Botany for Female Hormone Deficiency: Secondary Amenorrhea, PMDD Flashcards
What conditions are a female hormone deficiency
Amenorrhea, PMDD
Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa)
Think 🤔 black either ease into the end periods or into the beginning of life
Primary Actions: Emmenagogue, anti-inflammatory, endocrine modulator, parturient, mild alterative
Constituents: Triterpene glycosides, isoflavones, volatile oils, sterols
Indications: PCOS, dysmenorrhea, fibroids, PMS, arthritic conditions, menopausal relief, vertigo, tinnitus, headaches and migraines
Cautions/Contraindications: Considered safe, but not recommended during pregnancy except to stimulate labor. Extra Information: Though used broadly in many female conditions, black cohosh is thought of as a specific during menopause to help ease the transition and treat hot flashes. Though overshadowed by its actions as a female endocrine modulator, black cohosh is also useful in cases of inflammation, particularly those related to deficient circulation.
Part Used: Root
Daily Therapeutic Dose Tincture: 6–12 mL (1:5 in 40%)
Daily Therapeutic Dose Infusion or Decoction: 6–15 g root
Pairs Well With: Vitex agnus-castus for balancing female hormone patterns. Caulophyllum thalictroides in labor-stimulating formulas.
Closest Substitute: Dioscorea villosa
Cinnamomum zeylanicum (Cinnamon)
Primary Actions: Diaphoretic, astringent, antimicrobial, antispasmodic, carminative, endocrine modulator (diabetes)
Constituents: Cinnamyl acetaldehyde and ester (only bark), phellandrene (only leaf)
Indications: Uterine hemorrhage, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, URTI
Cautions/Contraindications: Considered safe as spice used in food in doses less than 5 g. Generally CI in pregnancy and lactation
Extra Information: An excellent warming carminative, but can be too spicy for some individuals. In TCM, warms the individual, increases flow through the meridians, removes obstructions to the flow of Qi, and reinforces yang. A related (and sweeter tasting) species Cinnamomum cassia has recently been associated with some hepatotoxicity in large amounts, so C. zeylanicum is generally favored for medicinal use.
Part Used: Bark, occ leaf
Daily Therapeutic Dose Tincture: 6–12 mL (1:5 in 40%)
Daily Therapeutic Dose Infusion or Decoction: 5–20 g dried bark or powder
Pairs Well With: Arctium lappa for warming weak digestion – loose stools. Ginkgo biloba in circulatory formulas.
Closest Substitute: Zingiber officinalis
Dioscorea villosa (Wild yam)
Primary Actions: Anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antirheumatic, possible female endocrine modulator
Constituents: Steroidal saponins based on diosgenin
Indications: Arthritic conditions, GI inflammation, vertigo, uterine cramping
Cautions/Contraindications: Considered safe. Safety rating during pregnancy and lactation not established.
Extra Information: Wild yam is often considered as a “female” herb because of progesterone precursor compounds that can be used to synthesize progesterone in vitro. However, in-vivo research suggests that these plant-based progesterones are not converted into active hormone in humans. Although it may yet show some use as a female endocrine modulator, wild yam is primarily used as an antispasmodic and as an anti-inflammatory for arthritic conditions.
Part Used: Root
Daily Therapeutic Dose Tincture: 6–18 mL (1:5 in 40%)
Daily Therapeutic Dose Infusion or Decoction: 4–8 g dried root
Pairs Well With: Curcuma longa in anti-inflammatory formulas, especially for joints
Closest Substitute: Actaea racemosa
Mitchella repens (Partridge berry)
Primary Actions: Female endocrine modulator, parturient, emmenagogue, astringent Constituents: Alkaloids, saponins, tannins
Indications: Stimulate and support labor, regulate menses, stimulate menses, PMS, recurrent miscarriages, post-delivery convalescence
Cautions/Contraindications: No reported toxicity, and has been used safely in pregnancy in Native American traditions. However, many of the constituents are not well researched, and Mitchella has not been confirmed safe for pregnancy or lactation.
Extra Information: An excellent herb in almost every condition of female hormone regulation. Like Vitex, often considered amphoteric in action.
Part Used: Aerial parts
Daily Therapeutic Dose Tincture: 6–12 mL (1:5 in 40%)
Daily Therapeutic Dose Infusion or Decoction: 4–8 g dried herb
Pairs Well With: Caulophyllum thalictroides and Actaea racemosa as parturients for active labor support. Paeonia alba, Vitex agnus-castus, Schisandra sinensis and Angelica sinensis for menstrual regulation in patterns of relative excess in deficient constitutions.
Closest Substitute: Paeonia alba
Paeonia lactiflora (Peony)
Primary Actions: Female endocrine modulator, alterative, antispasmodic, mild adaptogen, mild anti-inflammatory, emmenagogue, nootropic
Constituents: Glycosides (paeoniflorin), alkaloids, tannins, saponins, mucilage
Indications: Any condition of female hormone dysregulation, fertility challenges, acne
Cautions/Contraindications: Considered safe. Possible interaction with anticoagulants. Safety rating during pregnancy and lactation not established.
Extra Information: Primarily a TCM herb (bai shao) used to cool the liver and support smooth flow. Useful in dysmenorrhea and other female hormone patterns of both deficiency (builds blood) and excess (dispels stagnation, clears heat). Shaoyao is the generic TCM name for peony and often includes red peony as well, which is the same species of Paeonia lactiflora, but red peony includes the outer root bark and white peony does not. As a female endocrine modulator, bai shao, or white peeled peony root, is preferred.
Part Used: Root
Daily Therapeutic Dose Tincture: 6–12 mL (1:5 in 40%)
Daily Therapeutic Dose Infusion or Decoction: 6–15 g dried root
Pairs Well With: Glycyrrhiza glabra as a classic TCM formula (Shaoyao Gancao tang) for dysmenorrhea and PCOS
Closest Substitute: Vitex agnus-castus, Mitchella repens
Schisandra sinensis (Schizandra)
Primary Actions: Adaptogen, astringent, hepatoprotective, alterative, expectorant, nervine, parturient
Constituents: Lignans, phytosterols, volatile oils, vitamins C and E
Indications: Convalescence or conditions of weakened vitality, skin conditions of deficiency, diarrhea (especially “daybreak diarrhea”), loose stool, nocturnal emissions, hepatitis
Cautions/Contraindications: Mild uterine stimulant, but broadly considered safe. Preg B, Lact CC.
Extra Information: An excellent tonic, particularly for the feminine aspect. In TCM, contains “all five flavors.” Also enters all 12 meridians. Useful as a hepatoprotective in ongoing toxic exposure or hepatitis. TCM classes Schisandra under herbs that stabilize and bind, making it useful in cases where there is uncontrolled fluid such as watery mucus production, diarrhea, and loose stool.
Part Used: Berry
Daily Therapeutic Dose Tincture: 6–12 mL (1:5 in 35%)
Daily Therapeutic Dose Infusion or Decoction: 3–6 g dried berry
Pairs Well With: Paeonia alba in female hormone patterns in need of tonification and rooting, where there are unprocessed emotions of sadness and poorly defined boundaries. Ephedra sinica in chronic deficient cough with thin, clear mucus. Silybum marianum and Bupleurum sinensis in hepatoprotective formulas for ongoing toxic exposure or hepatitis.
Closest Substitute: None, possibly Hibiscus sabdariffa.
Vitex agnus-castus (Chasteberry)
Primary Actions: Female endocrine modulator, androgen normalizer, alterative, galactagogue
Constituents: Diterpenes, iridoid glycosides, flavonoids, volatile oils
Indications: Irregular menses of both excess and deficiency: PCOS, fibroids, PMS, endometriosis, secondary amenorrhea, possibly menopause; depression
Cautions/Contraindications: May interact with dopamine receptor antagonists. May have effect of lowering libido. Not recommended for concurrent use with hormonal contraceptives as it may alter contraceptive efficacy. Preg B, Lact C. Extra Information: A true endocrine modulator, Vitex is thought to act on the pituitary via progesterone- mediated pathways. Although research continues and is not conclusive, Vitex may be thought to act as an amphoteric to both progesterone and prolactin.
Part Used: Berry
Daily Therapeutic Dose Tincture: 7–10 mL (1:5 in 50%)
Daily Therapeutic Dose Infusion or Decoction: 4–6 g dried fruit
Pairs Well With: Schisandra sinensis and Paeonia alba in female hormone balancing formulas
Closest Substitute: Paeonia lateriflora
Angelica archangelica (Archangelica)
Primary Actions: Warming carminative, anti-inflammatory, astringent, antimicrobial, expectorant, mild female endocrine modulator, alterative
Constituents: Volatile oils, furanocoumarins, sterols
Indications: Impaired absorption, gas/bloating, cough, deficient menses, UTI Cautions/Contraindications: Theoretical interaction with coumarin-based anticoagulants. Safety rating during pregnancy and lactation not established.
Extra Information: One of the few warming bitters, especially useful for upper GI discomfort such as bloating and poor appetite. Also used in female deficiency patterns related to impaired absorption.
Part Used: Root
Daily Therapeutic Dose Tincture: 6–15 mL (1:5 in 40%)
Daily Therapeutic Dose Infusion or Decoction: 2–5 g dried root Pairs Well With: Arctium lappa for deficient digestion Closest Substitute: Angelica sinensis, Cinnamomum zeylanicum
Angelica sinensis (Dong quai)
Primary Actions: Female endocrine modulator, adaptogen, carminative
Constituents: Volatile oils, phenolics, sterols
Indications: Secondary amenorrhea, weakness, debility, irregular menses, some patterns of menopause, convalescence
Cautions/Contraindications: None reported. Preg C, Lact C.
Extra Information: Chinese name translates as “State of Return,” signifying its action as a building and supportive tonic. Slightly sweet, dong quai is considered the primary herb for building blood and regulating menses of deficiency.
Part Used: Root
Daily Therapeutic Dose Tincture: 2–5 mL (1:5 in 45%)
Daily Therapeutic Dose Infusion or Decoction: 4.5–15 g root
Pairs Well With: Astragalus membranaceus and Ganoderma lucidum for nourishing blood
Closest Substitute: Lepidium meyenii
Arctium lappa (Burdock)
Primary Actions: Alterative, hepatic, mild laxative, nutritive
Constituents: Lignans, carbohydrates, inulin
Indications: Hepatic congestion, sluggish bowels, eczema and other skin conditions, IBS, type II diabetes, nausea
Cautions/Contraindications: Considered safe, even nutritious. Preg B, Lact C.
Extra Information: Burdock is abundant throughout most of North America and the root acts as an excellent alterative, often in combo with other primary alteratives. Burdock’s sweet flavor makes it a useful partner to ginger in addressing nausea.
Part Used: Root
Daily Therapeutic Dose Tincture: 9–18 mL (1:5 in 25%)
Daily Therapeutic Dose Infusion or Decoction: 2–12 g root
Pairs Well With: Zingiber officinalis for nausea of deficient stomach
Closest Substitute: Taraxacum officinalis
Eleutherococcus senticosus (Eleuthero)
Primary Actions: Adaptogen
Constituents: Eleutherosides A–E: Saponins (eleutheroside A), propanoid glycosides (eleutheroside B, syringin), lignanas (eleutheroside E, syringaresinol)
Indications: Stress, exhaustion, insomnia, mild depression
Cautions/Contraindications: Considered safe; may potentiate cardiac medications. Preg B, Lact C. Extra Information: Eleuthero is an archetypal adaptogen. Increases resistance to oxygen deprivation of the heart. Useful in improving performance and stamina.
Part Used: Root
Daily Therapeutic Dose Tincture: 6–12 mL (1:5 in 40%)
Daily Therapeutic Dose Infusion or Decoction: 9–30 g dried root
Pairs Well With: Rehmannia glutinosa and Schisandra sinensis as convalescent adaptogen. Rhodiola rosea and Panax ginseng in short-term formulas for improving physical performance.
Closest Substitute: Withania somnifera
Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice root)
Primary Actions: Adaptogen, particularly to the adrenals; anti-inflammatory, demulcent, antiviral, hypertensive
Constituents: Triterpene saponins (glycyrrhizin), glycyrrhetinic acid, chalcones
Indications: Ongoing stress, hypotension, asthma, eczema, chronic or acute bronchitis, emphysema, URTI, post-viral cough, stomach ulcers (mostly DGL)
Cautions/Contraindications: CI in hypertension. Preg A, Lact C.
Extra Information: Licorice acts primarily as an aldosterone-like endocrine modulator. Thought of as specific to cases of deficiency presenting with dizziness and hypotension. Excellent in URTI as an antiviral and demulcent. Excellent for lingering post-viral cough. In TCM, one of two herbs that enter all 12 meridians. Glycyrrhiza uralensis (Gan Cao) mostly used in TCM, properties considered interchangeable. **Part Used:** Root **Daily Therapeutic Dose Tincture:** 3–9 mL (1:5 in 40%) **Daily Therapeutic Dose Infusion or Decoction:** 2–9 g dried root **Pairs Well With:** Rosmarinus officinalis for coughs, especially viral coughs. Bupleurum sinensis in anti-inflammatory combos where clearance by the liver is suboptimal. Hypericum perforatum and Melissa officinalis (as infused oil) for the topical treatment of herpes infections. **Closest Substitute:** None
Panax ginseng (Korean red ginseng)
Primary Actions: Stimulating adaptogen, immune stimulant, libido stimulant, cardiotonic
Constituents: Triterpene glycosides (ginsenosides), steroidal saponins
Indications: Debility and convalescence (low dose), depression, end-of-life care Cautions/Contraindications: Non-toxic, but can be overstimulating to some individuals, particularly where yin has been weakened through excessive use of stimulants. CI in hypertension and other heat conditions. Preg A, Lact C.
Extra Information: An excellent herb, often underused out of fear of its stimulating properties or overused because of its stimulating properties. A truly fortifying and whole-system adaptogen when used appropriately (by matching dose to condition and vitality), especially in combo with other herbs.
Traditionally used in TCM (Ren shen) to mobilize the essence of an elder near death so that the family would have time to gather for farewells.
Part Used: Root. Red ginseng is the steamed root, while white ginseng is the unprepared root of the same species. The steamed red root is preferred.
Daily Therapeutic Dose Tincture: 2–10 mL (1:5 in 40%)
Daily Therapeutic Dose Infusion or Decoction: 3–10 g dried root
Pairs Well With: Astragalus membranaceus and Rehmannia glutinosa for convalescence after blood loss. Ganoderma lucidum for depression. Centella asiatica for mental clarity and focus. Closest Substitute: Rhodiola rosea
Polygonum multiflorum (He shou wu)
Primary Actions: Adaptogen, mild laxative
Constituents: Carbohydrates, tannins, anthraquinones
Indications: Convalescence, postpartum, fertility challenges, insufficient libido, premature greying or weakness
Cautions/Contraindications: He shou wu has been consumed in high doses by many thousands of individuals over its long history of use and is broadly considered safe. In some individuals there is an inability to metabolize he shou wu (likely linked to a SNP of CYP450 isozyme), and there are case reports of hepatotoxicity. Due to the anthraquinone content (although low in the prepared root), other common side effects include GI discomfort and loose stools. TCM: Cautioned with SP Qi dampness. Safety rating during pregnancy and lactation not established.
Extra Information: Long and lyrical history of use in TCM as an herb to nourish Essence (Jing). Excellent in cases of weakened vitality, as he shou wu is neither too stimulating nor too grounding.
Part Used: Root: Common he shou wu (zhi he shou wu) comes in the form of processed root, which has been steamed or stewed for several hours in black bean decoction and then redried. Unprepared he shou wu (sheng he shou wu), not commonly used, is simply the dried root. If not stated, assume he shou wu is the processed form.
Daily Therapeutic Dose Tincture: 6–12 mL (1:5 in 40%)
Daily Therapeutic Dose Infusion or Decoction: 9–30 g dried prepared root
Pairs Well With: Angelica sinensis and Rehmannia glutinosa for debility and convalesence, especially following childbirth (TCM: building blood, restoring Essence). Smilax officinalis as male tonic for heartiness and improved sexual performance.
Closest Substitute: Lepidium meyenii
Rehmannia glutinosa (Rehmannia)
Primary Actions: Nutritive, adaptogen
Constituents: Starches, iridoids, organic acids, sterols
Indications: Convalescence and patterns of deficiency, anxiety, insomnia, palpitations, secondary amenorrhea
Cautions/Contraindications: Considered safe, can be eaten in small amounts as food. Quite dense and rich, Rehmannia is cautioned in those with weak digestion. Safety rating during pregnancy and lactation not established
Extra Information: A fundamental convalescence herb, Rehmannia is best used when there is deficiency but no stagnation. Rehmannia is prepared by cooking the root in rice wine until soft, then drying it in the sun. The result is a sweet and tasty preparation used in TCM to nourish the blood and augment the essence.
Part Used: Prepared root
Daily Therapeutic Dose Tincture: 6–12 mL (1:5 in 40%)
Daily Therapeutic Dose Infusion or Decoction: 9–30 g prepared root
Pairs Well With: Angelica sinensis for deficient female hormone patterns. Urtica dioica leaf and Avena sativa as nutritive restoratives.
Closest Substitute: Polygonum multiflorum
Rhodiola rosea (Rhodiola)
Primary Actions: Adaptogen, vascular tonic
Constituents: Polyphenols (rosavin, salidroside), proanthrocyanidins, quercitin
Indications: Fatigue from overwork, lowered libido, ongoing physical or mental stress, altitude sickness, ischemic heart disease
Cautions/Contraindications: Though not considered toxic, like Panax ginseng, rhodiola may be too stimulating for individuals showing signs of restlessness, insomnia, dizziness, or anxiety. Safety rating during pregnancy and lactation not established.
Extra Information: A potent adaptogen. Works best when used in three-week cycles. Used acutely during or preceding times of known physical or mental stress.
Part Used: Root
Daily Therapeutic Dose Tincture: 6–15 mL (1:5 in 40%)
Daily Therapeutic Dose Infusion or Decoction: 4–12 g dried herb or powder
Pairs Well With: Centella asiatica and Bacopa monnierii for cognitive enhancement.
Eleutherococcus senticosus as fortifying adaptogen.
Closest Substitute: Smilax officinalis Rumex crispus (Yellow dock)
Smilax officinalis (Sarsaparilla)
Primary Actions: Adaptogen, alterative, anti-inflammatory
Constituents: Saponins based on the aglycone sarsapogenin, sterols, volatile oils
Indications: Eczema, psoriasis, BPH, waning libido, RA, gout
Cautions/Contraindications: Considered safe. Safety rating during pregnancy and lactation not established.
Extra Information: Excellent tonic, useful in cases of fatigue following intense physical activity, especially when associated with joint pain. One of the original roots in root beer.
Part Used: Root and rhizomes
Daily Therapeutic Dose Tincture: 3–12 mL (1:5 in 40%)
Daily Therapeutic Dose Infusion or Decoction: 6–12 g dried root
Pairs Well With: Polygonum multiflorum and Urtica dioica root as a male tonic. Vanilla extract, soda water, and a tsp of honey as a pleasant fortifying beverage.
Closest Substitute: Hemidesmus indicus, Rhodiola rosea
Turnera diffusa (Damiana)
Primary Actions: Libido tonic, nervine, mild euphoric
Constituents: Sterols, volatile oils, potentially cannabinoid-like molecules, arbutin, tannins, apigenin
Indications: Diminishing libido, restless anxiety
Cautions/Contraindications: Considered safe. Safety rating during pregnancy and lactation not established.
Extra Information: Formerly known as Damiana aphrodisiaca, traditionally used as libido tonic for both men and women, especially when tension is impairing arousal. Makes a generally pleasant infusion. Continues to be used as a traditional liqueur in parts of Mexico.
Part Used: Leaf
Daily Therapeutic Dose Tincture: 6–12 mL (1:5 in 40%)
Daily Therapeutic Dose Infusion or Decoction: 4–8 g dried herb
Pairs Well With: Cinnamomum zeylanicum in uplifting libido formulas. Vanilla planifolia and
Valeriana officinalis in relaxing libido formulas.
Closest Substitute: Vanilla planifolia
Viburnum prunifolium (Black haw)
Primary Actions: Antispasmodic, nervine, hypotensive, vascular tonic Constituents: Flavonoids, iridoid glycosides, coumarins, triterpenes Indications: Cramping of the uterus, threatened miscarriage, uterine congestion
Cautions/Contraindications: Cautioned in individuals with a history of kidney stones. Preg B, Lact C. Extra Information: Used similarly to Viburnum opulus, and often used together in combo. Black haw is used less acutely than cramp bark and possesses greater properties as a nervine. It may also be used in formulas for hypertension. Useful herb in female excess conditions, though may also be used in deficiency.
Part Used: Bark, stems.
Daily Therapeutic Dose Tincture: 12–20 mL (1:5 in 40%)
Daily Therapeutic Dose Infusion or Decoction: 3–6 g dried bark
Pairs Well With: Actaea racemosa and Mitchella repens in female endocrine balancing formulas.
Closest Substitute: Mitchella repens
Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha)
Primary Actions: Adaptogen, hypotensive, immune modulator, anti-inflammatory, nootropic
Constituents: Steroidal lactones (withanolides), alkaloids
Indications: Fatigue, nervous exhaustion, chronic inflammatory disease, anemia, lowered libido, convalescence, hypothyroid presentations
Cautions/Contraindications: Considered safe. Preg B, Lact C.
Extra Information: An excellent non-stimulating adaptogen useful in promoting performance and recovery without the symptoms of overstimulation. Sometimes thought of specifically as being useful as an adaptogen for the thyroid.
Part Used: Root
Daily Therapeutic Dose Tincture: 6–12 mL (1:5 in 40%)
Daily Therapeutic Dose Infusion or Decoction: 6–10 g dried herb or powder
Pairs Well With: Schisandra sinensis and Zingiber officinalis as non-stimulating tonic for weakened vitality (Qi) with excess fluids, especially of the digestive system. Rumex crispus, Centella asiatica, and Ganoderma spp. for physical endurance and improving red and white blood cell counts.
Closest Substitute: Eleutherococcus senticosus
Zingiber officinalis (Ginger)
Primary Actions: Warming diaphoretic, carminative, antiemetic, anti-inflammatory
Constituents: Volatile oils
Indications: Nausea of any cause, food retention, bloating after meals, poor circulation, OA Cautions/Contraindications: Considered safe. Safety rating during pregnancy and lactation not established.
Extra Information: Useful in any condition where warming is beneficial. Often the candied (or honey) form further assists nausea.
Part Used: Root
Daily Therapeutic Dose Tincture: 1–6 mL (1:5 in 40%), though there is considerable variability based on strength of tincture and starting source material
Daily Therapeutic Dose Infusion or Decoction: 1–8 g fresh root, dried root, or powder
Pairs Well With: Arctium lappa, honey, and a hot water bottle on the abdomen in cases of food retention and nausea from insufficient warmth in the stomach.
Closest Substitute: Cinnamomum zeylanicum (Cinnamomum cassia is actually a closer substitute and more effective for acute nausea, but current research suggests it may have some hepatotoxicity).
