The Art of Balance - The Power of Herbs for Women's Wellness

We all know the importance of balance, from that elusive work-life paradox to balancing mood, diet, mental health and, for women, hormones. A woman's hormones (our body's chemical messengers) have a pretty big part to play. They can affect mental, emotional and physical wellbeing as well as have an impact on weight, mood, and even appetite.

In addition, throughout a woman's lifetime, she'll go through many cyclical transitions that require a little more balance and fine-tuning, starting at puberty, potentially followed by pregnancy and continuing post-menopause. As a result, our hormones have a lot to answer for, so understanding how we can support them is of great importance to a woman's overall wellbeing. 

Off-Balance

Our bodies' are more than a little clever. They know just what to do to keep themselves level, from how much oxygen we need to how little sleep we require to survive!.

But sometimes they can feel off-balance, from heavy, painful or irregular periods to fertility issues, trouble breastfeeding, right the way through to hot flushes and changes in mood during menopause; women’s bodies have to cope with a lot.

So to maintain that ever-changing balance, it's essential to understand diet and lifestyle’s effect on a woman's body.

More Power to You

Herbs are a group of plants whose leaves, flowers, roots, and seeds can be used for various purposes, including health and wellness. Many of these herbs have qualities that can support a woman throughout different stages of her life.

Stress & Sleep

Lemon Balm and Lemon Verbena

Lemon verbena has a refreshing, citrusy scent that can help to soothe stress. High in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, this fragrant herb has been studied for its effects on insomnia. 

Lemon balm can be drunk in tea form and can be used as a carrier oil for other essential oils, making it the perfect cooling and calming antidote for stressful and anxious moments.

Libido & Fertility

Maca

The Maca plant comes from Peru and is a cruciferous vegetable similar to a turnip. It is an adaptogen that helps your body adapt to the things life throws at it and is hailed for its libido and fertility-boosting properties, as well as its ability to support menopausal symptoms.

It has a distinct nutty flavour and can be added as a powder to smoothies and juices. 

Balance & Hormone Production

Vitex

Vitex comes from a shrub that produces berries and has been used throughout the ages for supporting hormone production and balance, specifically through the transitions of a woman's lifecycle.

Also called chasteberry, this powerful herb backs a punch by enhancing the pituitary gland’s function, a kind of brain food! From easing premenstrual symptoms and breast tenderness, thanks to its ability to lower prolactin levels, to lowering oestrogen and increasing progesterone levels, the calming and sleep-promoting hormone, vitex, is a woman's best friend! 

Balance & Regulating Hormones

Marjoram

This aromatic herb is also part of the mint family and is thought to have many anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Stress & Perimenopause

Ashwagandha

Another adaptogen, ashwagandha, is thought to help reduce stress levels and lower cortisol levels, helping to keep our hormones balanced.

So, if you’re looking to reclaim your power the natural way, you only need to look to mother nature with these hormone-balancing herbs, whatever season you’re currently in!