Unfortunately, hormones get a bad rap. They often are associated with the not-so-glamorous aspects of female reproductive health or healthy aging. But reducing hormonal health down to mood swings and chocolate cravings is truly a disservice. Our bodies use these intelligent chemical messengers to do all kinds of things! Namely, maintain homeostasis, or a state of internal balance. Hormones help manage things like stress, energy, and mood, in addition to libido and reproductive health.
Hormonal harmony
Most of the time, our bodies masterfully regulate hormone levels so that we feel ~balanced~. But depending on sex, age, stress levels, or even diet, you may find that staying in a state of equanimity feels out of your control. Enter: adaptogens.
Adaptogens are plant-based, naturally occurring ingredients that support the body’s ability to adapt to the stressors of life by fostering hormonal balance. They encourage a “normalizing” effect on our body’s equilibrium. And they help discourage ongoing imbalances that can negatively impact our bodies over time.
Hormone balancing adaptogens
Some cultures have harnessed the hormonal wisdom of adaptogens for thousands of years and now science is corroborating their effects, a testament to their benefits for hormonal harmony. Here are a few of our favorites that can help you...
Adapt to stress and stay focused
Ashwagandha is an ancient, herbal powerhouse that is making its way into mainstream nutritional science. So, what does ashwagandha do? Research backs this adaptogen for promoting healthy cortisol levels for a healthy stress response, while also supporting energy restoration and heightened concentration.
Ashwagandha’s powerful benefits are attributed to special compounds called withanolides. Our SuperPure® Ashwagandha Extract has concentrated and verified activity of these compounds, making our Stress Remedy® formula a great addition to any soothing self-care routine.
Lemon Balm is a favored herb whose soothing properties were revered by the ancient Greeks. With a beautiful bloom and brightly scented leaves, lemon balm is used to help calm restless feelings and promote a positive mood. It also has demonstrated clinical efficacy in supporting healthy sleep. Not only that, but this pacifying plant also facilitates healthy digestion. With such diverse and impactful properties, it was a no-brainer to include SuperPure lemon balm leaf extract in our Vita·Min·Balance for Women.
Holy Basil is revered as an “elixir of life” for not only promoting a holistic sense of calm but also for supporting vitality and overall wellness. It is a powerful mood enhancer and has even been shown to promote a healthy defense against pollutants and other chemical stressors. Anti-stress and detoxifying? Talk about a divine life force!
Stay balanced through hormonal shifts
Maca Root is an adaptogen authentically sourced from the Peruvian Andes mountains. Sometimes called “The Fountain of Youth”, maca is shown to promote healthy stamina, balanced hormones, and a healthy libido. For women, maca can foster stability through normal, age-related hormone shifts, including menopause.
Since maca is such an adaptogenic powerhouse, it should be no surprise that it can benefit both female and male reproductive health. Our newest herbal multivitamins Vita Min Balance® for Women and Vita Min Vitality® for Men both include organic, gelatinized maca root that’s both concentrated and easy on your stomach.
Shatavari Root is an adaptogen that has been used for centuries in Indian Ayurvedic tradition. Literally translating to “she who has hundreds of husbands”, shatavari is a rejuvenating herb esteemed for its positive support of female reproductive health. This feminine life force upholds natural hormone rhythms in women of all ages, fostering vitality, healthy libido, and offering . gentle guidance through times of hormonal transition.
To preserve the active compounds of this amazing adaptogen, we create our SuperPure® Shatavari Root Extract using water alone. Couple this purity and potency with other core nutrients, like in Vita Min Herb® for Women, and you get natural support for hormonal harmony.
Using adaptogenic herbs to maintain hormone balance is a practice rooted in ancient wisdom, and with so many benefits to be garnered, they could be the missing link to your wellness routine.
