Lifestyle and dietary choices can throw your hormones off balance. Stress, emotions, and stimulants like coffee and medications can also lead to a hormonal imbalance.
Your body may show signs of irregularity in the period and sleep cycles, weight gain, digestive imbalances, anxiety or depression, and also PMS. Chinese herbs have been used for thousands of years to treat a variety of diseases and imbalances in the body. They can also be used to balance your hormones and treat problems and symptoms related to the menstrual cycle.
Chinese Herbs That Can Help You Balance Hormones
Here are 10 ancient Chinese herbs that will help you restore the hormonal balance naturally:
1. Goji berries (Gou Qi Zi)
Gou Qi Zi or goji berries are rich in antioxidants and considered the most nutritionally dense fruits, which makes it useful in balancing yin and regulating your hormones. They are also packed with essential fatty acids and amino acids.1
Goji berries contain selenium that benefits your liver, immune system, adrenals, and thyroid. They also improve sexual function and help to balance hormones. Including goji berries in your favorite smoothie or oatmeal can help you reap the benefits of an enhanced mood and energy levels, improved fertility, and a healthy libido.2
2. Dang Gui
Dang Gui is a root rich in phytoestrogen. It is primarily considered a blood tonic, which is used to restore balance in the female reproductive system. It functions by nourishing the blood and improving the blood circulation. Dang Gui benefits the uterus by toning its muscle tissues and can also aid conception but stop using it once you are pregnant.
This ancient root is usually used in soups and can be an effective remedy for your menstrual problems like anemia, pallor, or insomnia, which are associated with blood deficiency.3 It is recommended to be taken only between cycles and not during the menstrual cycle as it can increase bleeding by stimulating the uterus.4
3. Astragalus Root (Huang Qi)
Huang Qi or astragalus root can be used to strengthen your immune system and boost your metabolism. As an adaptogenic herb, astragalus root regulates the functioning of the adrenal gland and therefore normalizes the body functions.
It is a great herb to increase your energy levels and treating blood deficiency that could be characterized by dry eye or fingernails, scanty period bleeding, dry and dull hair, and cramps or spasms. If used for a long period of time, it can also normalize your progesterone levels. You can use it in soups or broths.
4. Longan Fruit (Long Yan Rou)
Longan fruit originates from the litchee family. This sweet tasting fruits can be used to treat insomnia and anxiety. It promotes tranquility, which will help you stay calm. Use it in tea or in a cookie to support the spleen and blood.
5. Chinese Wild Yam (Shan Yao)
In addition to balancing your hormones, Chinese wild yam can also make your digestive system stronger as it contains small amounts of zinc, manganese, copper, iron, and selenium.
It can act as a mild form of estrogen and used as an effective remedy for the treatment of hot flashes associated with menopause, postmenopausal vaginal dryness, premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and other menstrual disorders.5
6. American Ginseng (Xi Yang Shen)
American Ginseng is known to having a calming effect. Apart from helping you cope with stress, it can also regulate the hormone levels in your body. It can also treat erectile dysfunction, and benefit the performance and sexual drive in men.
7. White Peony Root (Bai Shao)
White Peony Root is an ancient Chinese herb that is known to solve problems related to the female reproductive system. It can help to relieve PMS symptoms, period cramps, and also regulates your menstrual cycle.
If you have blood deficiency, turn to white peony root to improve your skin and reduce the dryness of nails and cuticle.
8. Lotus Seed (Lian Zi)
Lotus seed is beneficial to both men and women. By nourishing the blood and regulating the hormone levels in women, lotus seed can regulate the blood flow during periods. Problems of discharge in women and any difficulty in dealing with premature ejaculation can be taken care of by consuming lotus seed.
It can help to maintain and make your digestive system stronger, which is associated with the hormones and blood in the body. Avoid eating lotus seed if you are suffering from cold, flu, fever, or constipation.
9. Chinese Red Dates (Da Zao)
Chinese red dates, Da Zao or jujube fruits are medicinal herbs or fruits that can boost your energy levels by replenishing the substance that provides your body with energy. It also treats insomnia and irritability by calming the mind.
Although it is considered beneficial and can build blood in the body, an excessive amount can cause diarrhea and digestive discomfort.
10. Black Sesame Seeds (Hei Zhi Ma)
Black Sesame Seeds is a Chinese herb that has a cooling effect on the body and can help to clear the heat. This property makes it useful in minimizing hot flashes associated with menopause.
Incorporate black sesame seeds in cakes, biscuits, desserts, or beverages to reduce headaches and numbness due to blood deficiency and also to enjoy the other benefits.
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