Many women suffer from fatigue, menstrual irregularity, premenstrual headaches, and mood swings. Does this sound like you? Are you looking to your health practitioner for relief or trying various over the counter remedies to relieve your symptoms? You may need to look no further than your kitchen. Did you know, the foods you eat can have a big impact on your hormones?
Food is a fantastic way to boost your health and hormone balance. Of course, it can also be used against you. For instance, did you know that sugar, excess carbohydrates, and alcohol will disrupt your hormones? The wrong food choices are likely contributing to your poor sleep, fatigue, weight gain, premenstrual irritability and headaches.
To help alleviate some of these unpleasant symptoms, start by buying fresh organic foods, herbs, and spices. If you make these things a part of your regular diet, you will begin to feel better. Organic herbs and spices are a powerhouse of nutrients and all have therapeutic value.
Eating the right foods can work to balance your hormones by cooling inflammation, starving cancer cells, improving your immune system, and fighting off diseases.
15 Herbs And Spices To Incorporate In Your Diet
1. Maca
Maca is my number one pick to help balance hormones. This Root plant that is native to Peru is packed with nutrients that help support better hormone balance. This one plant is reported to help with mood, energy, libido and to improve fertility. Add maca powder to a smoothie is a great way to incorporate into your diet.
2. Sage
Sage was once used to help treat people with the Plague. But today, total wellness professionals suggest it to people who want to improve their memory, since studies prove it helps with recalling information. It’s also an anti-inflammatory and helps diabetic patients keep their cholesterol and triglycerides in check. Sage has also been used to reduce hot flashes!
3. Oregano
This is a strong antioxidant that contributes to better cell health in your body. It’s packed with vitamin K to help with bone growth and prevent osteoporosis. Some researchers are using it in an effort to fight the super-bug MRSA, that’s arisen from antibiotic resistant infections. If you are prone to yeast infections, oregano may help prevent recurrence.
4. Ginger
If you’ve ever been nauseous from motion sickness or from pregnancy, then you’ve probably had someone recommend ginger to you. It helps quell nausea – but it also acts as an anti inflammatory. It’s currently being used in trials to help prevent colorectal cancer – and it has been shown to kill off ovarian cancer cells quite well.
5. Turmeric
Known throughout the world for its anti inflammatory elements, this is one of the go-to- spices for women suffering from Rheumatoid or Osteoarthritis. But it has other healthy benefits too, such as being a strong agent for the prevention of cancer cell growth.
6. Ashwagandha
This is a fantastic herb to help combat fatigue and sleep disturbances due to hormone imbalances. It is used a lot for stress relief and depression as well. Other medicinal properties in this powerhouse herb are that it can help with inflammation and high blood pressure.
7. Saffron
Another herb that’s used in the fight against depression is Saffron. It is also considered to be good in the fight against cancer, heart disease, and retaining your memory. Saffron can also help with your mood and depression.
8. Garlic
You might already love using garlic in your cooking, but are you using it correctly? After you cut or dice it, let it breathe awhile. That ignites the enzymes so they can work fast and furiously on your behalf. If you suffer from low energy, let it help your iron stores. If you suffer from high blood pressure, this herb will help ease that. It’s also being used in the fight against weight gain and inflammation. Garlic works well with infections too.
9. Lavender
Lavender is something we typically think of in terms of aroma. We use it in the baths. It is also popularly used as an essential oil. It has many medicinal uses. It can help with anxiety, sleep, infections, and digestion to name a view.
10. Cilantro
This is one herb that people either love or hate. I love this tasty herb. It is often used in many detox therapies because it has a tendency to help clean out liver. Healthy liver detoxification is important to maintain hormone balance.
11. Anise
This is a herb that helps with the common cold, but it can also assist you with digestive issues. It mimics estrogen, so it’s great for estrogen deficiency woes.
12. Calendula
This flower is often used to treat inflammation and can help from everything from swollen gums to bladder infections.
13. Ginseng
Ginseng is heavily used in Asian medicine, but it’s wildly used in America as well. It can help with fatigue and brain fog. It is also used in to prevent colds, and regulate blood sugar.
14. Licorice
We usually think of licorice as a sweet candy, but it has helpful medicinal properties. It’s great for helping with stomach ailments and inflammation. It also can help with fatigue and hormone imbalances. Avoid if you have breast cancer. It does have estrogenic like properties. Licorice is a popular choice in the treatment of adrenal stress or fatigue.
15. Passionflower
This is a great one if you are suffering from insomnia particularly in the years before, during, and after menopause. A cup of passionflower tea before bed may help you relax and get a better night’s sleep. Passionflower can also be used for panic attacks, anxiety, high blood pressure, pain and more.
When using any of these herbs and spices, make sure they don’t interact with any prescription medication you may be on. Always check with your health care provider and if you get the green light, start increasing your health and hormone balance by adding the above herbs and spices into your daily diet.
