- Dang Gui
Dang Gui is recognized as one of the most used herbs in traditional Chinese medicine, with a number of highly beneficial properties. The herb has been associated with promoting better heart, lung and kidney health. It also works to clean the body of toxins.
- Black Sesame Seeds
Black sesame seeds were heavily used by Chinese medicinal practitioners in the treatment of post-menopausal women due to their ability to positively affect the body’s sex hormone production. They are packed with vital nutrients for optimal health.
- Ginseng
One of the well-known causes of hormone imbalance is an abundance of stress in our lives. Ginseng helps to strengthen the immune system and relieve stress, alleviating the impact on our hormones. It also supports both the pituitary and adrenal glands.