Nettle - Wonder herb or rather weed?
It is found in almost every garden and unfortunately usually ends up in the green waste: But the nettle is an important medicinal plant. The plant is covered with hairs and if you touch it with bare skin, the nettle causes a burning sensation on the skin.
Nettle tea in particular has been drunk and valued as a home remedy for centuries. Nettle is rich in iron, potassium and has a high chlorophyll content. In addition, it is a protein bomb.
It has the following properties:
1) The hormone estrogen increases
2) It dehydrates
3) Supports blood circulation
4) Supports rheumatic complaints
5) Helps with liver and gallbladder complaints
Nettle is rich in antioxidants and also helps with stomach and intestinal complaints.
Ginger - healthy favorite
Ginger has a very long history of several thousand years as an anti-inflammatory agent, it contains numerous vitamins and minerals.
Ginger is a source of calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc, among others, but also has numerous vitamins such as B1, B2, B6 and vitamin C.
The three main active ingredients in ginger are:
1. Gingerol: provides the spicy taste, stimulates liver function and reduces nausea
2. Shogoal: has an anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect
3. Zingiberene: creates the scent and contributes to healthy digestion
Ginger helps with a number of health problems, including:
1) Nausea
2) painful menstrual cramps and dysmenorrhea
3) regulates insulin sensitivity and supports blood sugar levels, making it very suitable for type 2 diabetes patients.
There are also clinical studies on a positive effect on osteoarthritis, cancer and intestinal problems.
Turmeric - The yellow root
The turmeric root, or yellow root, has been used as a medicinal plant in Asia for more than 5,000 years. The root has more than 10,000 components and over 600 medicinal substances and has a beneficial effect on (m):
1) cholesterol levels
2) lactose intolerance
3) diabetes
4) arteriosclerosis
5) arthritis
6) edema
Several scientific studies show, among other things, that it would not only be more effective than antidepressants, but could also replace blood thinners, for example.
Turmeric is yellow in color and has the disadvantage that it bleeds. Therefore, it is recommended to use gloves or your own cutting board. Did you know that curry gets its yellow color from turmeric?
Rhodiola
Rhodiola rosea, often simply called Rhodiola, is an adaptogenic herb that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to help the body adapt to stress and promote overall well-being. It is particularly beneficial for hormonal health due to its ability to modulate the stress response, balance neurotransmitter levels, and affect the function of various endocrine glands. Below are the key benefits of Rhodiola for hormonal health, as well as the processes it affects in the body:
1. Regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis
The HPA axis is a key hormonal system that controls the body's response to stress by regulating the production of cortisol and other stress-related hormones. Chronic stress can lead to dysregulation of the HPA axis, resulting in elevated or depleted cortisol levels that can affect thyroid function, reproductive hormones, and overall hormonal balance.
How Rhodiola Helps: Rhodiola has adaptogenic properties, meaning it helps the body withstand physical and mental stress by balancing the HPA axis. It prevents excess cortisol production in response to stress and helps normalize cortisol levels in cases of adrenal fatigue or dysfunction. This regulation is key to maintaining healthy cortisol levels and preventing its disruptive effects on other hormones such as insulin, thyroid hormones, and sex hormones.
2. Lowering Cortisol Levels
Cortisol, often referred to as the “stress hormone,” is released in response to stress and affects various bodily functions, including metabolism, immune response, and inflammation. When cortisol levels are chronically elevated, it can lead to hormonal imbalances such as impaired thyroid function, insulin resistance, and reproductive issues such as disrupted menstrual cycles.
How Rhodiola helps: Rhodiola reduces excess cortisol release during periods of stress by modulating the release of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which are important regulators of cortisol production. Lowering cortisol levels may help stabilize other hormones, such as insulin and thyroid hormones, thereby promoting overall endocrine health.
3. Improve Thyroid Function
The thyroid plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism and energy levels. High cortisol levels may inhibit thyroid function by decreasing the conversion of thyroxine (T4) to the active form triiodothyronine (T3) and increasing reverse T3 (rT3), an inactive form of the hormone that blocks the effects of T3.
How Rhodiola helps: By regulating cortisol levels and reducing stress, Rhodiola may indirectly support healthy thyroid function. This helps ensure the proper conversion of T4 to T3 and prevents the symptoms of hypothyroidism (e.g., fatigue, weight gain, and low mood) that are often associated with chronic stress and cortisol dysregulation.
4. Support reproductive health
Stress and high cortisol levels can suppress the production of sex hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone by diverting resources to cortisol production. This is a phenomenon known as “pregnenolone theft.” This can lead to irregular menstrual cycles, decreased libido, and fertility issues.
How Rhodiola Helps: Rhodiola’s ability to balance cortisol and support adrenal function reduces the likelihood of pregnenolone theft. It supports a healthier balance of sex hormones and promotes regular menstrual cycles, improved fertility, and better libido. In women, Rhodiola can relieve symptoms of PMS and menopause by modulating the levels of these hormones.
5. Increase serotonin and dopamine production
Hormone balance is closely linked to neurotransmitter activity in the brain. Imbalances in hormones like estrogen and cortisol can affect mood-regulating neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. Low levels of these neurotransmitters can contribute to depression, anxiety, and low energy levels.
How Rhodiola helps: Rhodiola has been shown to increase serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain by inhibiting the enzyme monoamine oxidase (MAO) that breaks down these neurotransmitters. Higher serotonin and dopamine levels contribute to improved mood, reduced anxiety, and greater mental clarity. This effect on neurotransmitters helps regulate hormonal fluctuations.
6. Improved insulin sensitivity
Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. Chronic stress and high cortisol levels can lead to insulin resistance, a condition in which cells do not respond effectively to insulin, resulting in elevated blood sugar levels. Insulin resistance is closely linked to hormonal disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and metabolic syndrome.
How Rhodiola helps: By lowering cortisol levels and supporting a healthy stress response, Rhodiola may improve insulin sensitivity, which helps cells respond better to insulin and regulate blood sugar levels. This effect is beneficial for preventing and treating conditions such as PCOS, which are characterized by insulin resistance and related hormonal imbalances.
7. Reducing oxidative stress
Oxidative stress can damage cells and disrupt hormonal balance by affecting the function of endocrine glands, particularly the ovaries and testes. This can lead to reduced production of sex hormones and an increased risk of hormonal imbalances.
How Rhodiola Helps: Rhodiola is rich in antioxidants such as salidroside and rosavin, which neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress. By protecting endocrine tissues from oxidative damage, Rhodiola helps maintain the healthy production and regulation of hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.
8. Supports Energy Levels and Physical Performance
Low energy levels and fatigue are common symptoms of hormonal imbalance, especially in cases of adrenal fatigue, hypothyroidism, or dysregulation of reproductive hormones. Hormonal imbalances can reduce the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the energy currency of cells.
How Rhodiola Helps: Rhodiola increases ATP production and improves oxygen utilization in cells, increasing energy levels and reducing fatigue. This can help individuals with hormonal imbalances feel more energized and capable, which in turn supports overall hormonal health.
Practical Use and Recommendations
Dosage: Rhodiola is commonly taken in dosages of 200–600 mg per day, standardized to 3% rosavins and 1% salidroside. It is best taken in the morning or early afternoon to avoid sleep disturbances.
Combination: It can be used in combination with other adaptogens such as ashwagandha or ginseng for enhanced stress and hormone support.
Timing: Rhodiola is most effective when taken during times of high stress or fatigue, or to support adrenal recovery after prolonged periods of stress.
In summary, Rhodiola provides significant hormonal health benefits by modulating the HPA axis, balancing cortisol levels, improving thyroid and reproductive function, improving mood-regulating neurotransmitters, and reducing oxidative stress. Its adaptogenic properties make it an effective way to restore hormonal balance, especially in those struggling with stress-related hormonal imbalances.
Soursop
Soursop, also known as graviola or annona muricata, is a tropical fruit known for its distinctive flavor and purported health benefits. It has been traditionally used in various cultures for its medicinal properties. When it comes to hormonal health, soursop may offer several benefits due to its nutrient profile and bioactive compounds. Here are some potential benefits:
1. Antioxidant Properties
Soursop contains high amounts of antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, as well as various phytonutrients such as polyphenols and flavonoids. These antioxidants help neutralize oxidative stress, which can play a significant role in hormonal imbalances by damaging endocrine glands such as the thyroid, ovaries, and adrenal glands.
2. Anti-inflammatory Effects
Chronic inflammation can disrupt hormone function, especially in conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis. Soursop has anti-inflammatory properties that may reduce inflammation, thus contributing to more balanced hormones.
3. Supports reproductive health
Studies suggest that soursop may have reproductive health benefits due to its potential to affect estrogen levels and reproductive function. Although more research is needed, some animal studies suggest that soursop extract may have a regulatory effect on ovarian hormones and reproductive organs.
4. Regulate blood sugar levels
Blood sugar imbalances can significantly affect hormone health, particularly insulin, cortisol, and sex hormones. Soursop has been shown to have hypoglycemic effects that may help maintain stable blood sugar levels. This, in turn, supports balanced hormone production and function.
5. Stress relief
Chronic stress leads to elevated cortisol levels, which can negatively impact other hormones such as thyroid hormones, sex hormones, and insulin. Soursop is believed to have calming properties and may help reduce anxiety and stress, promoting a healthier balance of stress hormones.
6. Liver Health
The liver plays a crucial role in metabolizing hormones. Compounds in soursop, such as acetogenins, are thought to have a protective effect on liver health, which may indirectly support hormonal balance by helping with hormone detoxification and metabolism.
7. Potential Anti-Cancer Properties
Some research suggests that soursop has cytotoxic properties that may inhibit the growth of certain cancer cells. Hormonal imbalances are often associated with hormone-dependent cancers, such as breast and prostate cancer, and soursop's potential anti-cancer effects could contribute to overall hormonal health.
Although soursop shows promise in promoting hormonal health through various mechanisms, it is important to be cautious when using it, especially if you are taking other medications or dealing with health conditions, as it may have interactions or side effects.