HERBAL TEAS THAT HELPED HEAL PCOS
UPDATE*** Cysterhood Tea is now available to order woohoooo
Click here to order Cysterhood tea
As I am sure many of you are aware of by now, I am a massive natural health advocate (aka crazy health lady hehe)!
The reason I am so passionate about this is because I am living proof that by simply changing my diet and lifestyle, I have been able to reverse and heal my PCOS… and not a single drug has been taken (with the exception of my amazing herbs and supplements!) YUUSSSSSS!
That being said, I realise that sometimes making these huge diet and lifestyle changes can be really really REALLY hard and often expensive (trust me, I know!)
BUT what can be more simple than drinking a beautiful cup of warm herbal tea to gain some PCOS healing superpowers?? LITERALLY NOTHING!
Herbal teas are a super EASY, AFFORDABLE and NATURAL way to help actively balance your hormones and start reducing your PCOS symptoms, or any symptoms caused by hormonal imbalances for that matter!
I have recently been working with a naturopath, as well as doing my own research to find out which herbs have been traditionally used to help lower male hormones or reduce inflammation or have been scientifically proven to help with hormonal conditions such as PCOS.
In the right dosages, teas can provide incredible healing properties, and some herbal teas are especially beneficial from women with PCOS experiencing symptoms such as:
• Irregular periods
• Cystic acne
• Hirsutism
• Hormonal imbalances
• Low-grade inflammation
• PMS symptoms like cramps, nausea and bloating
• Low immunity
• Poor gut health
• Hair loss
• Stress and anxiety
SO here are my top teas that have helped me heal my PCOS and balance my hormones.
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Spearmint - My absolute FAVOURITE herbal tea, and not just because it tastes incredible! Spearmint tea has actually been scientifically proven to help lower testosterone levels, which as we know are directly linked to many PCOS symptoms! So far, it has been shown to reduce Free Testosterone levels by 30% (the main culprit behind PCOS hirsutism and acne!!), while it increases Luteinising Hormone (LH) by 30% (This is the hormone that triggers ovulation, maintaining a regular menstrual cycle.) AND it increases Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) by around 15% to ensure proper maturation of the ovarian follicle!!!! IT'S A MIRACLE HERB!!…. so if you're not already drinking it as tea, get on it!
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Liquorice - Liquorice is known to support the adrenal, or stress, glands. The reason this is important for women with PCOS is because the adrenal glands also produce the male hormone DHEA-S, and when stressed can cause them to over-secrete this hormone, resulting in PCOS symptoms flaring up. Drinking Liquorice root tea helps to reduces testosterone levels AND helps to balance estrogen levels as well…… plus it's another delicious tasting tea, and I find it really helps to reduce sugar cravings!
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Stinging Nettle leaf -Nettle leaf is known to help improve liver function, which is crucial in order to process our hormones effectively and efficiently. The liver is also useful in helping to reduce male hormones such as DHT, which can be very problematic for those with PCOS.
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Alfalfa leaf -Alfalfa leaf helps the body detoxify for optimal hormonal balance and prepare the body for conception. Alfalfa is very nutritious, high in vitamins and minerals, contains some phytoestrogens, and aids in protecting against xenohormones. It also helps in reducing vaginal atrophy and dryness and prepares the body for pregnancy.
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Lemon balm - (Melissa officinalis) This herb has a vast array of uses. Some of these include being great for digestion, and soothing to the nervous system and liver system. It can also help reduce PMS symptoms like insomnia and irritability.
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Lady's Mantle -(Alchemilla vulgaris) is great for those who have an irregular cycle. It helps to help promote hormone balance and regulation, as well as helping those who are experiencing heavy or painful periods. It is also fantastic for healing skin issues such as acne and dermatitis, as well as increased hair growth and symptoms related to the menstrual cycle, including cramps, moodiness, cravings and hot flushes.
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Cinnamon -Love me some cinnamon bark tea! It's so flavoursome and energising, what's not to love! Cinnamon is known for its connection to balancing blood sugar levels, supporting insulin resistance and boosting metabolism/weight loss. As we know, balancing insulin levels is the key to managing PCOS. A recent study in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology has indicated that “cinnamon improves menstrual cyclicity in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.” This study also indicated that cinnamon may help to increase pregnancy rates in those with PCOS… which is pretty cool!
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Raspberry Leaf - This tea not only tastes amazing, it's also known for its ability to help fertility, which has been backed up by some great studies. Drinking raspberry leaf tea is thought to be effective in clearing out any congestion and blockages in the ovaries and uterus, which helps keep everything moving and functioning.
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Ginger Root -Ginger has been used to help treat PCOS before anyone knew what PCOS even was! It is known for its ability to alleviate nausea and to ease any pain associated with the menstrual cycle. It is also believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and has been shown to help lower blood sugar levels, which is essential to regulating insulin levels and hormone balance for PCOS.
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Chasteberry (Vitex) - Is known for its ability to help balance female hormones. There are some studies that have shown it can help with menstrual problems, like breast pain, heavy bleeding, irregular or absent menstrual cycles, menstrual pain, and cramps. HOWEVER, when it comes to PCOS the verdict is out as it is thought it may actually aggrivate some PCOS symptoms including anxiety and depression, So please check with your health care professional before taking this one.
So there you have it! My favourite teas for healing and treating my PCOS and hormonal imbalances (don't forget this is my journey and what has worked for me!)
As you all know I do A LOT of research into things before I actively try them myself, and many these herbal teas not only have scientific studies out there to back them up, (which I would urge you to look at!) but they have been used for centuries in the Traditional Chinese Medicine world.
I also got my naturopath's tick of approval on them, so I know I am taking the right dosages for me and my body!
Please keep educating yourself and expanding your knowledge when it comes to treating your PCOS or hormonal conditions.
There is a wealth of knowledge out there, and it might not necessarily come from your doctor, so be prepared to put in the hard yards, keep your mind open and read up on as many scientific journals and books as you can!
EXCITING NEWS!!
I am now working on my very own tea blend to create the perfect mix of herbs in the right dosages to specifically target PCOS and hormonal imbalances!
I AM SO EXCITED... I CAN'T WAIT TO SHARE THIS WITH YOU SOON!
UPDATE***
Cysterhood Teas is now available to order woohoooo
Click here to order Cysterhood tea
Happy tea drinking gorgeous humans!
Xxxx Brigitte
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