Chaste Tree Berry (Vitex Berry): These little berries are a wonderful normalizing herb often used to regulate hormonal levels, menstrual cycles and libido. It has a stimulating effect on the pituitary gland which regulates and normalizes hormone production. It is best classified as a brain herb! Its influence is actually higher up in the hormone cascade. It is often thought of as a prolactin and FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) inhibitor, and LH (luteinizing hormone) stimulator. It’s important to consider that the ratio of FSH : LH is an important balance to maintain. Let's talk a little about physiology to understand this. Many are familiar with the two aforementioned hormones (estrogen and progesterone) but it's important to know that they're production all starts with the hypothalamus and pituitary glands, sometimes considered the “master glands” of the body, as they control, regulate, and maintain multiple levels of homeostasis. Luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone are released by the anterior pituitary gland. They are responsible for both male and female sexual development at puberty and the development of the ovaries and testes. This is triggered by the hypothalamic hormone GnRH (or Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone). FSH stimulates the fluid and egg filled follicles of the ovaries and governs the ovarian half of the menstrual cycle, where the follicles are growing and preparing for ovulation. At this time they are actively releasing estrogen. Once estrogen gets high enough, the body releases LH that triggers ovulation. Afterwards, the ruptured follicle is called the “corpus luteum” which actively produces progesterone. The higher levels of progesterone feedback loop onto the pituitary to slow the release of FSH and LH. So essentially you have two halves of the cycle: the ovarian cycle is governed by FSH and estrogen, and the uterine cycle is governed by LH and progesterone. If pregnancy does not occur, the higher levels of progesterone during the uterine cycle slows FSH and LH secretion, the corpus luteum atrophies, progesterone drops, and the cycle starts again (Popham).
So.. if Vitex Berry has been shown to inhibit FSH and stimulate LH. This means that this plant has a net progesterone increasing effect on the system, as increasing LH aids in ovulation and the development of the corpus luteum (which is what manufactures the progesterone). There are so many ways that our hormones get out of balance and I'll discuss that further later. Vitex is particularly effective for painful and irregular menstruation, infertility, PMS and other hormonal imbalances. Vitex berry has also been shown to be effective for treating and preventing prostate enlargement and its regulating function may also help with acne breakouts. In terms of its energetics, this remedy is pungent and aromatic which translates to a warming, drying, and stimulating energetic pattern. It relieves the cold/depression and damp/stagnation tissue states.
Red Clover Flower: Red clover is many things but here we'll focus on a few areas. Red Clover is considered by many to be a “hormone balancer” in the female reproductive system. This may help with fertility as well as balance irregular menstrual cycles, support transitions into menopause, and relieve chronic menstrual pain (Hoffman). The way I understand it, treating higher levels of estrogens with phytoestrogen-containing plants such as Red Clover and Black Cohosh, will competitively bind to estrogen receptors alongside your endogenous estrogen, but with a weaker post binding effect. Basically it pushes aside your body’s stronger, natural estrogen, binds to the receptor, but has a weaker or lessened effect, hence lowering an excessive estrogen pattern. Naturally for people with low estrogen, they will help by binding those receptors that are bored because there’s not enough estrogen to keep them busy. For people with high estrogen, it’ll get in the way of our body’s natural estrogen and reduce the excessive effects (Popham). I should have noted earlier that many complaints of unhealth with regards to women's anatomy are related to excess estrogen. Isoflavones in Red Clover have shown to significantly reduce hot flashes in menopausal women and has a positive effect on dry vaginal tissue and triglyceride levels. Compared with placebo, red clover isoflavone supplementation in postmenopausal women significantly decreased menopausal symptoms and had a positive effect on vaginal cytology and triglyceride levels (1). Red clover modulates several enzymes responsible for regulation of sex hormones; inhibits oxidation of steroid hormones; and induces production of sex-hormone binding globulin (SHBG). They act as potent antioxidants and promote activity of antioxidant enzymes, promote storage of calcium; maintain bone density and inhibit a range of enzymes involved in cell growth, including cancer cells (American Botanical Council). It's important to note that Red Clover is a lymphatic alterative meaning it is a remedy for blood purification with a specific affinity for the lymphatic tissues. The alterative class of herbs work to restore normal balance and function of the body's systems and organs. They are considered to improve overall wellbeing and vitality. It is a somewhat vague and misunderstood category of herbs but an incredibly valuable action. A plant containing the alterative action is said to open the elimination channels of the body and affect the body's natural detoxification processes. This includes pesticides, chemicals, environmental toxins and the normal waste products associated with metabolism like proteinaceous wastes, cellular debris, hormones etc. You can see how this action is a valuable one to the balancing of hormone levels and cases of hyper-immune activity and inflammation. This aspect of Red Clover is well indicated for cysts and helps to flush stagnant fluids and swellings in the lymph. It has also been shown to be a very effective remedy for eczema because of this action. Alteratives like this can be used to help drain excess dampness and heat from the system, especially if there is stagnation within the blood, liver, lymph and portal circulation (Popham). Red clover also contains a high level of minerals and nutrients which can benefit the nerves and the body as a whole (Wood).
Burdock Root: Burdock is a traditional, gentle liver tonic. Through bitters we increase our digestive capacity, the absorption and distribution of nutrients throughout the body, and detoxification of their metabolic waste products (Wood). Liver health is integral to hormonal health. Estradiol and estrone are the potentially detrimental components of estrogen. They are typically converted into estriol by the liver. This is what combats the negative effects of estradiol and estrone. Liver health and healthy endocrine glands (adrenal and thyroid in particular) are crucial for this process. If the liver is not in good working order, it becomes overburdened and inefficient. It's not able to handle the levels of sex hormones released during menstruation and ovulation. This results in a self poisoning system that is congested with excess hormones, most notably estrogen components, that wreak havoc within the system and lead to PMS and reproductive problems. Burdock also supports endocrine health by assisting the proper absorption and assimilation of fats and oils. The endocrine system is governed by the proper assimilation of oils. From a biochemical standpoint substances tend to either be water or oil soluble, and thus certain compounds require transport via fats and oils. One of the best examples of this would be many of our hormones, especially those which are built from steroid precursors and manufactured in the fatty adrenal cortex- cortisol being a prime example (Popham). Thus, deficiencies can occur not because the glands aren't producing or the receptors not working but because out body is unable to properly transport the hormones. Burdock root is also a wonderful blood purifier (2) and promotes lymphatic drainage to remove toxins. Burdock will alter stubborn unresponsive conditions by cleansing the blood, clearing out impurities or toxins which block the sebaceous glands of the skin making it excellent for eczema and other skin conditions. Lastly, it has been shown to improve blood sugar levels and diabetes (3). There is SO much I can say about Burdock but I'll stop there.
Oatstraw: You may have noticed this is an herb I like to add to many things. It is a wonderful nutritive that pairs well for supporting overall health. Avena sativa is among the best tonic herbs for the nervous system and excellent for anyone who finds themselves overstressed, overworked or anxious. They are high in silica, calcium, chromium and magnesium and also contain vitamin E and polyunsaturated fats which are vital for sexual health and vitality. They help build overall health, vitality, energy and stamina. Oats work by gradually and steadily nourishing and rebuilding a nervous system that has become depleted over time (4). The key symptom I think of Avena sativa for is exhaustion. That feeling of total depletion and having an empty tank. Oats are the perfect plant ally for this state of burnout. This burned out state has a broad impact upon so many aspects of our health including our hormones.
Motherwort: Motherwort is one of the best remedies for establishing consistency in the menstrual cycle, making it specific for irregular or delayed menses. It is often used very effectively to help women find a balance again after stopping the use of hormonal birth control. It is also a wonderful antispasmodic herb with an affinity for the female organs. In this, it is very helpful for relief from painful cramps and difficult PMS symptoms. It also works to relieve the feelings of irritability, nervousness and tension that can accompany the onset of menses. As a bitter herb, this is another one that supports the liver. As such, it adds to this formula in a variety of ways: helping the liver process excess hormone metabolites, calming the nervous system, relaxing tension in the muscles, easing cramping in the uterus, and helping to establish healthy menses. It is especially a specific remedy if prior to menses there are heart palpitations (Popham). Motherwort is also helpful for the hormonal shifts that happen during menopause and it is a very potent plant ally for the cardiovascular system.
References:
Hoffman, David. Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. Healing Arts Press. Rochester, VT. 2003.
Popham, Sajah. Evolutionary Herbalism.
Wood, Matthew. The Earthwise Herbal Vol 1. North Atlantic Books, 2008.
1. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09513590500361192
2.https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10787-010-0062-4?correlationId=b121bc8c-633b-48c3-a8cf-45d75618283a&error=cookies_not_supported&code=00fd6080-78ee-4357-b673-41cd95985723
3. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10068-022-01091-2
4. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10408398.2010.526725
