fbpx
7 Medicinal Plants for Hormone Balance

7 Medicinal Plants for Hormone Balance

Nature’s pharmacy provides effective means to naturally support our bodies in achieving hormone balance. It’s important to emphasize that Ayurveda prioritizes an individualized approach. The selection of herbs can differ depending on an individual’s unique constitution (Prakriti) and the specific imbalance (Vikriti) they may be experiencing. In this article, we will delve into the distinctive properties of the following plants from both Western and Ayurvedic viewpoints: Ashwagandha, Nettle, Roseroot, Milk Thistle, Maca, Cinnamon, and Chasteberry.

 

Here are my favorite medicinal plants for hormone balance:

 

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is a powerful natural remedy that can assist in restoring inner balance, especially for those experiencing constant pressure, sleep issues, or feelings of nervousness and anxiety. This herb functions as a natural adaptogen, aiding the body in effectively managing stress and emotional strain. It actively supports adrenal and thyroid functions, reduces inflammation, and contributes to stabilizing blood sugar levels. Ashwagandha is available in both capsule and powder forms, providing flexibility in consumption methods.

Here’s how Ashwangadha might influence each dosha:

Vata Imbalance:

Symptoms: Anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, dry skin, constipation, andfatigue.

Ashwagandha’s Role: Ashwagandha is grounding and calming, making it beneficial for reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation. It nourishes the nervous system, helps with sleep, and supports the overall stability that Vata individuals may lack during imbalance.

Pitta Imbalance:

Symptoms: Irritability, inflammation, digestive issues, skin rashes, and overheating.

Ashwagandha’s Role: Ashwagandha has a cooling nature, making it useful for pacifying excess heat and inflammation associated with Pitta imbalance. It supports the digestive system, helps manage stress-related irritability, and promotes a sense of calm.

Kapha Imbalance:

Symptoms: Weight gain, lethargy, congestion, respiratory issues, and emotional heaviness.

Ashwagandha’s Role: While ashwagandha has a grounding effect, it’s important not to overuse it in cases of severe Kapha imbalance, as it may exacerbate the feeling of heaviness. In moderate amounts, it can be beneficial for providing energy, reducing lethargy, and supporting emotional well-being.

Nettle

If you’re experiencing hormone-related water retention, incorporate two cups of nettle leaf tea into your daily routine. This herb boasts detoxifying and purifying properties while also stimulating metabolism. Moreover, nettle leaves are rich in essential minerals such as iron, potassium, and silicon. Notably, nettle effectively alleviates heavy menstrual bleeding and exhibits efficacy against inflammation and dermatitis.

Here’s how nettle may impact each dosha:

 

Vata Imbalance:

Benefits: Nettle is generally considered warming and can be beneficial for Vata imbalances. It may help alleviate symptoms associated with excess Vata, such as coldness, dryness, and nervousness.

Caution: In excess, nettle’s diuretic properties might exacerbate Vata imbalances related to dehydration. It’s essential to balance its consumption with hydrating elements.

Pitta Imbalance:

Benefits: Nettle is often considered cooling, making it potentially useful for Pitta imbalances. It may help soothe inflammation, acidity, and heat-related conditions.

Caution: Despite its cooling nature, some individuals may be sensitive to nettle. It’s advisable to monitor the body’s response, especially if there is a known Pitta sensitivity.

Kapha Imbalance:

Benefits: Nettle is considered drying and may be beneficial for Kapha imbalances by helping to reduce excess mucus and water retention.

Roseroot

If you’re experiencing tiredness, exhaustion, depression, or difficulty concentrating due to persistent stress, consider incorporating roseroot (Rhodiola rosea) into your routine. This medicinal plant effectively regulates cortisol levels, enhances mood, boosts mental performance, and provides energy. Rhodiola root is conveniently available in capsule form or as a tincture, offering flexibility in consumption options.

Here’s how roseroot may influence each dosha:

 

Vata Imbalance:

Properties: Rhodiola is generally considered to have warming properties. Effect on Vata: It may help balance Vata by providing warmth and stability. Vata imbalance often leads to anxiety, restlessness, and a scattered mind, and roseroot’s calming effects may be beneficial.

Pitta Imbalance:

Properties: Rhodiola is often classified as having a cooling energy.

Effect on Pitta: Its cooling nature may be helpful in calming excess Pitta. Pitta imbalance can manifest as irritability, inflammation, and excessive heat in the body, and roseroot’s cooling properties might offer relief.

Kapha Imbalance:

Properties: Rhodiola is generally considered to be light and drying.

Effect on Kapha: While it has a drying effect, it may help balance excess Kapha by providing stimulation and reducing lethargy. Kapha imbalance often leads to heaviness, sluggishness, and a lack of motivation.

Milk thistle

The traditional medicinal plant, milk thistle, stimulates liver detoxification, aiding in the elimination of excess endogenous or foreign estrogen. It shields the liver from toxins and promotes the regeneration of damaged liver cells, ensuring optimal organ function. This, in turn, enhances nutrient utilization, supports thyroid hormone synthesis, and boosts metabolism and fat burning. The active ingredient, silymarin, additionally stimulates digestion and alleviates feelings of fullness, heartburn, and constipation. Milk thistle is conveniently available in various forms such as capsules, tablets, tea, or tincture.

Here’s how milk thistle may impact each dosha:

 

Vata Imbalance:

Milk thistle is considered to have a grounding effect, which may be beneficial for individuals with Vata imbalance.

Vata imbalance is associated with qualities like dryness, coldness, and instability. Milk thistle’s potential ability to support liver function and maintain a balanced digestive system could be supportive for Vata types.

Pitta Imbalance:

Pitta individuals, characterized by qualities of heat and intensity, may benefit from milk thistle due to its potential cooling and anti-inflammatory properties. The liver, a key organ affected by milk thistle, is associated with Pitta. Supporting liver health may contribute to maintaining a balanced Pitta dosha

Kapha Imbalance:

Milk thistle’s potential detoxifying properties might be helpful for individuals with Kapha imbalance. Kapha imbalance is linked to qualities such as heaviness and congestion. Supporting liver detoxification may aid in balancing Kapha dosha.

Maca

Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a natural adaptogen renowned for its stress-reducing properties and hormone-balancing effects, particularly beneficial for women in their fertile age and early menopause. This powerful herb helps alleviate low progesterone and estrogen levels, activates the thyroid, boosts libido, and alleviates various menopausal symptoms. In younger women, maca enhances fertility, regulates menstrual cycle irregularities, and mitigates symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Conveniently, maca is available in capsule or powder form, making it easy to incorporate into your routine, such as blending it into smoothies. When purchasing maca, opt for high-quality, raw organic powder sourced from Peru.

Here’s how maca might influence each dosha:

 

Vata Imbalance:

Maca is considered warming, which can be beneficial for Vata individuals who tend to be cold and experience imbalances related to excess Vata. It may provide a grounding effect and support energy levels.

Pitta Imbalance:

Maca is generally considered warming, which might aggravate Pitta heat-related imbalances. It might provide a calming effect and support hormonal balance.

Caution: If someone experiences digestive heat or acidity, it’s advisable to monitor how the body reacts.

Kapha Imbalance:

Positive Influence: Maca’s potential ability to enhance energy and vitality could be beneficial for Kapha individuals, who may sometimes struggle with lethargy. It might provide a gentle stimulant effect.

Cinnamon

The spice cinnamon stimulates glucose uptake by cells, effectively lowering elevated blood sugar, insulin, and cholesterol levels, as well as reducing high blood pressure. Incorporating up to 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder daily is ideal, whether it’s added to porridge, golden milk, or your smoothie. It’s essential to ensure that you’re using authentic Ceylon cinnamon, as the inferior cassia cinnamon may have adverse effects even in small quantities.

Here’s how cinnamon may impact each dosha:

 

Vata Imbalance:

Cinnamon is warming, sweet, and has a slightly spicy flavor. It can be beneficial for Vata imbalances, as it helps to counteract the cold and dry qualities associated with excess Vata. The warming nature of cinnamon can promote circulation, alleviate coldness, and provide comfort.

Pitta Imbalance:

Cinnamon is generally considered to have a warming and stimulating effect. However, moderation is key, as excessive use may aggravate Pitta in some cases.

Kapha Imbalance:

Cinnamon’s warming and stimulating qualities make it beneficial for Kapha imbalances. It can help counteract the cold and heavy qualities associated with excess Kapha, promoting digestion and reducing sluggishness.

Chasteberry

For centuries, chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus) has been a staple in treating hormonal disorders among women of fertile age. It actively stimulates the production of pituitary hormones, facilitating progesterone production to counteract estrogen dominance. This medicinal plant supports a regular menstrual cycle, alleviates breast tenderness, and effectively addresses various symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

Here’s an overview of how Chasteberry might influence each dosha:

 

Vata Imbalance:

Bitter and astringent tastes, which are present in Chasteberry, can help balance excess Vata. However, it should be used in moderation. Its potential calming effects may benefit individuals with Vata imbalances, as Vata is associated with qualities such as dryness, coldness, and lightness.

Pitta Imbalance:

Chasteberry’s bitter taste and potential cooling properties might be beneficial for Pitta imbalances. It could help alleviate symptoms related to excess heat, inflammation, and acidity, often associated with Pitta dosha.

Kapha Imbalance:

Chasteberry’s bitter taste and astringent properties may contribute to balancing Kapha, as these qualities are opposite to the heavy and sweet characteristics of Kapha. It might help in reducing excess mucus or dampness, which is typical in Kapha imbalances.

In conclusion, harnessing the power of medicinal plants can be a transformative journey towards achieving hormonal balance and overall well-being. From Ashwagandha’s stress-relieving properties to Milk Thistle’s liver detoxification benefits, these natural remedies offer a holistic approach to supporting our bodies in finding equilibrium. Whether you’re seeking relief from hormonal imbalances, menstrual irregularities, or menopausal symptoms, incorporating these botanical allies into your daily routine can pave the way for renewed vitality and vitality.

If you’re ready to embark on this journey to hormonal harmony, I invite you to explore my services as a Ayurveda Health & Hormone Coach. Together, we can tailor a personalized wellness plan that integrates the power of medicinal plants, dietary adjustments, and lifestyle modifications to support your unique health goals. Drop me a message. 

#35 The Gut-Hormone Connection: Why Your Microbiome Matters

#35 The Gut-Hormone Connection: Why Your Microbiome Matters

naturopath paris carina greweling
THRIVE Podcast by : Carina Greweling on

#35 The Gut-Hormone Connection: Why Your Microbiome Matters

The Gut-Hormone Connection: Why Your Gut Microbiome Matters

Are you experiencing PMS, estrogen dominance, weight gain, thyroid issues, depression, exhaustion, or insomnia? If so, it’s time to prioritize your gut health. Your gut plays a pivotal role in regulating hormones, and addressing it can be a crucial step in achieving hormonal balance.

Hormonal issues and gut problems often go hand in hand, creating a complex interplay. It’s a bit like the classic chicken-and-egg scenario – it’s challenging to determine which came first. On one hand, an imbalanced microbiome can disrupt your hormone equilibrium. Conversely, hormonal imbalances can contribute to digestive issues. Regardless of the origin, when striving to conquer a hormonal imbalance, regardless of its manifestations, your overall health takes precedence.

Tune in and discover:

  • The Gut-Hormone Connection
  • Leaky Gut Syndrome and it’s Impact on Hormonal Imbalance
  • Estrogen Metabolism and Gut Flora
  • Thyroid Health and Gut Connection
  • Mood, Appetite and Gut Health
  • Factors Affecting Gut Health

Check out the Ayurveda Hormone Detox

#34 Slow Living and Ayurveda – The Quality of Slowness

#34 Slow Living and Ayurveda – The Quality of Slowness

naturopath paris carina greweling
THRIVE Podcast by : Carina Greweling on

#34 Slow Living and Ayurveda – The Quality of Slowness

#34 Slow Living and Ayurveda

Today, join me to delve into the concept of Slow Living and Ayurveda.

In our modern, bustling world, we often find ourselves caught up in a web of deadlines, commitments, and constant distractions, which can leave us feeling disconnected from our own essence and neglectful of our overall well-being.

It is precisely in this context that the philosophy of slow living takes center stage, providing a beacon of hope for those seeking to recalibrate their lives. Slow living encourages us to shift our focus towards what truly matters and disengage from the relentless hustle and bustle of our daily routines.

At its core, slow living is a profound philosophy that champions deceleration and mindfulness. It stands in stark contrast to the rapid, high-stress lifestyles that have become all too common. Instead, slow living invites us to embrace conscious living and allocate precious time to nurture our inner selves.

Ayurveda and Slow Living form a harmonious union, as both philosophies share a commitment to deceleration and mindfulness. Ayurveda, the ancient holistic system of healing, seamlessly complements the slow living approach.

Tune in and discover:

  • My personal perspective on the essence of slow living.
  • The shortcomings of the “higher, faster, further” ethos and why it ultimately falls short of fulfilling our true needs.
  • The intricate connection between Ayurveda and the principles of slow living.
  • Practical insights into how each one of us can craft our unique slow living blueprint tailored to our individual Ayurvedic constitution.
  • Why different Ayurvedic constitution types, known as “doshas,” necessitate distinct approaches to slow living.

Much love to you!

#33 February AstroVeda: Astro Guidance & Ayurvedic Wisdom

#33 February AstroVeda: Astro Guidance & Ayurvedic Wisdom

naturopath paris carina greweling
THRIVE Podcast by : Carina Greweling on

#33 February AstroVeda: Astro Guidance & Ayurvedic Wisdom

#33 February AstroVeda: Astrological Guidance & Ayurvedic Wisdom

Welcome to another episode with Lauren and Carina, offering astrological guidance infused with Ayurvedic wisdom for February.

Listen as Lauren and I discuss:

  • Main Planetary Changes in February.
  • Pluto’s shift signifies a major transformation impacting power dynamics.
  • Emphasis on maintaining routine (Dinacharya) aligning with circadian rhythms.
  • Tips for Vata, Pitta, and Kapha types to cope with change.
  • Nature as a means to balance the nervous system and enhance overall well-being.
  • New Moon in Aquarius and Full Moon in Virgo.
  • Liver health to emotional balance and setting boundaries.
  • Impact of liver health on thyroid, insulin, cortisol, and sex hormones.
  • How to deal with perfectionism and self-criticism.

Join our upcoming events:

Ibiza Retreat with Lauren

Ayurveda Hormone Detox with Carina

Feminine Resilience, Ayurveda & Entrepreneurship – Katie Silcox

Feminine Resilience, Ayurveda & Entrepreneurship – Katie Silcox

naturopath paris carina greweling
THRIVE Podcast by : Carina Greweling on

Feminine Resilience, Ayurveda & Entrepreneurship – Katie Silcox

#31 Feminine Resilience, Ayurveda & Entrepreneurship: Insights from Katie Silcox

This week, we’re delighted to welcome the incredible Katie Silcox as our guest. Notably, Katie is a New York Times Best-Selling author of “Healthy, Happy, Sexy” and “Glow-Worthy.” Moreover, she’s the visionary founder of The Shakti School—an online certification hub for women-centered holistic Ayurvedic wellness.

Through her work, Katie not only imparts valuable knowledge but also serves as a beacon, tirelessly inspiring and empowering women to radiate in their daily lives.

In this episode, we cover:

  • Exploring Ayurveda and Feminine Empowerment: Embark on a voyage into Katie’s initial interest in Ayurveda and feminine empowerment. Delve into what makes her an authority in this transformative field.
  • Feminine Energy in Entrepreneurship: Uncover the powerful link between understanding and embracing feminine energy, elevating a woman’s journey in entrepreneurship and life. Explore the essential feminine leadership qualities that empower women in the business world.
  • Ayurveda and Self-Care for Women: Balancing entrepreneurship and motherhood is indeed no small feat. Katie generously shares Ayurvedic and Yoga-based self-care practices for women to maintain vitality and prevent burnout.
  • Ayurvedic Balance in Work and Personal Life: Gain profound insights into Ayurveda’s perspective on balancing work and personal life. Additionally, receive valuable tips on creating a self-care routine that aligns seamlessly.
  • Navigating Challenges with Ayurvedic Principles: Learn how women entrepreneurs can strategically leverage Ayurvedic principles to adeptly navigate stress, setbacks, and boost resilience in their business journey.
  • Ayurvedic Rituals for Success: Explore a realm of Ayurvedic rituals and practices that serve as pillars supporting women in cultivating success and abundance in their entrepreneurial endeavors.
  • Stories of Transformation: In this segment, Katie shares awe-inspiring stories of women who have successfully integrated Ayurveda, feminine energy, and entrepreneurship, effecting meaningful change in their lives.
  • Ayurvedic Wellness Coach Training: Discover more about the unique opportunity to study with Katie and what sets her Ayurvedic Wellness Coach training apart in the field.
  • Valuable Lessons Learned: As we gracefully wrap up, Katie shares the most valuable lesson she has learned throughout her journey.

To explore more about Katie and her work, including details on her Ayurvedic Wellness Coach training, visit here.

Explore Katie’s Glow Worthy Meditations

Connect with Katie on Instagram

#30 January AstroVeda: Ayurvedic Wisdom & Astrological Guidance

#30 January AstroVeda: Ayurvedic Wisdom & Astrological Guidance

naturopath paris carina greweling
THRIVE Podcast by : Carina Greweling on

#30 January AstroVeda: Ayurvedic Wisdom & Astrological Guidance

#30 January AstroVeda: Ayurvedic Wisdom & Astro Guidance with Lauren & Carina

Lauren and Carina kick off the first episode of AstroVeda, promising monthly astrological guidance infused with Ayurvedic wisdom.

In this episode, Lauren enlightens us about the current Capricorn season, emphasising the importance of grounding ourselves for a balanced start to the year. We explore the New Moon in Capricorn on January 11th, a perfect time to set intentions for the next six months. Carina shares her appreciation for Capricorn’s energy and how she aligns her practices with Ayurveda during this season. Lauren then prepares us for the upcoming Aquarius season, heralding a time of rebellion and innovation.

Shifting gears, Carina introduces Ayurvedic nutrition tips for January, highlighting the need to balance Kapha and Vata doshas as we transition into winter. The discussion touches on sleep habits and self-care routines, emphasizing the significance of getting enough sleep and maintaining circadian alignment for hormonal balance.

As we anticipate the full moon in Leo on January 25th, Lauren shares insights into embracing creativity, self-confidence, and authentic expression. Carina talks about rituals around self-love and letting go of egoic pridefulness to harness the lunar energy.

Join us every first Sunday of the month for your dose of AstroVeda inspiration.

Sign up to Lauren’s next Lunar Yin Yoga online class here.

Explore the breakfast recipes at the following link:
Sweet Kitchari Recipe and Amaranth Porridge

Get your Free 7-day Course

Ayurvedic Wisdom for a

  • stronger digestive system
  • deeper sleep
  • faster metabolism
  • healthier immune system
  • faster weight loss

You have successfully signed up!