Herbs For Female Hormones Excess Flashcards
What conditions are a female hormone excess
PCOS, Fibroids, Endometriosis
Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa)
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
Caulophyllum thalictroides (Blue cohosh)
Primary Actions: Parturient, emmengogue, laxative, female endocrine modulator
Constituents: Alkaloids, saponins, glycosides
Indications: Labor induction, fibroids, menstrual irregularities, PCOS, endometriosis
Cautions/Contraindications: In large doses (greater than 25 mL tincture per day as is sometimes attempted to achieve abortion), blue cohosh shows signs of toxicity such as diarrhea, stomach cramps, and chest pain. CI in pregnancy except to stimulate labor, and even then, it should be used cautiously by an experienced practitioner. As a parturient, blue cohosh is generally reserved until active labor has begun to enhance contractions or to strengthen contractions during prolonged labor in which the mother’s vitality is waning. This herb is often used in formulas designed to expel retained products of conception. Blue cohosh is teratogenic and not to be used if patient is attempting to conceive, though some traditional use suggests it as uterine tonic in the preconception phase. Preg D, Lact X.
Extra Information: Useful in regulating menses in excess conditions and uterine congestion.
Part Used: Root
Daily Therapeutic Dose Tincture: 3–9 mL (1:5 in 40%) Daily Therapeutic Dose Infusion or Decoction: 2–6 g root Pairs Well With: Actaea racemosa in stimulating labor Closest Substitute: Claviceps purpurea, Ruta graveloens
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
Galega officinalis (Goat’s rue)
Primary Actions: Galactagogue, hypoglycemic, diaphoretic
Constituents: Amines, flavonoids, saponins
Indications: Insufficient breast milk production, blood sugar dysregulation, PCOS
Cautions/Contraindications: Will augment effects of other hypoglycemic agents. Safety rating during pregnancy and lactation not established.
Extra Information: Traditionally used in combinations to stimulate breast milk production. Commonly used in hypoglycemic treatments, possesses a similar mechanism of action to the biguanides.
Part Used: Aerial parts
Daily Therapeutic Dose Tincture: 12–30 mL (1:5 in 25%)
Daily Therapeutic Dose Infusion or Decoction: 6–12 g dried herb
Pairs Well With: Momordica charantia, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, and Gymnema sylvestris in formulas for type II diabetes
Iris versicolor (Blue flag)
Primary Actions: Alterative, hepatic, lymphatic, cholagogue, endocrine modulator
Constituents: Volatile oils, iridin, iridoid glycosides
Indications: Eczema, psoriasis, recurring infections, hypothyroid conditions
Cautions/Contraindications: The fresh rhizomes are considered toxic, though both the dry plant and tincture are considered safe at standard therapeutic doses. Preg B, Lact CC.
Extra Information: Excellent alterative with particular affinity for the lymphatics and skin. Thought to be an alterative specific to the thyroid and adipose metabolism and likely has some direct activity at these tissues, though research remains insufficient.
Part Used: Root
Daily Therapeutic Dose Tincture: 3–10 mL (1:5 in 40%)
Daily Therapeutic Dose Infusion or Decoction: 1–3 g dried root
Pairs Well With: Mahonia aquifolium for skin conditions. Withania somnifera for hypothyroid conditions.
Closest Substitute: Scrophularia nodosa
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
Pimpinella anisum (Anise)
Primary Actions: Carminative, antispasmodic, galactagogue, female endocrine modulator, relaxing expectorant, mild antimicrobial
Constituents: Volatile oils, coumarins, flavonoids, sterols
Indications: Bloating, flatulence, intestinal colic, cough, insufficient milk supply
Cautions/Contraindications: Considered safe. Safety in pregnancy and lactation not established.
Extra Information: An excellent carminative. Like many of the aromatics high in volatile oils, Pimpinella eases spasms of smooth muscle, soothes cough, and is a mild antimicrobial. Anise is capable of acting at estrogen receptors and acts to improve milk supply and possibly improve female libido by altering estrogen profile.
Part Used: Seed
Daily Therapeutic Dose Tincture: 3–12 mL (1:5 in 40%)
Daily Therapeutic Dose Infusion or Decoction: 6–9 g dried seed
Pairs Well With: Melissa officinalis in carminative formulas. Galega officinalis, Foeniculum vulgare, and
Cnicus benedictus in milk augmentation formulas
Closest Substitute: Foeniculum vulgare
Rubus idaeus (Red raspberry)
Primary Actions: Astringent, parturient (the act of giving birth)
Constituents: Flavonoids (quercitin), tannins
Indications: Strengthen and tone uterus, tonify digestion especially with loose stool, gargle for sore throat, lowered libido in both men and women
Cautions/Contraindications: Considered safe. Preg A, Lact C.
Extra Information: One of the most traditional, safest, and gentlest uterine tonics in botanical medicine, Rubus leaf is used to tone the uterus in preparation for conception, to maintain the tone of the uterus in threatened miscarriage, as a partus-prepator through the third trimester, and during labor to facilitate delivery.
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: Urtica dioica leaf and blackstrap molasses as a tonic tea during pregnancy
Closest Substitute: Rubus villosus
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.
Serenoa repens (Saw palmetto)
Primary Actions: Endocrine modulator (male), decongestant, diuretic, possible libido tonic
Constituents: Volatile oils, fixed oils, fatty acids, sterols, saponins
Indications: BPH, edema, PCOS with androgen dominance
Cautions/Contraindications: Considered safe, berries have been eaten as food. May interact to enhance efficacy of other 5-a reductase inhibitors. Preg B, Lact C.
Extra Information: Thought of as a specific for BPH. Has a characteristic (and often unpleasant) taste. Research continues to debate the efficacy of Serenoa repens in generating improvement in non-infectious prostatic enlargement. Absorption is thought to be improved when taken with fat-containing meals.
Part Used: Berry
**Daily Therapeutic Dose Tincture: **3–6 mL (1:5 in 50%)
Daily Therapeutic Dose Infusion or Decoction: 2–4 g dried berry or powder
Pairs Well With: Wolfiporia extensa in BPH formulas.
Closest Substitute: Tribulus terrestris
Trifolium pratense (Red clover)
Primary Actions: Alterative, lymphatic, mild female endocrine modulator (phytoestrogen), mild diuretic, mild anti- inflammatory
Constituents: Isoflavones (diadezin, genistein), coumarins
Indications: Skin conditions, PCOS, irregular menses, menopausal hot flashes
Cautions/Contraindications: No safety or toxicity concerns noted, may interact with anticoagulants. Avoid use during pregnancy and lactation.
Extra Information: A useful alterative, especially in female endocrine conditions including acne and irregular menses. Contains phytoestrogens, though their efficacy is only modestly supported by the literature and outcomes vary significantly among individuals. Shows some benefit in treating hot flashes of menopause.
Part Used: Flowers, aerial parts
Daily Therapeutic Dose Tincture: 6–12 mL (1:5 in 40%)
Daily Therapeutic Dose Infusion or Decoction: 5–15 g dried flower tops
Pairs Well With: Iris versicolor and Arctium lappa for acne. Urtica dioica leaf for childhood eczema. Actaea racemosa for hot flashes of menopause.
Closest Substitute: Rubus idaeus
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
