
Hormonal imbalance occurs when specific hormones fluctuate to unusually high or low levels. As a result, this condition is becoming more prevalent and impacts both men and women across various age groups and lifestyles but Ayurvedic herbs for balancing hormones offer a natural and effective solution. For instance, hormones significantly influence our well-being, whether through mood swings, sleeplessness, irregular menstrual cycles, PCOS, or thyroid disorders, hormones play a big role in our well-being. Although, modern medicine offers several treatments for hormonal imbalances, these may also lead to multiple side effects.
Fortunately, Ayurveda provides remedies based on Ayurvedic herbs that can help balance your hormones naturally and effectively. As the foundation for health, Ayurveda focuses on balancing the three doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Hormonal imbalances often come from disruptions in these doshas. Ayurvedic herbs are an important part of this approach, offering a natural way to support hormonal health.
Let’s go through some powerful Ayurvedic herbs for balancing hormones that can help reverse hormone imbalance without the risk of side effects.
In this article:
- Ashwagandha
- Shatavari
- Turmeric
- Guduchi
- Triphala
- Neem
- Licorice root
- Fenugreek
- Holy Basil
- Ayurvedic Lifestyle Tips for Hormonal Balance
- Final Thoughts
1. Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha, or Withania Somnifera, is often called the “queen of Ayurveda.”
It’s an herb known for reducing stress and supporting hormonal balance. Furthermore, stress can cause hormonal imbalances, particularly those involving cortisol, the body’s stress hormone.
A randomized, double-blind trial assessed stress relieving properties of Ashwagandha. Researchers treated a total of 60 adults with either Ashwagandha or a placebo. They found that Ashwagandha significantly reduced stress, and participants reported no adverse outcomes.
How it helps
- Lowers cortisol levels and relaxes the body
- Supports the adrenal glands
- Reduces stress and anxiety
How to use – Ashwagandha can be taken as capsules or tablets or consumed as a powder mixed with milk.
2. Shatavari
Shatavari is also known as ‘Asparagus racemosus’. It is an adaptogenic herb that helps your body adapt to emotional and physical stress. It can help regulate female hormones and can help with menopausal symptoms.
A review examined Shatavari’s benefits in reducing stress-related reproductive health issues in women. Researchers found that Shatavari can improve hormonal imbalance, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), egg quality, and infertility in women.
How it helps
- Notably, it regulates estrogen levels, thus helping in menstrual health
- Reduces inflammation
- Boosts the immune system
How to use – Shatavari is available in powder, capsule, or liquid forms. It’s often mixed with warm milk and honey for more benefits.
3. Turmeric
Turmeric plays a central role among Ayurvedic herbs. Renowned for its strong anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidiabetic, cardio, and hepatoprotective properties, this golden spice offers a wide range of health benefits. Packed with phytonutrients, turmeric helps detoxify your body, reduce chronic inflammation, and prevent cellular damage. Additionally, its active compounds may enhance digestion and promote overall digestive health.
A review was conducted to assess the health benefits of curcumin – the primary active ingredients in Turmeric. They found that Curcumin can reduce oxidative stress, cellular damage, and neuroinflammation. It can also improve cardiac health, metabolism, and glucose metabolism.
How it helps:
- Turmeric reduces inflammation
- Supports liver detoxification
- Boosts digestion
- Promotes heart health
- Keeps your blood sugar from spiking
How to use: Include turmeric into your daily diet by adding it to meals or drinks like golden milk. Turmeric supplements with black pepper are also recommended.
4. Guduchi
Ayurveda refers to Guduchi as ‘Amrita,’ a powerful detoxifying herb, that supports the immune system and hormonal health.
How it helps
- Guduchi has antioxidant properties
- Reduces stress and inflammation
- Helps endocrine glands in the regulation of hormones
How to use – Guduchi is commonly consumed as a tea, powder, or capsule.
5. Triphala
Triphala is a combination of three fruits: Amla (Amalaki), Birda (Bibhitaki), and Harde (Haritaki). It is a powerful herbal remedy for digestion and detoxification.
How it helps
- Promotes proper digestion and absorption of food
- Improves circulation
- Helps in weight loss
How to use – Take Triphala powder mixed with warm water before bedtime or as capsules.
6. Licorice Root
Licorice root is a sweet-tasting herb with potent anti-inflammatory and hormone-regulating properties.
How it helps
- Supports adrenal gland function, reducing cortisol production
- Helps balance estrogen and progesterone levels
- Reduces symptoms of menopause
How to use: You can consume licorice root as supplements or brew it into tea. However, consult a practitioner if you have high blood pressure.
7. Fenugreek
A common ingredient in Ayurvedic medicine, fenugreek seeds are well-known for their ability to balance hormones related to metabolism and reproduction.
A randomized, double-blind trial evaluated the effects of fenugreek seeds on hormone balance and postmenopausal symptoms. A total of 48 women with postmenopausal symptoms were assigned randomly to the fenugreek or placebo treatment group. The women reported overall improvement in health and well-being just two weeks after the initiation of the fenugreek treatment. They experienced reduced hot flashes, night sweats, and leg pains and improvement in vaginal dryness and general irritability.
How it helps
- Lowers blood sugar levels
- Helps improve hormone balance in women
- Reduces the frequency and severity of postmenopausal symptoms
- Balances testosterone levels
How to use – Fenugreek seeds can be soaked overnight and eaten in the morning. They are also available as capsules or powders.
8. Holy Basil
Holy basil, or Tulsi, is revered as a sacred plant in Ayurveda. As a natural adaptogen, it helps the body cope with stress.
How it helps
- Reduces cortisol levels and boosts mental clarity
- Supports thyroid and adrenal gland function
- Promotes hormonal health by balancing blood sugar levels
How to use – Holy basil can be consumed as tea, fresh leaves, or in supplement form.
By including these herbs in your daily diet and aligning your lifestyle with Ayurvedic ethics and ideas, you can take a significant step toward achieving hormonal peace naturally.
Ayurvedic Lifestyle Tips for Hormonal Balance
While this Ayurvedic herbs for balancing hormones play a big role, incorporating an Ayurvedic lifestyle adds to their effectiveness. These are some additional tips on how to do so:
- Eat a balanced diet: Include whole, unprocessed foods with lots of nutrients that support hormonal health, such as healthy fats, proteins, and fiber.
- Follow a Daily Routine (Dinacharya): Keeping your regular mealtimes, sleep patterns, and self-care routines keeps your body on track.
- Practice Yoga and Meditation: Yoga practices reduce stress, a big contributor to hormonal imbalances.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink a lot of warm water and herbal teas to help support digestion and detoxification.
Final Thoughts
While Ayurvedic herbs are generally safe, it’s important to use them under the guidance of an Ayurvedic professional, especially if you have ongoing health conditions or are pregnant. Hormonal imbalances often require an adaptable approach, and uniting Ayurvedic ideas with modern medical advice can provide the best results.
At AyuNidhi, our certified Ayurvedic specialists offer consultations and create personalized Ayurvedic treatment plans, which resemble a ‘lifestyle’ approach.
Book a consultation now and get one step closer to achieving a complete sense of health and well-being.