Estrogen is a female hormone involved in a range of bodily functions, including reproduction, maintaining muscle mass, maintaining skin tone and bone strength, and increasing good cholesterol. Estrogen may also be associated with certain diseases, such as estrogen-dependent breast cancer and endometriosis. Certain herbs and foods have estrogen-like qualities. Consult your health care provider before using alternative therapies containing estrogen.
Plant Actions
Plants with estrogen-like qualities contain chemicals that can bind to estrogen receptors in your body and mimic the hormone. These chemicals, known as phytoestrogens, are found in three major chemical classes: isoflavones, lignans and coumestans. The amount of estrogen you receive may depend on the concentration of phytoestrogens in herbal preparations and the amount of estrogenic foods you eat. Check with a qualified practitioner for advice about dosage and preparation of foods and herbs with estrogen-like qualities.
Red Clover
Red clover, or Trifolium pratense, is a small perennial with purple flowers. Traditional healers use it to treat irregular menstruation, infertility, bronchitis, ulcers and asthma. Red clover is rich in isoflavones, such as irilone and pratensein, which have estrogen-like effects. In her 2009 book, "The Holistic Herbal Directory," herbal consultant Penelope Ody notes that, because of its estrogenic action, red clover may be an effective menopausal remedy. Do not use this herb if you are trying to conceive, as it may have a contraceptive effect.
Soybeans
Soybeans are a legume cultivated throughout East Asia. They are a staple protein food in many Asian societies and are used in tofu, pastes, beans, sprouts, flours and textured vegetable protein substitutes for meat. Soybeans contain the isoflavones known as genistein and daidzein. In their 2009 book, "Medicinal Plants of the World," botanist Ben-Erik van Wyk and biologist Michael Wink explain that these isoflavones bind to estrogen receptors and can modify estrogen-related genes. Do not consume large amounts of soybeans or soy products if you have an estrogen-dependent disorder.
Black Cohosh
Black cohosh, Cimicifuga racemosa, is a tall perennial with spikes of white flowers. Herbalists use the rhizomes and roots to treat menstrual and menopausal problems. Herbal consultant Penelope Ody states that this herb is strongly estrogenic and may be helpful for treating PMS. In their 2001 book, "Herbal Remedies," naturopathic doctors Asa Hershoff and Andrea Rotelli note that black cohosh normalizes estrogen levels and optimizes your body's use of estrogen. Botanist Ben-Erik van Wyk and biologist Michael Wink state that the estrogen-like action is likely due to the isoflavonoids and triterpenoids, which bind to estrogen receptors in your body. Do not use this herb if you have a hormone-dependent disease.
References
- "The Holistic Herbal Directory"; Penelope Ody; 2009
- "Medicinal Plants of the World"; Ben-Erik van Wyk and Michael Wink; 2009
- "Herbal Remedies"; Asa Hershoff, N.D., and Andrea Rotelli, N.D.; 2001
