Your endocrine glands produce different hormones to regulate your biological functions. Hormones are actually chemical signaling agents or complex molecules. Some of them have antagonistic pairs that have opposite effects. Specifically, insulin is released by the beta cells of your pancreas and another hormone called glucagon is released by the alpha cells of your pancreas. In short, they create an antagonistic pair.
When your blood sugar levels are increased after having a meal, the hormone known as insulin helps the sugar to be absorbed into your liver and cells, thus lowering your blood glucose levels. Moreover, when your blood glucose levels become very low, then glucagon gets activated. It works by converting stored glycogen in your liver back into glucose and releasing it into your bloodstream.
Adrenal, pituitary and thyroid glands, testes in men, and ovaries in women secrete various hormones with different actions. When all these hormones are balanced, you enjoy good health. However, multiple factors such as conditions, changes in the body, diet and atmosphere could lead to imbalances that trigger many symptoms and disorders.
Fortunately, several herbs have a balancing effect on hormones. These herbs are also known as adaptogens as they help your body adapt to environmental changes and metabolic changes within your body.
Top 10 Hormone-Balancing Herbs
– Black Cohosh
This herb has long been used to treat female infertility. Research has found that it possesses some components that work as estrogen in the brain. Also, these components have been found to provide beneficial effects on the reproductive system.
Black cohosh is effective at alleviating the symptoms triggered by lack of estrogen in menopausal women.
The hormone-balancing effects of this herb are related to its powerful estrogenic properties.
– Suma Root
Even though Suma is also referred to as Brazilian Ginseng, it isn’t related to the real ginseng. Suma root may help strengthen the immune system, improve endocrine function, and elevate performance and strength. It has been used to treat numerous health problems. It also acts as a calming agent and general tonic.
This herb is called ‘Russian Secret’ as many Russian athletes used ecdysterone, i.e., an ergogenic compound extracted from Suma to elevate sports performance.
However, a number of sportspersons worldwide also use it nowadays. That’s not all, Suma root also helps stimulate appetite, improve memory, and keep blood sugar levels under control.
– Chasteberry
Chasteberry is a Mediterranean bush that has been used to improve reproductive health in women. Additionally, the leaf extract of this plant was used to dampen libido as well as help women remain chaste.
But, the extract of chasteberry has the opposite effect because of the differences in concentration. An extract of lower concentration raises the levels of prolactin, whereas a higher dose leads to a decrease in hormone levels.
Furthermore, Chasteberry extract helps balance several hormones, including prolactin, estrogen, luteinizing hormone, and FSH (follicle stimulating hormone). Moreover, it can also help in the treatment of various health problems in women, such as menopausal problems, polycystic ovary disease, PMS, cyclical breast pain, and uterine fibroids.
You can find Chasteberry extract in a form of powder, oil or capsule at Starwest Botanicals.
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