Your pituitary is a tiny gland that sits at the base of your skull. As part of your endocrine system, the pituitary works together with your hypothalamus, thyroid and adrenal glands to regulate the production and release of hormones. The pituitary is involved with many important body functions, such as stress, temperature control, blood pressure, urine output, thyroid activity, testosterone and estrogen production, and growth. If your endocrine glands produce too much or too little of a hormone, disease may result. Herbs may help to assist and regulate your pituitary. Consult your health care provider before starting herbal treatment.
Herbal Actions
Herbs that assist the pituitary are called adaptogens. They help to normalize your endocrine system, working on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis to relieve stress and help your body deal with environmental and physical stressors. Many of these herbs contain potent plant chemicals, so check with a knowledgeable practitioner for advice about dosage and preparation.
Ginseng
Ginseng, or Panax ginseng, is a small leafy plant with red berries native to eastern Asia. In traditional Chinese medicine, or TCM, ginseng is an important adaptogenic tonic. TCM practitioners use the roots to enhance overall health, counter stress and fatigue, and aid convalescence. Ginseng provides nutrients for the pituitary gland. An article published in the August 2000 issue of "Fitoterapia" states that ginseng contains active ingredients known as ginsenosides, which affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Through its effects on the pituitary, ginseng enhances energy and resistance to stress. This herb may cause high blood pressure, diarrhea, irritability, breast pain and vaginal bleeding.
Licorice
Licorice, or Glycyrrhiza glabra, is a perennial native to the Mediterranean and Central Asia. Herbalists use the rhizomes to treat coughs, ulcers and gastrointestinal disorders. Licorice is rich in saponins, which affect hormone balance. It aids metabolism through its role in regulating the pituitary gland and the adrenal cortex, and is part of TCM herbal thyroid formulas. In his 2003 book, "Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine," clinical herbalist David Hoffmann, FNIMH, AHG, notes that licorice affects the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and helps control the stress response. Do not use licorice if you have high blood pressure.
Alfalfa
Alfalfa, or Medicago sativa, is a perennial herb native to Turkey. Traditional healers use the stems, leaves and seeds as an adaptogenic tonic because they are rich in vitamins, minerals, saponins and steroids. In their 2000 book, "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," Dr. James F. Balch and Phyllis A. Balch, CNC, state that alfalfa promotes pituitary gland function and balances hormones. They note that alfalfa is helpful for skin problems. Vitiligo, a skin disorder characterized by white patches, may benefit from alfalfa, since it can be linked to stress or a thyroid malfunction. Do not ingest alfalfa seeds in excess.
References
- "Fitoterapia"; The aphrodisiac and adaptogenic properties of ginseng; E. Nocerino, et al.; August 2000
- "Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine"; David Hoffmann; 2003
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC, and James F. Balch, M.D.; 2000
