When you hear the term "hormone balance", you might think of herbal blends that are "promised" to bring about life changing hormonal adjustments. Many typical hormonal herbal blends include options like vitex, red raspberry leaf, and red clover. While there's a time and a place for these herbs, I prefer to present hormonal support through a lense of endocrine and GI nourishment. The gut plays a huge role in hormonal function (and dysbiosis can be a limiting factor), and excess stress on the endocrine system can also limit your potential for happy hormones. In this functional recipe, I share what you can do to support your HPA axis. Remember, this isn't individualized advice, but more so insight into what you can choose to implement. As always, talk to your doctor or practitioner before making changes, especially if you have unique health conditions.
HPA Axis Support Tea:
Ingredients:
- Ashwagandha, 2 tbsp loose leaf ("Ashwagandha is perhaps best known for its ability to reduce stress. It’s classified as an adaptogen, a substance that helps the body cope with stress.Ashwagandha appears to help control mediators of stress, including heat shock proteins (Hsp70), cortisol, and stress-activated c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase (JNK-1) (4Trusted Source). It also reduces the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, a system in your body that regulates the stress response (4Trusted Source, 5Trusted Source).
Several studies have shown that ashwagandha supplements may help relieve stress and anxiety.")
- ("Ginseng could help improve brain functions like memory, behavior and mood (10Trusted Source, 11Trusted Source).
Some test-tube and animal studies show that components in ginseng, like ginsenosides and compound K, could protect the brain against damage caused by free radicals (12Trusted Source, 13Trusted Source, 14Trusted Source).
One study followed 30 healthy people who consumed 200 mg of Panax ginseng daily for four weeks. At the end of the study, they showed improvement in mental health, social functioning and mood.")
- 2 tbsp. Lion's Mane Mushroom ('Research shows that lion’s mane mushrooms contain powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds that may help reduce the impact of these illnesses (47Trusted Source). In fact, one study examining the antioxidant abilities of 14 different mushroom species found that lion’s mane had the fourth highest antioxidant activity and recommended it be considered a good dietary source of antioxidants (48Trusted Source). Several animal studies have found that lion’s mane extract reduced markers of inflammation and oxidative stress in rodents and may be especially useful in the management of inflammatory bowel disease, liver damage and stroke (20Trusted Source, 26Trusted Source, 49Trusted Source, 50Trusted Source"). Lion's Mane mushroom is linked to neurological supportive properties, making this a great choice for those who need extra pituitary support*.
Instructions:
Steep ashwagandha leaves in purified water, add ginseng powder, and lion's mane mushroom and stir. Enjoy, and seek professional approval before consuming if needed - not pregnancy or breastfeeding safe.
