Happy Hormones. A balancing act for healthy menstrual cycles and fertility
Many women feel challenged by the burden of their menstrual cycle. Fertility challenges are also at an all-time high.
All too often women accept these issues as the norm. But in many cases they are indicators of hormonal imbalance.
Factors that can contribute to our hormonal imbalance include excessive stress, environmental influences, diet and lifestyle factors, liver and thyroid health issues, and the prolonged use of synthetic hormonal contraceptives.
Fortunately, nature provides an abundance of plants to support women’s reproductive health and healthy hormonal balance. In traditional European herbal practice, which spans back over 2,500 years, Chaste Tree berries, Raspberry leaf, Calendula, Yarrow, and Cinnamon are commonly used to support a healthy menstrual cycle and natural fertility.
These plants have been shown to support a regular menstrual flow and hormonal balance needed for a healthy cycle and natural fertility and healthy liver function which support hormone clearance. Some, for example Chaste Tree, are now backed up with modern science. These powerful plants can be used in combination and are easily absorbed into the body as a tea remedy.
Chaste Tree berries (Vitex agnus-castus)
Chaste Tree has a long history of gynaecological use, with written records dating back to ancient Greece. Modern scientific interest developed in Germany in the 1930s and it is now commonly used to support menstrual regularity and fertility. This extraordinary plant acts via the pituitary gland to support healthy, balanced hormone levels.
Raspberry leaf (Rubus idaeus)
A uterine tonic that supports the tone of uterine tissues and a healthy endometrium, Raspberry leaf contains high levels of manganese and moderate levels of iron, calcium, selenium and vitamins A and C – all important nutrients to support fertility.
Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
With an affinity for the female reproductive system, this plant has lymphatic properties to support breast and uterine fluid balance and menstrual comfort. Its astringent qualities help to support normal menstrual bleeding, while it also gently supports liver function. Healthy liver function is important for clearance of toxins and excess hormones that can contribute to hormonal imbalance.
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Yarrow is one of the oldest known plants used in traditional herbal practice and was known as “Venus Eyebrow”, indicating its supportive role in women’s health. It contains natural plant sterols, and supports a regular menstrual cycle, menstrual comfort and normal menstrual bleeding.
Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum)
An aromatic spice with warming and invigorating properties, Cinnamon has a toning effect on the whole body. It supports blood flow to the reproductive organs, which nourishes and supports the function of these tissues. Cinnamon also supports balanced blood sugar levels, and relaxes the nervous system, soothes stress and tension, and supports normal menstrual bleeding due to its astringent qualities.
Diet and lifestyle factors can also play a role in hormone balance and reproductive health. Eating a diet rich in natural, preferably organic, whole foods can help to reduce exposure to herbicides, pesticides and food additives that can aggravate hormonal imbalances. Finding ways to manage stress is also important for hormonal balance. As is a healthy lifestyle with plenty of movement and fresh air.
New to the artemis range of certified organic teas is Hormone Balance, formulated specifically for women in their reproductive years to support the balance of hormones associated with premenstrual and menstrual comfort, healthy ovulation and fertility, and a regular menstrual cycle.
artemis recommends addressing lifestyle issues and taking Hormone Balance tea formula at a dose of 3 cups daily for a minimum of 12 weeks, which is usually the time it takes to observe variations in the menstrual cycle.
Always read the label and take as directed. If symptoms persist or worsen, see your health practitioner. artemis Ltd, Dunedin. TAPS PP6835.