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Ashwagandha
(Withania somnifera)
Acts as an adaptogen—a substance that helps balance hormone
excesses or deficits by boosting the efficiency of the sites where
hormones bind with cells. Used in Ayurvedic medicine to help
resolve adrenal- and thyroid-hormone imbalances, ashwagandha allows
the body to better cope with stress.
Recommended dose: 600 mg per day
Asian ginseng
(Panax ginseng)
An adaptogenic herb that helps alleviate a variety of symptoms,
particularly the fuzzy thinking that can accompany a
reproductive-hormonal imbalance as well as the hot temper and low
immunity associated with stress-hormone imbalances.
Recommended dose: 200-400 mg per day, with at
least 4 percent ginsenosides
Dong quai
(Angelica sinensis)
Can help balance estrogen levels that are too high or too low. This
adaptogenic herb has been used in Chinese medicine for hundreds of
years to relieve PMS, hot flashes, and menstrual cramps.
Recommended dose: 150-300 mg per day
Omega-3 fatty
acids
These essentials create healthy cell membranes so hormones reach
their destination more easily. They also help maintain and repair
hormone receptor sites. Fish oil is one of the best sources of
omega-3s but can contain harmful levels of mercury, so look for
ones with "tested for heavy metals" or "filtered free of
environmental pollutants" on their labels.
Recommended dose: 500 mg per day
Rhodiola
(Rhodiola rosea)
Adaptogenic rhodiola has been the subject of more than 180 studies,
which have shown it to increase thyroid function, help the body
adapt to stress, reduce fatigue, boost strength, improve brain
function, and lift mood.
Recommended dose: 100 mg daily of a standardized
form containing at least 2.6 percent rosavin and 1 percent
salidroside
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