10 Best Herbs for Female Hormone Balance
Reduced sexual desire, a lack of energy, hormonal imbalance... all concerns that can cause a great deal of stress for women. Of course, environmental toxins and hormone disrupting chemicals (like BPA) only make the situation worse. Fortunately, women of any age can take nutritional steps to naturally balance hormone levels. Here are, in no particular order, the 10 best herbs for female hormone balance.
1. Ashwagandha
A mainstay of Ayurveda, ashwagandha has been shown to reduce the stress hormones (ie., cortisol) which disrupt endocrine function and prompt premature aging. Ashwagandha stimulates blood flow to a woman’s reproductive organs to increase arousal and sensitivity, making it a popular choice for women who wish to regain their sex drive and satisfaction. Women experiencing menopause also report that ashwagandha helps to produce positive effects on hot flashes, anxiety, and depression. [1]
2. Avena Sativa
Generations of women swear by avena sativa – or oats, being its common name – as a libido enhancer, alleviator of menstrual cramps, and general aphrodisiac. It is believed to increase blood flow and stimulate the central nervous system, encouraging the physical and emotional desire for sex. Researchers also believe avena sativa frees bound testosterone, an essential hormone for sexual desire in both genders.
3. Catuaba bark
The Tupi Indians of Brazil discovered and celebrated the many health benefits of Catuaba, particularly its effect as a libido enhancer. According to Brazilian research, the bark contains yohimbine, a known aphrodisiac and powerful stimulant. It stimulates the central nervous system, thereby providing energy and a more positive mood. [2]
4. Epimedium
Commonly known as Horny Goat Weed, many women take epimedium for its incredible menopause-relieving effects. [3] Alkaloids and plant sterols, especially icariin, act similarly to testosterone and have been found more effective than many current drug therapies, but without the side effects. Like other hormone-balancing herbs, it also encourages blood flow to a woman’s reproductive organs.
5. Maca (root)
Also known as Peruvian Ginseng, the indigenous people of the Andes have used Maca root to approach infertility, sexual dysfunction, hot flashes, sleep disruptions, and even night sweats associated with menopause. [4] It’s also a commonly-used aphrodisiac and libido stimulant. This shouldn’t be a surprise as it’s loaded with phytonutrients and zinc, an element essential for supporting sexual-related hormones. Women who have used maca root report greater sexual desire and more satisfying sex. [5]
6. Muira puama
European explorers brought this little herbal gem, termed "potency wood," back from the New World. It is known to calm nerves and relieve anxiety, and it is also said to increase blood flow to the pelvic area. Women who use muira puama report greater sexual desire, more satisfying intercourse, and more intense orgasms. [6]
7. Shilajit
Prized by both traditional Indian and Chinese medicines, the Chinese consider it a Jing tonic, or a tonic which aids physical energy and sexual drive. It’s formed from organic compressed plant material from the Himalayas. The compound is then concentrated and purified to create a high-potency extract. Packed with nutrients, amino acids, and antioxidants, its fulvic acid passes easily across the intestinal barrier which expedites antioxidant availability. It also promotes vitality by stimulating cellular ATP production. [7] Shilajit is also known to alleviate anxiety, lift mood, and stimulate overall health. [8]
8. Suma
A popular aphrodisiac from the Amazon, suma root is sometimes referred to as South American Ginseng. It’s commonly used to improve mood, stimulate sexual desire, and encourage reproductive health. Research with animal models support these uses, noting it increases levels of estradiol-17beta, a powerful sex hormone essential to reproductive health and balanced hormone levels. [9]
9. Tongkat Ali
Tongkat ali is consistently referred to as as the greatest natural aphrodisiac known to man. Used in Malaysia by women to stimulate libido and increase the sensitivity of erogenous zones, Tongkat root also supports energy levels, cognitive function, and creates positive responses to stress. Researchers have found it boosts testosterone levels and promotes hormonal balance. [10] [11]
10. Tribulus terrestris
Popular in both Chinese and Indian cultures, Tribulus terrestris has a long-held reputation as an aphrodisiac. It may stimulate androgen receptors in the brain and encourage the body to use hormones more efficiently. Women who use the herb experience increased arousal, better sexual performance, and improved reproductive system health. [12]
A Final Thought
For many women, hormonal imbalance may be the reason for lost libido, fatigue, and sexual disinterest. Restoring hormonal balance may lead to the return of a natural confidence, positive outlook, sex drive, and satisfaction. When considering a hormonal-supportive supplement, always validate the quality of your supplement source. Many herbal supplements on the market use fillers or low-quality ingredients with reduced effectiveness. If you're looking for a suggestion, I recommend Women's Hormone Balance, it contains an incredible blend of some of the previously mentioned herbs.
How to Balance Your Hormones Naturally
Length: 85 minutes
References (12)
- Modi MB1, Donga SB, Dei L. Clinical evaluation of Ashokarishta, Ashwagandha Churna and Praval Pishti in the management of menopausal syndrome. Ayu. 2012 Oct;33(4):511-6. doi: 10.4103/0974-8520.110529.
- Campos MM1, Fernandes ES, Ferreira J, Santos AR, Calixto JB. Antidepressant-like effects of Trichilia catigua (Catuaba) extract: evidence for dopaminergic-mediated mechanisms. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2005 Oct;182(1):45-53. Epub 2005 Sep 29.
- Wong SP1, Shen P, Lee L, Li J, Yong EL. Pharmacokinetics of prenylflavonoids and correlations with the dynamics of estrogen action in sera following ingestion of a standardized Epimedium extract. J Pharm Biomed Anal. 2009 Sep 8;50(2):216-23. doi: 10.1016/j.jpba.2009.04.022.
- Meissner HO1, Reich-Bilinska H, Mscisz A, Kedzia B. Therapeutic Effects of Pre-Gelatinized Maca (Lepidium Peruvianum Chacon) used as a Non-Hormonal Alternative to HRT in Perimenopausal Women - Clinical Pilot Study. Int J Biomed Sci. 2006 Jun;2(2):143-59.
- Uchiyama F1, Jikyo T2, Takeda R2, Ogata M2. Lepidium meyenii (Maca) enhances the serum levels of luteinising hormone in female rats. J Ethnopharmacol. 2014 Feb 3;151(2):897-902. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2013.11.058.
- Waynberg J1, Brewer S. Effects of Herbal vX on libido and sexual activity in premenopausal and postmenopausal women. Adv Ther. 2000 Sep-Oct;17(5):255-62.
- Stohs SJ. Safety and efficacy of shilajit (mumie, moomiyo). Phytother Res. 2014 Apr;28(4):475-9. doi: 10.1002/ptr.5018.
- Carlos Carrasco-Gallardo, Leonardo Guzmn, and Ricardo B. Maccioni. Shilajit: A Natural Phytocomplex with Potential Procognitive Activity. Int J Alzheimers Dis. 2012; 2012: 674142. doi: 10.1155/2012/674142.
- Oshima M1, Gu Y. Pfaffia paniculata-induced changes in plasma estradiol-17beta, progesterone and testosterone levels in mice. J Reprod Dev. 2003 Apr;49(2):175-80.
- Shuid AN1, El-arabi E, Effendy NM, Razak HS, Muhammad N, Mohamed N, Soelaiman IN. Eurycoma longifolia upregulates osteoprotegerin gene expression in androgen- deficient osteoporosis rat model. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2012 Sep 12;12:152. doi: 10.1186/1472-6882-12-152.
- Henkel RR1, Wang R, Bassett SH, Chen T, Liu N, Zhu Y, Tambi MI. Tongkat Ali as a potential herbal supplement for physically active male and female seniors--a pilot study. Phytother Res. 2014 Apr;28(4):544-50. doi: 10.1002/ptr.5017.
- Mazaro-Costa R1, Andersen ML, Hachul H, Tufik S. Medicinal plants as alternative treatments for female sexual dysfunction: utopian vision or possible treatment in climacteric women? J Sex Med. 2010 Nov;7(11):3695-714. doi: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2010.01987.x.
†Results may vary. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.
Dr. Edward Group, DC
FOUNDER | HEALER | ADVOCATEDr. Group, DC is a healer and alternative health advocate, and an industry leader and innovator in the field of natural health who is dedicated to helping others. He is a registered doctor of chiropractic (DC), a naturopathic practitioner (NP), and proud alum of Harvard Business School and MIT Sloan School of Management. Dr. Group, DC is the founder of Global Healing – a mission and vision he has shared through best-selling books and frequent media appearances. He aims to spread his message of positivity, hope, and wellness throughout the world.