Are there any herbs that can be beneficial for symptoms of PCOS? This is a question many women find themselves asking as they seek natural remedies for mindfully managing their hormone health. Today our certified Herbalist Erla Sól is digging deep into the subject about herbs and PCOS: Which herbs have traditionally been used for centuries within herbal medicine? Are there any potential benefits with herbs for the symptoms of PCOS?
This blog post is written by herbal specialist Erla Sól. All the opinions in the article belong to the writer of the text.
Herbal Teas For Balancing PCOS Symptoms?
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal condition that affects many women, often causing challenging symptoms such as irregular menstrual cycles, hormone imbalances, and metabolic concerns. PCOS can be hereditary or from a range of factors such as inflammation, insulin resistance, and excess androgens. (1) For women seeking natural remedies to manage the disruptive symptoms of PCOS, traditional herbal medicine offers simple yet effective solutions to support overall wellness and hormone balance.
Herbal remedies have been used for centuries to address reproductive health, providing deep nourishment and support for various bodily systems. When it comes to PCOS, certain herbs can be particularly beneficial in addressing common symptoms such as mood swings, weight fluctuations, insulin resistance, unwanted hair growth, digestive issues, acne, inflammation, insomnia, and irritability. (1)
How does herbs work?
Herbs contain compounds that strengthen body systems and promote long-term wellbeing. Herbs contain minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, polyphenols, alkaloids and much more. Herbal infusions are so nutritive that they are considered amongst herbalists to be “nature’s multivitamin supplement.” From a holistic standpoint, herbs can be an integral part of a complete nutrition regimen. Many of them positively impact women’s health and can provide support for those healing from PCOS.
Herbs traditionally used for PCOS
There are various herbs that have been used traditionally to treat the signs and symptoms of PCOS, including:
• Stinging Nettle
• Spearmint
• Lemon Balm
• Licorice Root
• Dandelion Root
• Cinnamon Bark
These powerful herbal allies can help women with PCOS find natural relief and support their hormonal health.
Stinging Nettle
Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica) is a remarkable “super-herb” for many health conditions and as a general daily tonic for vitality. Specifically for PCOS, stinging nettle is known for functioning as a natural diuretic that helps remove excess waste and toxins from the body. Rich in minerals, it improves liver function and optimizes hormone balance. It is also known to reduce DHT hormone levels, the hormone responsible for the unfavorable symptoms of PCOS such as excess hair growth, lowered fertility, and acne. Additionally, stinging nettle strengthens the body with its high nutrient content, promotes healthy skin and hair, and provides relief from menstrual cramps. (2) (7)
Spearmint
Spearmint (Mentha spicata) offers another powerful approach to managing PCOS symptoms. Research suggests it can help reduce excess testosterone while balancing the menstrual cycle. By increasing luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone, spearmint can support proper ovarian follicle maturation, promoting fertility. (3) And its refreshing minty flavor is delicious!
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a gentle yet effective herb for those struggling with PCOS-related stress and hormonal fluctuations. It supports digestive health and liver function while providing profound nervous system support. The calming properties of lemon balm can help ease irritability, hormonal mood swings, and premenstrual tension, while also promoting balanced sleep patterns. (4) Lemon balm’s comforting aroma is relaxing just on its own!
Licorice Root
Licorice root (Glyzzhiriza glabra) can provide comprehensive support for the endocrine and immune systems. This multi-purpose herb is nourishing and harmonizing, as it can help balance hormone levels by reducing testosterone and regulating estrogen production. Licorice root can also assist in managing blood sugar levels and reducing sugar cravings – a common challenge for women with PCOS. (5) (6)
Dandelion Root
Dandelion root (Tarataxum officinalis radix) is a deeply nourishing and purifying herb that can offer powerful detoxification benefits. Dandelion root is known for stimulating the liver for proper removal of excess hormones and waste. Dandelion is known for supporting hormone regulation though this purification process, helping the body efficiently process and balance hormones. It can improve digestive health and reduce signs of digestive distress like gas, water retention, and bloating. (4) (6)
Cinnamon Bark
Cinnamon bark (Cinnamomum verum) is a synergistic herb to add to a PCOS herbal protocol with its remarkable metabolic support function. It helps balance blood sugar levels, combat insulin resistance, and reduce inflammation. (5) The ability of cinnamon to regulate the menstrual cycle and support fertility makes it an excellent herb for women with PCOS.
Integrating these herbs into a consistent and intentional wellness protocol can be a wonderful way to manage the common symptoms of PCOS and find more ease and balance in the natural hormonal fluctuations that come with being a woman of reproductive age. Herbal medicine and natural remedies can be powerful tools to nourish the body from the intelligence of nature.
Integrating PCOS Herbal Teas into Your Wellness Routine
A beautiful and effective way to start integrating these herbs and reap their benefits is through a daily herbal infusion, a potent herbal tea. Herbalists have long used infusions to help people overcome imbalance, injury, disease, and to help strengthen the body. Herbal infusions can be enjoyed every day to support the body in its general nutrition and function.
Herbs and nutrition
Herbs contain compounds that can strengthen body systems and promote long-term wellbeing. Herbs contain minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, polyphenols, alkaloids and much more. Herbal infusions are so nutritive that they are considered amongst herbalists to be “nature’s multivitamin supplement.” From a holistic standpoint, herbs can be an integral part of a complete nutrition regimen. Many of them can positively impact women’s health and can provide support for those healing from PCOS.
How to make herbal infusions
Herbal infusions can be made normally as “tea”, or infused for longer periods of time to extract more of the beneficial nutrients. An herbal infusion can be brewed 10 minutes up to several hours or even overnight for maximum nutrient extraction. (8)
When making an infusion, I typically will use a tablespoon of herb per cup of tea, but when making a more potent infusion extracting for longer periods of time, I like to make a few servings at once to drink throughout the day and allow it to brew for a longer time.
I will use:
3 tablespoons or 3 grams of herbs
3 cups or 6 dl of water
I love to make a large batch of herbal infusion in a teapot with a strainer, or in a pot on the stove or a heat safe glass jar. Then I strain the herbs out with a wire or mesh strainer after the desired amount of brewing time. Infusing herbs for around 40 minutes allows the flavors to bloom and the nutrients to extract.
When introducing your body to herbal infusions, it’s best to gently start with 1 tablespoon, or 1 gram of herbs in 1 cup or 2 dl of water and allow it to infuse for 10 to 20 minutes. It’s important to cover the cup while the herbs are brewing so that none of the nutrients evaporate with the steam.
Conclusion
While these herbs offer promising natural support, it's essential to approach herbal remedies with care and professional guidance. Every woman's body is unique, and what works for one may not work identically for another. Always consult with a healthcare professional, herbalist, or naturopath before starting any new herbal regimen, especially when managing a complex condition like PCOS.
Incorporating moderate amounts of expert formulated herbal tea into a balanced wellness routine can be a nourishing and grounding way to manage symptoms of PCOS. If you want to enjoy a daily warm beverage that serves as a natural remedy for common symptoms in PCOS, stinging nettle, dandelion root, spearmint, lemon balm, licorice, and cinnamon are generally safe and nourishing options when consumed in normal amounts.
If you feel unsure about consumption of herbs in the case of any hormone imbalance or PCOS, always consult a herbalist, naturopath, or doctor. These experts can guide you to the appropriate dosage and serving suggestions of herbal preparations.
Note: This blog post is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure. If you have any health concerns, it is important to discuss them with an expert.
Resources
1. “Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).” Mayo Clinic, September 8, 2022. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pcos/symptoms-causes/syc-20353439.
2. Pacific Center for Naturopathic Medicine. 2022. “Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Stinging Nettle | Pacific Center for Naturopathic Medicine.” May 31, 2022. https://doctorherdmanclinic.com/resources/articles/womens-health/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-stinging-nettle/.
3. Clinic, Cleveland. 2024. “3 Health Benefits of Spearmint Tea.” Cleveland Clinic. June 27, 2024. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/spearmint-tea-benefits.
4. Tallene, and Tallene. 2024. “9 Teas for PCOS - PCOS Weightloss | #1 PCOS Resource.” PCOS Weightloss (blog). June 29, 2024. https://pcosweightloss.org/teas-for-pcos/#:~:text=If%20you%20struggle%20with%20PCOS,daily%20routine%20may%20be%20beneficial!
5. Manouchehri, Aliasghar, Saber Abbaszadeh, Mahdeyeh Ahmadi, Fateme Khajoei Nejad, Mahmoud Bahmani, and Neda Dastyar. 2022. “Polycystic Ovaries and Herbal Remedies: A Systematic Review.” JBRA, January. https://doi.org/10.5935/1518-0557.20220024.
6. Clare, Bevin A., Richard S. Conroy, and Kevin Spelman. 2009. “The Diuretic Effect in Human Subjects of an Extract ofTaraxacum officinaleFolium Over a Single Day.” The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 15 (8): 929–34. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2008.0152.
7. Bhusal KK and others, “Nutritional and Pharmacological Importance of Stinging Nettle (Urtica Dioica L.): A Review” (HeliyonJune 22, 2022) <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9253158/> accessed January 20, 2023
8. Stevens A, “How Does Hot Water Temperature Affect the Nutritional Content of Herbs?” (Herbal AcademyOctober 3, 2022) <https://theherbalacademy.com/water-temperature-nutritional-content-of-herbs/> accessed January 20, 2023
9. Zeng L-H and others, “Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Disorder of Reproductive Age, Its Pathogenesis, and a Discussion on the Emerging Role of Herbal Remedies” (Frontiers in pharmacologyJuly 18, 2022) <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9340349/> accessed January 21, 2023t
