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  • Writer's pictureElena Cora

Hormone Harmony: Herbal Remedies for Optimal Timing and Balance

Herbal medicine typically takes the form of teas, syrups, oils or liquid extracts that can be found at health food shops and pharmacies as well as through herbal practitioners.


Some herbs can have serious adverse side effects; for example, Kava can lead to severe liver damage. Unfortunately, most herbal supplements remain unregulated and have not undergone rigorous testing similar to medicines.




Fenugreek:


Fenugreek is a versatile herb with many medicinal uses. It is used for purposes such as lowering blood sugar levels, regulating menstrual cycles, stimulating breast milk production for breastfeeding mothers and relieving menopausal symptoms.


Furthermore, Fenugreek contains important phytochemicals like diosgenin (diosgenin is also known as tigogenin and yamogenin), alkaloids, flavonoids complex carbohydrates soluble fiber protein iron potassium and vitamin C which contribute to its health benefits.


Lemon balm is a fantastic digestive aid and contains antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties to treat wounds, boils and skin conditions such as dandruff or eczema. Furthermore, its antioxidant content prevents free radicals from damaging cells, thus slowing down aging processes.


Furthermore, it's an effective herbal remedy for gout and urinary tract infections as well as increasing testosterone in males to facilitate muscle growth while simultaneously decreasing protein breakdown resulting in greater body fat reduction and muscle medicine for nerves weakness.


Fenugreek seeds contain soluble fiber which helps reduce cholesterol and triglycerides without impacting HDL cholesterol, can aid weight loss and suppress appetite, and have even been found in one study to help women lose more weight than those who didn't consume the seeds after three months in water immersion. It was even proven to help decrease post meal blood sugar in people living with type 2 diabetes.


Ginkgo biloba:


Ginkgo biloba, an ancient tree that has long been used as a medicinal plant, has long been revered for its memory-enhancing abilities and circulation-improving abilities. Furthermore, this species contains antioxidants which fight free radicals in the body that damage DNA and cells; plus it acts as a natural stimulant that can increase energy levels.


Acacia honey has been used to treat various conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease and fatigue, with most often taken in extract or tablet form. Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) may also be treated using honey; research into its effects may also reduce premenstrual syndrome symptoms as well.


Prior to taking herbal medication, it's wise to speak to your healthcare provider as herbal supplements may interact with other medications and reduce effectiveness or increase bleeding risk for some blood thinners.


Also avoid taking unprocessed ginkgo biloba leaves as these contain potentially hazardous amounts of toxic material; furthermore they should not be taken before surgery or other medical procedures. The NCCIH Clearinghouse offers information on complementary health approaches but does not endorse products or practitioners.


Valerian root:


Valerian root, originally native to Europe and Asia but now naturalized throughout North America, belongs to the Valerianaceae family and can be found under various names including setwall (English), valerianae radix (Latin), balsam of virginia (German) and phu (Greek).


 Valerian root has many medicinal uses including antispasmodic, carminative, diuretic, expectorant properties for insomnia menstrual cramps irritability pain-relief properties while relaxing muscles by inhibiting production of nitric oxide which causes pain-relief effects;


Typically it comes packaged as capsules or tinctures but can even be brewed into tea forms; many times combined with herbs that possess similar effects like lemon balm or hops for even further sedative effects!


Studies of valerian root have demonstrated its efficacy in treating insomnia; however, its long-term safety remains unknown. A dose of 160 to 600 milligrams daily should be taken; various preparations of the herb can be purchased at pharmacies and health food stores.


Herbs are not as closely regulated as drugs, making it harder to locate quality supplements. Some may contain harmful ingredients or interact with other medications you are taking.


 Before attempting valerian root use during pregnancy or breastfeeding, consult with a healthcare provider first; pregnant and breastfeeding women should refrain from doing so, along with those taking other unani medicine for high cholesterol with strong sedative effects such as Kava, St John's Wort and Melatonin.


Chamomile:


Chamomile is a flowering plant with an extensive history of medicinal use. Historically used as an anti-inflammatory and sedative, as well as having digestive and anti-spasmodic effects. Available as dried herb or capsules. In combination with other herbs to create herbal teas or tinctures.


When taking any medication with Chamomile it's important to follow package directions and consult a health care provider as this herb could interact with certain birth control pills; its safety during pregnancy or breastfeeding remains unclear.


Chamomile contains many bioactive constituents, including volatile oils and polysaccharides. German chamomile's oil has been shown to possess antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory activity in vitro - specifically it reduced Candida albicans protease activity while inhibiting H. pylori urease production [78].


Furthermore, Chamomile ethanol extract scavenged 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl free radicals while simultaneously increasing superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities while decreasing malondialdehyde levels within human hepatocytes [79].


Finally it also boasted antioxidant properties; increasing superoxide dismutase activities while decreasing malondialdehyde levels [79].


Chamomile flowers are often made into tea and consumed orally; however, their topical application has numerous medical uses as well. Chamomile can help treat earache, toothache, menstrual cramps and neuralgia; it contains an active ingredient called apigenin which has both anti-inflammatory and herbs for low sperm count.

 

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