Tag: hormonal-balance
-
Hops Monograph
Calming herb supporting sleep and nervous system. Sedative properties ease insomnia and anxiety. Traditional beer ingredient with medicinal applications. Bitter tonic supporting digestion. Mildly estrogenic—benefits some hormonal conditions. Strong sedative requiring appropriate dosing. Essential herb for sleep support and nervous tension.
-
Clary Sage Monograph
Hormonal balancing herb supporting women’s health and stress management. Eases menstrual discomfort, menopausal symptoms, and nervous tension. Euphoric, mood-lifting properties reduce anxiety. Used as tea, tincture, or essential oil. Traditional remedy for female reproductive health. Gentle yet effective hormonal and emotional support.
-
Dong Quai Monograph
Dong quai is Traditional Chinese Medicine’s premier blood tonic, used for over 2,000 years to nourish blood, regulate menstruation, and support women’s vitality. The root addresses anaemia, menstrual irregularities, and supports cardiovascular health through its unique phthalides and blood-building compounds. Critical contraindications include pregnancy and anticoagulant medications.
-
Black Cohosh Monograph
Black cohosh provides non-hormonal relief from menopausal hot flashes, night sweats, and mood symptoms through serotonergic modulation rather than estrogenic activity. Clinical research supports effectiveness for 40-60% of users with benefits appearing after 4-12 weeks. Critical liver toxicity warnings require caution, though absolute risk remains very low.
-
Vitex (Chasteberry) Monograph
Vitex (chasteberry) is the premier herb for premenstrual syndrome, supporting hormonal balance through dopaminergic pathways that normalise prolactin levels and enhance progesterone production. Clinical trials demonstrate significant relief from PMS symptoms, breast tenderness, menstrual irregularities, and fertility support for luteal phase defects. Effects build gradually over 3-6 months.
-
Rhodiola Monograph
Premier adaptogen building stress resilience and mental performance. Reduces burnout, enhances cognitive function, lifts mood comparable to antidepressants. Improves physical endurance and recovery. Take in morning—avoid evening doses. Effects build over weeks. Quality varies enormously. Wild populations endangered—choose cultivated sources only.
-
Red Clover Monograph
Nutritive flowering herb supporting hormonal balance and blood purification. Isoflavones provide gentle phytoestrogenic effects. Traditional alterative for chronic conditions. Supports lymphatic health and skin conditions. Makes pleasant tea. Common meadow plant naturalised in NZ. Long-term tonic for women’s health and detoxification.
-
Borage Monograph
Cooling herb rich in gamma-linolenic acid supporting skin and hormonal health. Beautiful blue flowers are edible and medicinal. Anti-inflammatory properties benefit skin conditions, arthritis, and hormonal balance. Leaves make refreshing tea. Easy to grow, self-seeds readily. Traditional remedy for courage and cheerfulness.
-
Ashwagandha Monograph
Powerful adaptogenic herb from Ayurvedic medicine supporting stress resilience. Reduces cortisol, supports thyroid function, and enhances energy. Traditional rasayana (rejuvenative) tonic. Warming, building properties. Requires consistent long-term use. Significant research supports traditional applications. Essential adaptogen for modern life.
-
Fennel Monograph
Sweet, aromatic herb supporting digestion and lactation. Reduces gas, bloating, and digestive cramping. Traditional galactagogue supporting milk production. Seeds make pleasant after-dinner tea. Gentle enough for infants with colic. Culinary and medicinal applications overlap. Easy to grow, self-seeds readily in NZ gardens.