Estrogen is an important female hormone that regulates several aspects of your body, including muscle and bone mass, cholesterol, body temperature and mood. If your estrogen level is too low, you may experience hot flashes, anxiety and mood swings, and osteoporosis. Conventional treatment may include hormone replacement therapy, but there may be serious side effects involved. Herbal supplements, such as tinctures, capsules or teas, may help raise estrogen levels naturally. Consult your health care provider before starting herbal treatment.
Herbal Actions
Herbal supplements that raise estrogen levels contain chemicals called phytoestrogens, which bind to estrogen receptors in your body. If your estrogen level is too low, phytoestrogens will correct the deficiency. Large amounts of these herbs over a prolonged period may be harmful, especially if you are at risk for an estrogen-dependent disease, such as breast cancer or endometriosis. Check with a qualified practitioner for advice about dosage and preparation of herbal supplements to raise estrogen levels.
False Unicorn Root
False unicorn root, or Chamaelirium luteum, is a native North American perennial with spikes of white flowers. Herbalists use the rhizomes and roots as a uterine tonic and to treat gynecological problems, such as irregular menstruation, ovarian pain and miscarriage. The plant is rich in steroidal saponins and acts as a hormone normalizer. In her 2009 book, "The Holistic Herbal Directory," herbal consultant Penelope Ody notes that false unicorn root will correct any deficiency in estrogen levels. Due to its estrogenic effects, you should not use this herb if you are pregnant or have an estrogen-dependent disease.
Snakeroot
Snakeroot, or Cimicifuga spp., is a tall perennial native to North America. It has a long history of treating reproductive disorders. The rhizomes and roots contain isoflavonoids, which have estrogen-like properties. Herbal consultant Penelope Ody states that snakeroot is strongly estrogenic, and she recommends it to relieve menopausal and premenstrual syndrome symptoms. In their 2001 book, "Herbal Remedies," naturopathic doctors Asa Hershoff and Andrea Rotelli note that snakeroot optimizes your body's use of estrogen and is an alternative to estrogen therapy in Europe. They recommend it for estrogen-deficient problems, such as depression associated with hormonal imbalance. Do not use during pregnancy or if you have any disease related to estrogen.
Shatavari
Shatavari, or Asparagus racemosa, is a small plant with needle-like leaves native to India. Ayurvedic practitioners use it as a tonic and aphrodisiac and to treat menstrual problems. The roots are rich in saponins and isoflavonoids. In their 2001 book, "Herbal Remedies," naturopathic doctors Asa Hershoff and Andrea Rotelli explain that shatavari promotes the production of estrogen and may be useful for irregular menstruation and infertility. Do not use this herb during pregnancy.
References
- "The Holistic Herbal Directory"; Penelope Ody; 2009
- "Herbal Remedies"; Asa Hershoff, N.D., and Andrea Rotelli, N.D.; 2001
