The Reproductive System

~ The Generative System ~

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Let’s meet more of our plant allies for this month!

The plants you’ll meet for this month are generally very loving and sweet natured. Reproductive tonics help to regulate hormones alongside our adaptogens from the last month’s module, and tend to calm emotions. I think you’ll love exploring these lovely sacral chakra plants, many of which are beautiful flowers that make delicious tasting extracts and infusions for you to not only love up your reproductive organs, but bring pleasure and sweetness to your day!

Remember for the sacral chakra we are focusing on sweetness and pleasure, so I like to infuse these plants often in brandy, glycerine, honey, or a combination of alcohol and glycerine. Create a beautiful ritual drinking them! Add flowers to your table, drink from a beautiful cup, play music… Think about how you can make your tea time feel extra delicious! Once you have already done a tea meditation with a plant you want to get to know more deeply, experiment with adding some nut milk, and honey, making it extra decadent! The reproductive tonics blend well with our aphrodisiacs or adaptogens… such as vanilla, cacao, rose, and shatavari latte with honey. Or damiana, sweet orange, vanilla, rose. YUM. Enjoy making some delicious blends and amping up your pleasure.

Let your tea time be blissful!
Sage

The Allies of Sweetness ~
Reproductive Tonics

We are pleasure seekers. Our bodies are wired with nerves spreading through our entire body designed to feel good! Our reproductive organs bring new life into the world, and bring us an incredible amount of pleasure. When I was much younger I worked at a very fabulous sex toy store for women called Grand Opening! run mostly by queers. It was 2 years of a LOT of fun and joy helping women to find their pleasure… alone or with partners. I also learned that in order to enjoy sensory pleasure in our bodies we need healthy sexual organs and tissues… you know how much an infection runs your bliss. I’ll talk more in an upcoming zoom call about sexual health that can really mess with our fun!

The health of our reproductive organs are greatly affected by our emotions and experiences in life related to intimacy, sexuality, and pleasure. I don’t believe that all illness is determined by what we carry within us emotionally, but I have seen many connections between the two. Because the cycle of menstruation and pregnancy is so intense (and menstruation is a monthly experience), often more focus in herbal medicine is applied in these areas… It can be harder to find good information on supporting a healthy prostate, testes, and androgen testosterone balance. Over the years I’ve explored many plants for all people that nourish each of our sexual and reproductive organs, balance hormones, keep our fluids moving well and our tissues healthy. This is incredibly important as well for our emotional wellbeing as our hormones act as neurotransmittors and greatly effect our nervous system.

Our reproductive organs are connected to our urinary, circulatory, and lymphatic systems. We can cleanse a lot of our hormones, chemicals of emotion, and toxins from our body through pee and ejaculation. (You may already know that all people ejaculate! Just in different ways… Remind me to talk about this more if you’re interested in our next zoom class.) I’ve seen how important it is for us to have release through orgasm, ejaculation, peeing, and release of fluids like menstrual blood and cervical fluids, for the health and cleansing of our whole being. Just like crying, all of these forms of release are powerfully cleansing and help us to release emotions, hormones, and wastes. And it feels good! Peeing feels good… ejaculating obviously feels good. And bleeding every month, though some experience a lot of cramping and pain, often feels like a deep release. Releasing fluids helps us to unblock and clear the energy in our sacral chakra. The next time you enjoy a deep release, offer up a prayer for your whole being to let go of anything its been carrying and needing to let go… It is wonderful for our nervous system and emotions.

We have a long way to go when it comes to healing the wounding of shame around sexuality and our bodies, and it starts with each of us. We can help future generations to be even more free and honouring of themselves. Use this month to give yourself what you sacral chakra is desiring… listening to the voices arising from within you. I hope you can gather a lot of information here that supports you in your health and pleasure.

Pleasure is sacred, and all forms of healing intimacy, with self and others, is medicine.

Please enjoy the plants this month, the aphrodisiacs in Part One, and the reproductive tonics introduced here. I love to blend them with the adaptogens, which are also hormone balancing (as whole body endocrine tonics). Choose one or two plants to begin exploring through tea meditations, getting to know each plant one at a time. Follow the plants you are instinctively drawn to… and invite yourself to receive their healing touch.

Guided Tea Meditation

Please use this guided meditation to journey with this month’s plant allies.

Choose a few plants to journey with in meditation each month, and journal about what comes through. This is a guided meditation to use when you are drinking a tea and journeying with a plant. Tea meditations are the root of our practice at the Gaia school! As we receive directly from the plants, we learn through our own bodies, and we create space for the plants to speak to us. Feel free to pause the recording at any time, play some of the meditation music given to you via Spodify, and rest into receiving the plant without distraction of my voice if that is most helpful.

Blessings on your journeys!

Red Raspberry

Rubus idaeus

Raspberry has been one of my beloved plants since I was a child… as it has been for many of us! In our backyard in the city we had a raspberry plant that produced the most incredible berries year after year. I grew up treasuring the sweetness we held in our little sanctuary. Raspberry glycerite is my favorite way to enjoy the medicine of raspberry leaf. It is incredibly tasty, almost like the berries themselves. Sometimes I blend it with other yummy glycerites that help to strengthen our reproductive organs such as strawberry leaf, rose, or red clover.

Raspberry is a supreme sacral tonic, nourishing and rebuilding to all reproductive organs. Raspberry increases fertility, and helps to prepare the womb for pregnancy. It is a tonic for a healthy prostate, and tones all reproductive organs. As a nourisher of the womb, and one of the best plants to drink during pregnancy (usually after the first trimester) to strengthen the uterus. Raspberry leaf has a long tradition of use during pregnancy to tone the muscles of the womb, assisting contractions and reducing bleeding during labor. After an abortion, miscarriage, or birth, raspberry will help to restore the ligaments and muscles of the womb, as well as heal tissues. Raspberry leaf helps to balance hormones and is great for irregular menstrual cycles. It is also very helpful in preventing cysts, fibroids, and endometriosis when used over a period of months. You can drink a quart of infusion daily, or take the tincture (or glycerite) a few times a day. During pregnancy raspberry can help reduce nausea and morning sickness!

Raspberry is very nourishing, rich in iron, magnesium, vitamin c and calcium. The magnesium content helps to ease all muscle cramps, including menstrual cramps, contractions, muscle tension, and nerve spasms. It can often feel very relaxing and grounding to the nerves. Raspberry is very safe to use daily, though too astringent and drying to drink in high concentrations like most of our nourishing herbs. As an astringent it will be helpful to ease diarrhea and heavy menses. The thorns of raspberry tell us it is protective, similar to its relative rose… It is a powerful spirit that can help bring protection and healthy boundaries.

Parts Used ~ healthy green leaves
Taste & Energetics ~ mineral salty & sweet, nourishing, neutral to cooling, and restorative.
Phytochemistry ~ vitamins and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, vitamin C and A, B vitamins, tannins, flavonoids (anti-inflammatory), phytosterols (plant hormones), polyphenols, acids.
Actions ~ nutritive, astringent, phytoestrogenic, antispasmodic, blood thinning, hemostatic, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, antioxidant, and tonifying.

Brewing Raspberry Infusion ~

Add 1-2 tsp. of raspberry leaf to a quart jar. Cover with hot water, steep 1-8 hours. Strain and drink!

To make Raspberry Glycerite - Fill your jar full chopped healthy raspberry leaves, packed down as much as you can. Then fill the whole jar with a mix of 3/4 vegetable glycerine and 1/4 water. Shake well. Cap and label with the date. Steep for 1-2 months. If you are using dried plant, fill 1/2 the jar packed down a lot. Cover with a mix of 2/3 vegetable glycerine and 1/3 water. Raspberry leaf glycerite tastes incredible!

Video ~ Red Raspberry

Red Clover

Trifolium pratense

Red clover is another supreme ally to nourish the reproductive system! We already know it as a sweet tasting nourishing herb that we talked about in the April module. Infusions of red clover, or the tincture taken a couple times a day, helps with ovarian or uterine cysts, fibroids, or benign and malignant lumps. It can reduce swelling in the prostate, and lower high testosterone levels. The phytoestrogens in red clover help to regulate the menstrual cycle and increase fertility. Similar to vitex (chaste tree berry), red clover can increase LH (lutenizing hormone), stimulating ovulation, and increasing sperm production in the testes. Like red raspberry it is also a supreme tonic for nourishing and rebuilding to the womb. Each little flower (see photo above) looks like a little vulva to me… doctrine of signatures! I love mixing raspberry leaves, red clover, and strawberry leaves together as a tea or glycerite for uterine healing and hormone balancing. You can even throw in some fruit to give it extra sweetness!

Red clover can ease peri-menopausal hot flashes and night sweats, as well as bring needed estrogenic phytosterols post menopause. The flowers are wonderful to prepare the womb for pregnancy. It is mineral rich, high in calcium, chromium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, protein, vitamin C and B complex, and iron. Red Clover is also powerful medicine to prevent (and treat) breast, ovarian, prostate, lymphatic and all reproductive cancers. It is helpful for cleansing and thinning the blood, making it a tonic for the heart and blood vessels as well.

I find red clover to be such a sweet plant for healing the sacral and heart chakras, easing any kind of emotional stress or tenderness. Not only will it help to balance emotional swings through regulating hormones, it also has a gentle loving spirit that can soothe places of pain and vulnerability. Red clover feels like a sweet loving presence, nourishing and strengthening our whole being!

Parts Used ~ flowers and leaves (less often)
Taste & Energetics ~ mineral salty & sweet, nourishing, neutral to cooling, and restorative.
Phytochemistry ~ vitamins and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, vitamin C, flavonoids (anti-inflammatory), coumarins, phytosterols (plant hormones), isoflavones, saponins, phenolic glycosides, cyanogenic glycosides, and carbohydrates.
Actions ~ nutritive, phytoestrogenic, expectorant, alterative (cleansing and supporting elimination), anticancer, antitumor, antispasmodic, blood thinning, anti-inflammatory, detoxifying, demulcent and tonifying.

*** Considered safe to prepare for pregnancy and during breastfeeding. May not be safe during pregnancy. No strong drug interactions, generally safe to take in combination with western meditations. Red clover is blood thinning, so if you are on blood thinners consult with a Naturopath or holistic MD if you work with red clover.

Brewing Red Clover Infusion ~

Add 1-2 handfuls of dried flowers to a quart jar (1/2 cup - 3/4 cup flowers). Cover with hot water, steep 4-8 hours. Strain and drink! Fresh flowers can be added to salads, or made into a fresh tea. To make a fresh juice of the flowers, add 1 handful flowers to a blenderful of water. Blend for a few minutes, strain, and drink!

To make Red Clover Glycerite - Fill your jar full of red clover flowers, packed down as much as you can. Then fill the whole jar with a mix of 3/4 vegetable glycerine and 1/4 water. Shake well. Cap and label with the date. Steep for 1-2 months. If you are using dried flowers, fill 1/2 the jar with dried flowers packed down a lot. Cover with a mix of 2/3 vegetable glycerine and 1/3 water. Shake well, cap and label. Steep for 1-2 months shaking now and then. Strain and use 3-4 droppers full in water. If you would like to make an alcohol tincture, use 100 proof vodka in a glass bottle, instead of the glycerine/water mix. I love glycerites for most sweet natured flowers!

Shatavari

Asparagus racemosus

Shatavari is a wild asparagus relative, native to Africa, Australia, China, India and other parts of Asia. The Indian name for shatavari means "one who possesses a hundred husbands” (which sounds a bit scary to me), but tells us of the rejuvinative powers of this plant! Shatavari is a relative of asparagus, and feels so nourishing and restorative. The roots are sweet and moistening, and an amazing adaptogen tonic for the reproductive system. It feels warming, and like drinking glowing sweet sunlight or warming broth. I find it to be so healing to the emotions held in the sacral chakra, as well as grounding and stabilizing to our root. It has been used for thousands of years used alongside ashwagandha to balance hormones and strengthen the whole body.

Shatavari roots are full of phyto-estrogens, and it is known for regulating estrogen, while ashwagandha is often used for balancing testosterone. Ashwagandha is a bit drying and earthly, and shatavari feels like warm honey water… it’s delicious and demulcent. Many people say it tastes like a food and feels very nourishing! The roots are moistening and cooling to the body, soothing inflammation and increasing energy levels (like our other adaptogens).

Shatavari is used to increase the health of the uterus and ovaries, supporting fertility, healthy vaginal and uterine tissue. It is regulating to the menstrual cycle and helpful for fibroids, cysts, and endometriosis. Shatavari can prevent miscarriage and prepare the womb for pregnancy, as well as boost the libido and make us quite juicy! The tea can increase breast milk production and help to balance hormones post labor. Shatavari roots are also used for impotence and infertility. Many people find it’s increasing to desire, intimacy, and sexual fluids! And it’s super tastey…

All people can benefit from shatavari as a strengthening adaptogen. It is calming to the nerves and restorative to the brain and nervous system. As an adaptogen it is anti-aging, immune boosting, soothing to inflammation, and moistening dry tissues (especially later in life). It mixes well with ginseng, astragalus, burdock, ashwagandha, and other adaptogens or reproductive tonics. Shatavari is high in steroidal saponins (anti-inflammatory, adaptogenic, and hormone balancing), isoflavones (phytoestrogenic), asparagamine (an alkaloid substance similar to aspirin), and polysaccharides (demulcent, anti-inflammatory and adaptogenic).

Parts Used ~ Roots
Taste & Energetics ~ sweet, nourishing, neutral to cooling, and restorative.
Herbal actions ~ *** Safe during breastfeeding. Used in Asia during pregnancy, though there is little information on safety during pregnancy.

Brewing Shatavari Infusion ~

Add 1-2 tsp. of dried roots to a quart jar. Cover with hot water, steep 30 minutes. Strain and dilute with water as needed. Drink throughout the day. Shatavari makes a great glycerite and tincture! Dose is 2-3 dropperfuls in water.

Audio Talk ~ Shatavari

“Shatavari has a strong rejuvenating, nurturing, and stabilizing effect on excessive air, gas, dryness and agitation in the body and mind. As such it is traditionnaly used for nervousness, anoxeria, insomnia, hyperactive children, and people who are underweight. It promotes positive emotions while calming airy sensitivity and the fiery emotions such as irritability, anger, jealousy, resentment, and hatred. It also helps with pain, agitated sleep, disturbing dreams, and those who have weak emotional and physical heart. In Ayurveda this amazing herb is known as the "Queen of Herbs" because it promotes love and devotion.” - Sri Sri Ayurveda

Dance of Hormones

The hormones produced by our reproductive organs and endocrine glands play many roles in the body… not simply for making babies! They effect our entire physiology, and I’ll go over the effects of each hormone below. We all have same 3 main reproductive hormones present – estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. They are steroidal hormones made from cholesterol, so we need to make sure we have a diet that includes healthy fats. These hormones are produced in adrenals, testis, ovaries, adipose (fat) tissue, kidneys, and the brain (pituitary/hypothalamus). Post menopause and andropause (the drop in production of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone around the age of 50) our adrenals and fat tissue continues to produce these hormones to keep our body healthy and thriving. I’m going to discuss each of the hormones, how they effect the body, and what herbs we can use to balance them.

The Endocrine System & Reproductive Hormones

As you learned in last month’s module, the hypothalamus and pituitary glands in the brain are the main controllers of the endocrine system, which includes all of our reproductive glands (ovaries, testes) as well as other reproductive hormone producing glands like the adrenals. These glands are signaled by the hypothalamus/pituitary to release hormones into the blood, sending chemical signals to our cells regulating our reproductive organs and cycles. The hypothalamus is the master conductor of our endocrine system hormones, regulating our metabolism, energy levels, growth and development, blood pressure, body temperature, fluids & electrolytes, body weight, thirst, hunger, sleep, fatigue, mood, reproductive/hormone cycle, and sex drive. This is why when our hormone levels change during menopause and andropause (with the drop in production of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone), all of these things are affected! Energy levels change, moods, metabolism, sleep patterns, and libido. The dance of hormones in the body is carefully balanced… when the levels of one change, it can affect many of these aspects of our body’s functioning.

Endocrine tonics help to support the hormonal system by tonifying and supporting the function of hormone glands throughout the body, which control reproductive function. These are our adaptogens from last month’s module! To balance hormones, always include endocrine balancing tonics / adaptogens.

General Endocrine & Hormonal Tonics ~

Shatavari, Ashwaganda, Schisandra berry, Siberian Ginseng, Reishi mushroom, Ginseng, Maca, Rhodiola, Dandelion, Oatstraw, Nettles, Burdock, and others.

Estrogen & Progesterone

In people with ovaries (cis women and non-bianary or trans folx with ovaries), estrogen is produced in the ovaries, and after menopause is produced mainly by our fat tissue. Higher amounts of fat on the body post menopause is important to keep up estrogen levels for healthy bones, skin, and libido! Larger amounts of fat on the body post menopause can increase estrogen levels to the point of increasing cancer risk, since estrogen can contribute to tumor/cancer growth… but generally it’s important for us to have some extra fat post menopause! In people with testes (cis men and non-binary or trans folx), estrogen is also very important, and is produced in the testes, adrenals, and sometimes by the hypothalamus in the brain.

Estrogen is important in many ways, for all of us! Estrogens influence the structure of the skin, blood vessels, bone formation, protein synthesis, increase good cholesterol, promote fat deposition, cause salt (sodium) and water retention. In the gastrointestinal tract they reduce bowel motility and increase cholesterol in bile. They also improve lung function. Estrogen grows the lining of the uterus to prepare for pregnancy, and maintains sexual characteristics such as breasts. We have 3 types of estrogen – estradiol (active), estrone (weaker), and estriol (produced in the kidneys, 80x less active than estradiol).

High Estrogen Levels ~

The most common hormone imbalance in people with ovaries is high estrogen levels. Caused by disturbances in the endocrine system, the liver struggling to break down estrogen in the blood, fat cells producing too much estrogen, and xenoestrogens in our environment from toxins.

In people with ovaries high estrogen levels can cause low sex drive, irregular periods, nausea and vomiting, yeast infections, bloating, weight gain, depression, migraines, uterine or ovarian fibroids or cysts, and endometriosis. It also causes an increased risk for breast cancer or uterine cancer, infertility, autoimmune disorders, allergies, increased blood clotting and accelerated aging process. Fibroids are usually caused by high estrogen levels, which we are seeing as a bit of an epidemic right now! High estrogen can also cause lining of uterus to be very thick, causing heavy periods. It can also cause painful periods as uterus tries to expel fibroid. Can also cause miscarriage.

In people with testes high estrogen may cause decreased sex drive, low sperm count, low testosterone production, enlarged breast (gynecomastia), and small testicles in male infants. Can increase the risk for prostate cancer, benign prostate enlargement, heart attacks and increased risks of stroke and heart disease.
 High estrogen levels can be caused by xenoestrogens in our environment (herbicides and pesticides, cleaning products, plastics, etc). Note - beer made from hops is very high in phytoestrogens! To learn about xenoestrogens, read the list more here.

Estrogen Balancing
with Phytoestrogen Rich Plants

Since estrogen dominance is the most common hormone imbalance in people with ovaries, we look towards the plants to help us lower estrogen levels. Phytoestrogen rich plants have plant estrogens that bind to the estrogen receptors on our cells, and have a mild estrogenic effect in the body. They block high levels of our active estrogen, as well as xenoestrogens from binding onto our cells, which may be contributing to hormonal imbalance (as well as increasing the risk of cancer). Healthy gut flora are needed for body to use plant estrogens, so take your probiotics!

Phytoestrogen rich plants ~

Vitex, Red Raspberry, Red Clover, Dandelion, Fenugreek, Hops, Black Cohosh, Vitex, Ginseng, Licorice, Motherwort, Angelica, Rose, White Peony Root, Sage, Sarsaparilla, Saw palmetto berries, Wild Yam, Yarrow blossoms, Grains, beans, nuts, seeds, seed oils, berries, fruits, and many vegetables.

Herbs that can decrease or balance estrogen levels ~ Phytoestrogen rich plants that will dock onto our estrogen receptor sites on cells, leaving less room for our stronger human estrogen (estradiol) to attach onto our cells. Our own estrogen will then remain in our blood to be broken down by our liver… so make sure your liver is strong if you want estrogen levels to be lowered! Liver tonics like Burdock, Dandelion, Yellow dock

Herbs that can increase estrogen ~ If estrogen levels are low post menopause, you might want to have some phytoestrogens in your system in order to give your body some of the estrogen it is no longer producing. In summary, phytoestrogenic plants will help to increase estrogen levels if they are low, or lower estrogen levels if they are high. I would also suggest using them with adaptogens that balance endocrine system hormones as a whole!

Progesterone Balancing

Progesterone has a calming effect in the body, builds bone, natural diuretic and fat burner, restores proper cellular oxygen levels, improves vascular tone, normalizes blood clotting, and prevents cyclical migraines and arterial plaque. Progesterone is mainly made by the corpus luteum (a temporary gland that’s produced following the release of an egg from the ovary), the adrenals, and the placenta during pregnancy. Since it is partly produced in the adrenals, you want to make sure your adrenals are strong in order to keep up the levels of progesterone your body needs. More info. about this below, and remember your adrenal tonics such as nettles, siberian ginseng, rhodiola, burdock, ashwagandha, schisandra etc. (all of our adaptogens from last module).

Progesterone is also responsible for the growth of the lining of the uterus, establishing and maintaining pregnancy. Low levels of progesterone can cause infertility and miscarriage. High levels of estrogen can cause progesterone to be lower, since they have a balancing effect on each other… so if you have estrogen dominance you likely will have lower levels of progesterone.

In people with ovaries, low level of progesterone results in irritability, anxiety, obsessive behaviors, weight gain, itching, bloating, sweating, digestive problems, flatulence, loss of memory, miscarriage, and estrogen dominance. Many herbs that lower estrogen levels can help to increase progesterone as a result of lowered estrogen, as well as our adaptogens that have an overall balancing and harmonizing effect to the endocrine system.

Herbs that have been found to increase progesterone – Vitex, Wild Yam, EFAs, Sarsparilla, Damiana, and adaptogens like Ashwagandha, Schisandra, and Rhodiola.

Chaste Tree Berry

Vitex agnus-castus

Vitex berries are spicy fire crackers! They are powerful, warming, and super activating to the sacral chakra. It is a beautiful aromatic shrub that grows in the Mediterranean area, Middle East, and Asia where it loves to be by the water. It’s now used as an ornamental in the US, where it can be grown in colder climates as well. The leaves look like Cannabis, and the flowers attract pollinators!

I have found Vitex is the best plant to help regulate estrogen - progesterone balance and increase fertility. It helps to stimulate ovulation and the production of sperm through stimulating FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) and LH (lutenizing hormone). If you have gone off hormonal birth control and are trying to re-establish a regular cycle, Vitex is the best plant I’ve found to return a regular menstrual cycle. Vitex has been used for hundreds of years for all types of premenstrual, menstrual, and menopausal issues, balancing hormones, and increasing fertility. It was used by the ancient Greeks over 2,000 years ago, through the middle ages! It is named chaste tree berry because Christian monks believed that it lowered sex drive in men… which I’m not so sure is true!

Vitex has a powerful effect on the endocrine system, nourishing the pituitary gland, and regulating the proper levels of estrogen, progesterone, FSH and LH. It eases PMS symptoms such as emotional swings, irritability, eases breast swelling and tenderness, water retention, acne, and food cravings. During menopause, vitex can ease heavy bleeding, night sweats, hot flashes, depression, weight gain, and helps to keep the vaginal tissues lubricated. It is an ally during menarche (first blood months), and is used after birth, abortion, or miscarriage to rebalance hormones. It is known to increase breast milk supply after labor, and bring energy back to a depleted system. I find vitex feels quite stimulating and aphrodisiac! It is great for cold systems, clearing to stagnation and dampness.

Vitex is also an anti-inflammatory that can be helpful for painful menstrual cramps, but it should be used with a strong antispasmodic such as cramp bark or black cohosh to ensure pain relief. As a powerful hormone balancing tonic especially good for lowering high estrogen levels, vitex is one of the absolute best plants for preventing or shrinking uterine/ovarian cysts and fibroids. Not taken during pregnancy.

To make a Vitex Infusion ~ Simmer 1 tsp of the dried berries in 1 quart water for 15 minutes. Drink 2 times a day. Since vitex tea is very spicy and a bit acrid, I generally recommend the tincture instead. Tincture dose - Take 2-3 doppers full of the tincture in water 2 or 3 times a day.

Androgen Hormones

Androgen Tonics & Balancing Testosterone

Testosterone, a type of androgen hormone we all have, provides motivation, assertiveness, a sense of power and control, feelings of well being, enhanced drive, turns fat into muscle, and increases our libido. Low levels of testosterone are associated with weight gain, belly fat, decreased muscle and strength, sleep disturbance, fatigue, loss of body hair, infertility, impotence, osteoporosis, hot flashes, problems with mental clarity, memory loss, lack of motivation, mood changes, panic attacks, and depression. High androgen levels can lead to excessive body hair, acne, menstrual irregularities, polycystic ovary syndrome, fertility issues and sexual dysfunction.

Testosterone is also produced in the testes, adrenals, & ovaries. The testes on average produce 6-8 mg of testosterone per day - ovaries produce 0.5 mg daily. LH (Lutenizing hormone) released from the pituitary gland and controlled by hypothalamus stimulates the testes and the adrenals to produce testosterone. LH and FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) also cause the production and maturation of sperm. If you remember, all of the adaptogens help to regulate our endocrine system balance of hormones, which is overseen by the hypothalamus as the conductor.

Increasing Testosterone -

Pine Pollen contains all four major androgen hormones - Androstenedione, Testosterone, Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), & Androsterone. These are found in Pinus massoniana (Chinese red pine) and Pinus Sylverstis (Scots pine). You can also use endocrine/hormone balancing herbs like the adaptogens, and stimulating, fire nature plants like Ginseng, Damiana, Passionflower, Angelica, Ashwaganda, Sarsaparilla, Vitex, and Yohimbe.

Decreasing testosterone – Use endocrine hormone balancing herbs such as adaptogens, liver cleansing herbs like dandelion and burdock, and phytoestrogenic herbs to naturally lower testosterone. Plants high in phytoestrogens can help such as Red clover, Vitex, Shatavari. Adaptogens like Reishi, Nettles, Burdock, Ashwaganda, Siberian Ginseng, Schizandra berry, Ginseng, and Saw Palmetto berries.

Andropause

Starting in the 40’s there is a reduction in the production of testosterone and other hormones from the testes. This drop in androgens can cause anxiety, depression, irritation, lowered sex drive, mood swings, decreased muscle mass, increased breast tissue, loss of focus, hair loss, increase in weight, fatigue. Hormone production drops in testes (95%) and some in the adrenals.

Herbs for andropause ~ Adaptogens and plants with androgenic hormones. Ashwagandha, Ginseng, Sarsaparilla, Maca, Nettles, Damiana, Schisandra, Saw Palmetto, Pine Pollen, Vitex

For Impotence – Address stress levels, circulation, and hormone balancing. During andropause, focus on boosting testosterone through androgenic plants listed above such as ashwagandha. Increase circulation with plants like ginger, damiana, hawthorn, or ginkgo. Support the liver with tonics like dandelion and burdock. If stress is a factor, try nervous system relaxants such as skullcap, blue vervain, ashwagandha, or california poppy.

The prostate gland produces fluid that will exit with sperm during ejaculation. Located under the bladder, the prostate sits on top of the urethra wrapping around it, secreting fluid into the urethra to be released through the penis . This fluid makes up 25% of the sperm. Over age of 60 there is an enlarging of the prostate gland. If prostate enlarges or becomes inflamed it presses on the urethra, blocking the flow of urine, and can cause infections. It’s important to keep fluids moving well with lymphatic, circulatory, and diuretic herbs, as well as reduce infection (with antimicrobials) and calm any inflammation of the prostate. A diet low in toxins, good hydration, frequent ejaculation, and herbs can help keep the prostate healthy in elder years.

Therapies for prostate health – 1. Frequent ejaculation & peeing when needed. 2. Healthy diet, plenty of fluids. 3. Exercise 4. Anti-inflammatories (such as marshmallow root, turmeric, magnolia bark, and burdock), diuretics (such as nettles, cleavers, or dandelion), and lymph cleansing (echinacea, cleavers, astragalus etc.).

 Herbs for Prostate Health

Saw Palmetto, Nettles, Pumpkin seeds, Cleavers, Horsetail, Yarrow, Corn silk, Uva Ursi, Seaweeds, Marshmallow root, Usnea for infections, Echinacea, Joe-Pye Weed (Gravelroot), Raspberry, Parsley, Dandelion, Goldenrod

Xenoestrogens in our Environment
& The Role of Phytosterols

All of our hormones have been greatly disturbed by human made chemicals present in plastic, bodycare products, make up, cleaning products, and pesticides. These chemicals mimic estrogen and bind to cells at oestrogen recepter sites. They cause hormone disruption, and can also cause damage to the DNA in our cells, which can lead to cancer. Xenoestrogens increase the total amount of estrogen resulting in estrogen dominance, and cannot be broken down so they are stored up in our fat cells. High levels of xenoestrogens can cause breast, prostate and testicular cancer, obesity, infertility, endometriosis, early onset puberty, miscarriages and diabetes.

We can reduce our exposure to xenoestrogens, and take plants high in phytosterols, which will lock onto our cell’s hormone receptor sites, leaving no room for the xcnoestrogens to attach to our cells and cause damage. We can then support our liver and kidneys filtering them out of our body. Some plants high in phytoestrogens are again Red Raspberry, Red Clover, Dandelion, Fenugreek, Hops, Black Cohosh, Vitex, Ginseng, Licorice, Motherwort, Angelica, Rose, White Peony Root, Sage, Sarsaparilla, Saw palmetto berries, Wild Yam, Yarrow blossoms, Grains, beans, nuts, seeds, seed oils, berries, fruits, and many vegetables.

Staying away from Xenoestrogens

Here are some tips to avoid xenoestrogens entering your body. I always remind people that we do not want to fear our environment and trigger our stress responses, so while you make choices to avoid them, please do not worry. We are able to pretty easily reduce our exposure!

This list is from Xenoestrogens and How to Minimize Your Exposure by Amy LaRue ~ Follow the link to view the full list of chemicals acting as xenoestrogens able to attach onto all cells with estrogen receptors.

1. Avoid pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides. 2. Buy hormone-free meats and dairy products to avoid hormones. 3. Reduce the use of plastics whenever possible. Do not microwave food in plastic containers. Avoid the use of plastic wrap to cover food for storing or microwaving. Do not leave plastic containers in the sun, especially your drinking water. 4. Use chemical free, biodegradable laundry and household cleaning products. Choose chlorine-free products and unbleached paper products (i.e. tampons, menstrual pads, toilet paper, paper towel, coffee filters). Use a chlorine filter on shower heads and filter drinking water. 5. Avoid creams and cosmetics that have toxic chemicals and estrogenic ingredients such as parabens and stearalkonium chloride. Use naturally based fragrances, such as essential oils, and chemical free soaps or toothpastes. Read the labels on condoms and diaphragm gels… 6. Be aware of noxious gases/chemicals from copiers and printers, carpets, bedding, fiberboards, and from gasoline.

The Menstrual Cycle

I began bleeding when I was 15 on the night of the winter solstice, the darkest night of the year. I had already learned about the sacredness of our moon blood, so I was looking forward to this extra potent time I would have every month to work spells and do ritual. For years I tracked my cycle with the moon, coloring the moons in red with every day of bleeding using a moon calendar. It became a powerful and special time with myself every month, connecting to the moon, and spending time in ceremony.

If you are someone that has had a menstrual cycle at some time in your life, your relationship to your blood is unique and personal. I’ve always had pretty difficult cramping the first couple days of bleeding, which can be tough to enjoy that’s for sure! I also will likely not have a child this time around, so I’m less connected to my cycles as a source of fertility. I do however find the juicy time around ovulation and the releasing quiet time of bleeding to be powerful rhythms. I wish our culture gave space for us to retreat more for the first few days of bleeding, since our energy tends to turn inward and need rest. The pain of cramps can actually be a part of the call to self care and retreat, as well as bring us deeper into the experience of releasing.

The menstrual cycle is conducted by hormones released by the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, ovaries, and the corpus luteum (egg follicle shell). The length of each person’s menstrual cycle varies, but generally about 28 days long, and bleeding lasts for aprox. 5 days. After bleeding, our ovaries release estrogen, which begins to rise in our bloodstream. High levels of estrogen in the bloodstream signal the hypothalamus in our brain to produce LH (Luteinizing hormone) and FSH (Follicle- stimulating hormone). LH and FSH are released and travel through the blood to the ovaries. Follicle-stimulating hormone signals the ovaries to mature egg follicles in preparation for ovulation, similar to ripening seeds within the ovary of a flower! Luteinizing hormone stimulates the release of a mature egg from the follicle into the uterus. The follicle inside the ovary no longer containing an egg becomes an endocrine gland called the corpus luteum, producing progesterone to help support a pregnancy. What a dance of hormones!

Menstruation is signaled when there is a sharp drop in progesterone and estrogen due to no fertilized egg implanting in the uterus. The uterus secretes prostaglandins, hormone like chemicals which increase contractions of uterine muscle (and other smooth muscle like colon). Excess prostaglandins can cause stronger contractions and uterine cramping, as well as inflammation of the pelvis… mine radiates down my thighs and feels like a deep ache in the bones. Prostaglandins can also cause contraction of other smooth muscle such as the bowel causing loose stools or diarrhea. It’s also believed to temporarily inhibit the blood flow to the uterine tissue resulting in oxygen deprivation of the cells, causing cramping and pain.

Rising levels of estrogen (released by the ovaries) signals menstruation to stop, and thickening of the uterus lining begins again. When estrogen levels get high enough in the blood, the hypothalamus signals FSH and LH to stimulate ovulation again. If FSH or LH are not being released by the hypothalamus we will not ovulate, and often the regularity of our cycle will be disturbed. Without having ovulated, our blood can be very light at the end of our cycle as the uterine lining has not grown thick for an implantation.

Balancing these hormones and regulating the monthly ovulation cycle enhances fertility, and contributes to the general health of reproductive organs. Many issues arise from hormonal imbalance such as fibroids, cysts, endometriosis, headaches, PMS symptoms, emotional sensitivity, depression, anxiety, and changes in metabolism. See the specifics for each hormones above when they are in excess or deficiency.

Some of our beloved hormone balancing plants to regulate our menstrual cycle include Red Raspberry, Red Clover, Shatavari, Vitex, Black Cohosh, Motherwort, Mugwort, Blue Vervain, Lady’s Mantle, Jasmine, Hibiscus, Damiana, Angelica, Rose, White Peony Root

Stimulating menstruation

Sometimes we want to bring on menstruation, which might be delayed because of stress, hormone imbalance, circulatory issues, pregnancy, or nutritional deficiencies. Make sure to address the root cause, and try an herbal emmenagogue, which will stimulate bleeding, as well as circulatory stimulants to move the blood, and plants high in iron.

Emmenagogues I love ~ Yarrow, Black Cohosh, Motherwort, Mugwort, Wormwood, Sage, Ginger, Angelica, Blue Cohosh, Pennyroyal, Sweet Annie *** These should not be used during pregnancy!

Moon Cycles & Menstruation

Without the presence of artificial light, it is believed that menstruation would occur during the new/dark moon, and ovulation would occur during the full moon. This is in line with many traditions around the world that the full moon is associated with fertility and sex. I find that the full moon does tend to be a very potent juicy time myself. The sun is lighting up the full face of the moon (the earth is not in between them), which is a merging of the solar and lunar energies, yin and yang, masculine and feminine.

In some cultures it is believed that a woman’s head should be exposed to the full moon during sex in order for her to conceive. This is a beautiful tradition, and for those of us who aren’t going to be making babies, I would say a full moon shining on you will activate your creativity and life force in many ways! I love the full moon light to bathe my head at night, drawing the energy and light into my body. You may feel moved to have your whole body activated by the light of the moon, opening your heart, sacral chakra, and third eye. Allow the light to penetrate you, and who knows what you will become pregnant with!

Cycles of Creativity

The phase after bleeding can feel like a slow return to the world, bringing hightened inspiration and creativity to us. We might feel activated, outgoing, excited, and passionate about life. The time when the egg is developing and waiting to be released into the uterus may feel like a magick time of new beginning and fresh potential. This is a good time to plant new seeds, projects, plans, and ideas… Notice what is rising up to be released from within you. If you are someone who does not ovulate, you will still feel this cycle in the waxing moon as it grows each month before fullness.

The full moon corresponds with ovulation, which is usually the peak of our creativity, juiciness, and passion during the month. Our testosterone levels are higher, and our estrogen is rising. We can feel more confident, activated, sexy, and courageous from the testosterone boost. This ovulation phase lasts for about a week, where the rise in progesterone can increase libido, improve mood, and make us feel more playful and social. This is often a good time to move forward on projects as well as be social and have some fun!

You might feel a little nutty with desire at this time, which could make us a little irritable if it can’t be fully expressed! If we are ovulating around the time of the full moon, this will be particularly intense… Everyone gets a little wild around the full moon, and we might have some wild good times then! Even if it’s just with ourselves, naked and free under the light of the moon. We become more open, receptive, and wanting to receive anything that will help us to feel fed and satisfied. The feeling of fertility we all feel in different ways… for me it feels like a bubbling up of energy and potential within me, magnified by the strength of the full moon.

After ovulation and getting closer to bleeding time we can feel a slowing down and desire to release along with the waning moon. We start wanting more rest, and a desire to tend to our health and inner realm can arise. Often this phase is reflective and a potent time for healing. You might find that you desire to clear and clean out things at this time, preparing for the shedding about to come. You might feel drawn to releasing what no longer serves you in your life. Time to clean and rearrange… Our energy can pull inward and turn towards the inner realms. I often feel like an animal wanting to prepare for hibernation. When I’m getting close to bleeding I want to retreat and rest, preparing for the ritual of releasing coming. Some release tears at this time, letting out pent up emotions that have been too ignored. This is an important time to listen to yourself and let release happen… Give yourself the time and space you need.

The more we can honour our natural rhythms, the more we see ourselves thrive in wellness! We are meant to have cycles of activity and cycles of rest… moving with the cycles of the moon or your cycle can support this naturally.

When womxn live together in natural settings, their ovulations tend to occur at the time of the full moon, with menses and self-reflection at the dark of the moon. Scientific evidence suggests that biological cycles as well as dreams and emotional rhythms are keyed into the moon and tides as well as the planets. Specifically, the moon and tides interact with the electromagnetic fields of our bodies, subsequently affecting our internal physiological processes. The moon itself has a period when it is covered with darkness, and then slowly, beginning at the time of the new moon, it becomes visible to us again, gradually waxing to fullness. - Christiane Northrup MD

Menopause

Menopause is when the menstrual cycle ends, usually around the age of 50. Peri-menopause and the beginnings of andropause (drop in testosterone production in people with testes) begins in our 40-50’s when our endocrine glands no longer produce reproductive hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. The ovaries drop their production of estrogen almost completely, ceasing the menstrual cycle, and our fatty tissue begins to take over the role of supplying us with at least some of this important hormone. Since fatty tissue is then producing estrogen, some body fat is important especially later in life. Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone all help to keep our bones strong, our mood and energy levels up, skin youthful, and body strong!

The adrenals help to supply testosterone and progesterone after menopause and andropause, so take your adaptogens and adrenal tonics folks! Many changes happen as a result of dropping levels of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. Phytosterol rich plants to the rescue…

Phytoestrogens listed again ~ Red Raspberry, Red Clover, Black Cohosh, Vitex, Ginseng, Motherwort, Angelica, Rose, White Peony Root, Sage, Sarsaparilla, Saw palmetto berries, Wild Yam, Dandelion, Fenugreek, Hops, Yarrow blossoms, Grains, beans, nuts, seeds, seed oils, berries, fruits, and many vegetables.

Herbs for Increasing Progesterone & Testosterone ~ Adaptogens like Ashwagandha, Maca, Schisandra, Shatavari, Ginseng, Vitex

Meet more of our beloved Sacral Plant Allies…

Black Cohosh

Cimicifuga racemosa

Black cohosh is a beautiful native plant we can grow in our gardens, and it smells incredible! The roots are a powerful hormone balancing tonic used for peri-menopause, regulating menstruation, and helpful for initiating labor. Post menopause it will supply phyoestrogens that help to reduce the impacts of lower hormones (helping to keep up bone density, energy levels, and libido). Black cohosh is an emmenagogue, helpful for initiating labor or menstruation. Of course not recommended then during pregnancy. To initiate labor, it helps to open and “ripen” (dilate) the cervix, moving labor along, and helping us to open.

I use black cohosh roots mostly as an anti-spasmodic and muscle relaxant for menstrual cramps, muscle tension, and back pain. It is really awesome mixed with cramp bark, kava, or valerian root. As a nervine, black cohosh relaxes the whole body and nerves. It is dilating to blood vessels, lowering to blood pressure, and normalizes heart function. You can use black cohosh for lower back pain, headaches, and muscle cramps. It is also widely used for arthritis, and can be mixed with burdock, dandelion, ginger, or other plants that ease inflammation and pain. The roots are also cleansing to the blood, helpful in clearing toxins from the body.

To make a Black Cohosh Decoction ~ Simmer 1-2 tsp. of the dried root in 1 quart water for 10-15 minutes. Tincture dose is 2-3 doppers full of the tincture 2 or 3 times a day.

Video ~ Black Cohosh

Motherwort

Leonurus cardiaca (European)
Leonurus sibiricus (Siberian Motherwort)

Motherwort is one of my most beloved plants! The name means ‘lion heart’, which tells you what a fierce heart protector it is. The plant was give the name in Greece where it was given to mothers who were anxious, which speaks to how calming the plant is. Motherwort grows all over the land here in Vermont, always trying to take over my gardens! The plants bloom through most of the summer, and the bees absolutely love it. Be careful where you plant it because they will self seed very easily all through your garden and take over!

Motherwort is wonderful hormone balancing tonic for all menstrual and uterine conditions, including irregular periods, mood swings, fibroids, cysts, and menstrual cramps. It’s an amazing ally for irritability that can come with PMS because it’s such a lovely nervine for calming the nerves and emotions. It is a very supportive plant during labor to calm the nerves and ease labor pain. You can use motherwort to stimulate labor and help ease tension through birth or postpartum. Motherwort is very helpful for postpartum depression and the stress of being a new parent. Motherwort is an emmenagogue, which means it helps to stimulate the release of uterine lining, so it is helpful to stimulate delayed or suppressed menstruation especially when there is anxiety or stress involved. It is also a powerful ally during menopause to calm hot flashes, mood swings, and balance hormones.

The leaves and flowers are one of the most incredible nervines, calming to our emotions, stress, fear, and general anxiety. It helps to relax the body as an anti-spasmodic, easing muscle tension, menstrual cramps, and back pain. You can use motherwort for high levels of stress and fear, especially around relationships where you feel especially vulnerable. As a tonic for both the sacral and heart chakra, I find it really wonderful for soothing emotions of grief and loss. You can use motherwort for depression and any suffering held in the sacral or heart chakras. I find the spirit of motherwort to be very protective and strengthening. We go through a lot of motherwort here. It’s an incredibly loving and giving nurturer of all our tender places!

To make a Motherwort Infusion ~ Pour 1 quart boiling water onto 1-2 tsp. of the dried herb and infuse for 15-30 minutes. Tincture dose ~ Take 2-3 droppers full of the tincture 2 or 3 times a day.

Video ~ Motherwort Introduction

White Peony

Paeonia officinalis

Peony is one of the most sexy, blissful, sweet scented flowers I know! I plant them like crazy all over the garden and wait with anticipation for them to bloom in the garden… They feel incredibly nourishing to our pleasure centers! I love to bury my head in the sweet scent and soft petals… just heavenly. Beautiful peonies are native to North America, Europe, and Asia. They have been used for thousands of years medicinally and ornamentally in gardens. Peony root is one of the supreme hormone balancing tonics in Traditional Chinese Medicine (probably next to Dong quai and Ginseng). It is high in phytoestrogens that will balance the menstrual cycle and help with menopausal symptoms. I love mixing peony root with black cohosh, rose petals, or shatavari. It tastes sweet and a bit perfumey.

Peony root is a really powerful muscle relaxant, anti-spasmodic, and anti-inflammatory. I feel especially melty and relaxed when I take peony. It helps to relieve menstrual cramps, body pain, and arthritis. Try it mixed with cramp bark, black cohosh, kava, or valerian for muscle relaxing and pain. It is also protective to the liver, helpful for hepatitis and liver repair. Peony root is heart and sacral opening, dreamy, and grounds us in our bodies… open to bliss.

To make a Decoction ~ Pour 1 quart of water onto 1-2 tsp. of the dried root and simmer on low for 10-15 minutes. Tincture dose is 2-3 doppers full of the tincture 2 or 3 times a day.

Audio Talk~ Peony Root

Pregnancy & Labor

The best herbs during pregnancy are nourishing herbs and uterine strengthening tonics. These are the best plants to increase fertility as well! Nourishing herbs should be used daily as an infusion. Drink a quart a day throughout pregnancy. Nettles, Red Raspberry, Red Clover, Oatstraw, Burdock, and Chickweed. Listen to your body and dilute the infusions with water until your body likes the strength. If someone is struggling to conceive, I recommend focusing more on Red raspberry as a uterine tonic, Vitex (to ensure ovulation), Red Clover, and circulatory tonics like Cinnamon, as well as Adaptogens that help to balance hormones or stress levels.

Herbs to initiate labor ~ Black Cohosh, Motherwort, Birthroot (Trillium), Ginger. Tincture dose 2-3 droppers full in water every few hours, listening to your body well! Most people in labor do not want to drink much herbal tea, since the taste can be difficult if there is already nausea. I recommend oatstraw infusion to maintain energy levels and nourishment, as well as relax the nerves.

Herbs to ease labor pain ~ Antispasmodics like Kava, Cramp Bark, Valerian, Skullcap, Black Cohosh, Blue Vervain, Birthroot (Trillium). 2-3 droppers full of the tincture in water. Again oatstraw can help as well, and is often easier to drink during labor.

Herbs to increase breast milk ~ Blue Vervain, Nettles, Red Raspberry, Fenugreek, Blessed Thistle, Shatavari. These are wonderful as a tea or tincture. I find it’s helpful to support the person breastfeeding around getting enough water, nutrition, and sleep. This will help with milk production as well. Avoid drying herbs such as Sage and Rose. It can be helpful to take hormone balancing tonics like the adaptogens, as well as lymphatic movers Calendula or Cleavers.

Plants for Sexual Health
& Infections

Maintaining the health of our sexual organs ensures we can enjoy pleasure, and avoid the pain of infections or inflammation… I think the most important thing we can do for sexual health is the prevention of infections, as well as irritated or wounded tissue due to sexual activities. The vagina, urethra, and colon are all mucous membranes, which tend toward infections since they are openings our body has to the outside world.

All mucous membranes are protected from infections naturally by 1) mucus that creates a barrier (or lubrication), 2) healthy bacteria that help kill pathogens 3) our immune system or white blood cells helping destroy any pathogens as well as repair wounded tissue. Here are some ways you can support the health of these mucous membranes, and enjoy continued pleasure…

Bacterial balance - Use probiotic capsules as a douch, in the vagina or in the anus. This works very well for preventing urinary tract infections, yeast infections, or bacterial infections that are common in the vagina (especially with frequent sex). One thing we can do to keep our bacterial balance healthy is to make sure that anything that comes into contact with these mucous membranes is CLEAN. This means sterilizing your sex toys (use silicone toys only since they can be sterilized and others are made of toxic substances), cleaning fingers or your body before sex.

Lubrication ~ Lube is the magic addition to prevent small tears in the mucous membranes of the vagina or anus that will cause a greater risk of infections, as well as inflammation at the source of the wounded tissue. Make sure that if there is going to be a lot of friction, lube is used. I love olive oil, coconut oil, or sesame oil as natural lube. Avoid lubes made with glycerine or any kind of sugar since this will only feed the bad bacteria, resulting in infections. If there are tears in the tissue, use vulnerary herbs in oil or salve such as violet, comfrey, plantain, marshmallow, or calendula.

Immune tonics & Antimicrobials ~ To prevent STDs and infections keep your immune system strong with adaptogens! If you are treating an infection, make sure you know what pathogen is causing the infection first.

Yeast Infections & Bacterial Infections ~ For yeast infections take antifungals like usnea, oregano, myrrh, calendula, sage, tea tree, and garlic. For Vaginal Infections I highly recommend this product with Borax acid.

Refer to the last module for a full list of these herbs to treat different infections. If you are treating a bacterial infection, take antibacterial herbs. If you are treating a fungal infection, take anti-fungal herbs. If you are treating a viral infection, take anti-virals. General dose is 2-4 droppers full tincture in water 3x a day should clear it up within a week or faster. Refer back to last module on herbs for infections.

Urinary Tract & Kidneys

Let’s talk about supporting urinary tract health, since UTIs are so common and often recurring. To keep your urinary tract and bladder happy and healthy, I recommend diuretic herbs that increase urination, probiotics to increase healthy flora, and plants that can heal the tissue of these mucous membranes. In people with vaginas, the urinary tract tends to get infected more often since it is shorter than in penises, and it is exposed to any bacteria entering the vagina. You will want to use probiotic capsules in water as a douch to keep healthy bacteria in the urethra. You should feel the difference in one day!

Diuretic herbs like nettles help to stimulate the kidneys, and flush out the bladder and urethra. Along with drinking enough water, they can help to keep the bladder, kidneys, and urethra healthy. Diuretics ~ Nettles, Schisandra, Parsley, Dandelion, Cleavers, Horsetail, Juniper, Uva ursi, Yarrow, Blue vervain, Burdock.

If you have had inflammation or infection of the urethra, you’ll want anti-inflammatory and tissue healing herbs to soothe the mucous membranes of the urethra. These soothing herbs include marshmallow root, corn silk, hibiscus, cranberry, calendula, dandelion, goldenrod, turmeric, and burdock. I find that with a painful UTI often hibiscus tea can soothe the pain quickly. Remember though you can soothe the tissue, but you also need to fight off any pathogens causing infection. Keep your immune system strong with adaptogens, use probiotics and focus on prevention as much as possible to limit the bacterial spread to the urethra. If there is an infection, I recommend stronger antimicrobial herbs like usnea tincture, turmeric, oregano, yarrow, myrrh, and echinacea a few times a day.

Take care of your precious parts!

Hormone Replacement Therapy
& Trans Support

Androgen Therapy

Physical changes from taking HRT testosterone - Facial and body hair, acne, muscle increase, lower voice, cessation of menses, clitoromegaly (enlargement of the clitoris), male pattern baldness, redistribution of fat, coarser skin, higher blood cholesterol levels, increased libido. 

Possible health side effects of testosterone - Mild edema and sodium retention are common side effects. Stress can be put on the heart, liver, kidneys, and nervous system. Impacts of the liver are common, with 15% of people taking testosterone HRT to have elevated liver enzyme levels. Liver toxicity is mostly seen in those taking oral HRT, with transdermal or injectable testosterone has not been linked to liver damage. Someone taking testosterone should have their liver function tested a couple times a year. Increased risk of osteoporosis, so bone density should be supported with herbs, foods, and supplements. There can be an increased risk of fibroids, cysts, or cancer in the uterus and ovaries. To view the full herbal recommendations for side effects follow the link HERE.

Masculinizing Herbs

By increasing progesterone & testosterone naturally you can increase masculine characteristics, including hair growth, lower voice, muscle build, but can’t stop menstruation.  To increase testosterone avoid - Beer made with hops (highly estrogenic), Soy, Chemical cleaning products and body care products, Plastics, Herbicides and pesticides (Xeno-estrogens that mimic estrogen and cause testosterone to convert to estradiol).

Take plants containing steroidal-saponins - Plant steroids that are building blocks to build our own hormones. Phyto-androgens are androgenic plant hormones that act like testosterone in the body, binding to testosterone receptors. Pine pollen - Pinus massoniana (Chinese red pine), Pinus Sylverstis (Scots pine). Pine Pollen contains all four major androgen hormones - Androstenedione, Testosterone, Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), & Androsterone. Tincture dose - 1 dropper full 2x a day. One week on, a few days off. 

Ashwaganda (Withania somnifera) - Adaptogen, endocrine tonic, hormone balancing. Contains phytoandrogens that can be used by the body to create testosterone. Strengthens the nervous system and calms our stress response. Calming nervine for stress & anxiety. Strengthens the adrenals, increases energy, and relieves exhaustion/burnout. Tincture or tea used.

Vitex (Vitex agnus-castus) - Spicy berries are activating and moving to circulation. Balancing to the endocrine system. Can be used to help lower estrogen. Some speculate it might help keep masculine characteristics in place after HRT has stopped.

Sarsaparilla (Smilax ornata) or (Hemidesmus indicus) - Adaptogen, balancing to hormones and stress levels. Mildly androgenic, supports the production of testosterone. Increases libido and circulation. Anti-inflammatory, immune building.

Ginseng (Panax ginseng or Eleutherococcus senticosis) - Adaptogen increases energy and positive moods. Panax increases testosterone but can make people too stimulated. Eleuthero creates a greater calm and stability. Excellent for exhaustion, increasing strength and stamina. Building to the immune system. Nervous system restorative.

Damiana (Turnera diffusa) - Spicy, stimulating, and activating. Increases libido, relieves depression, and warms the body. Calming to the nervous system and increases self confidence.

Fo Ti (Polygonum multiflorum) - Adaptogen, balancing to hormones and stress levels. Phytosterol rich, contains compounds that can increase testosterone. Heart tonic and nervous system restorative. Increases energy, vitality, and libido.

Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) - Slows the break down of testosterone in the body. Great nervine calming to anxiety.

Estrogen Therapy & Plants

Herbal therapy can be used to ease the potential side effects of taking oestrogen Hormone Replacement Therapy. In amab (assigned male at birth) transwomen, HRT therapy usually consists of an anti-androgen (commonly spironolactone, sometimes flutamide or cyproterone acetate) alongside some form of estrogen, which may be taken orally, transdermally, or by injection. Estrogen is taken in high dose, three to five time the dose for a natal female undergoing hormone replacement therapy, in order to produce feminization of secondary sex characteristics and to assist in suppression of testosterone.

Physical changes from taking estrogen HRT - Changes in skin texture, voice, lessening of hair growth, changes fat distribution and development of breasts. Possible health side effects of estrogen HRT - Oral estrogen has a much stronger health risk and impact than transdermal estrogen or estrogen injections, including liver toxicity and increased inflammation in the body. Transwomen taking estrogen have shown a greater risk of cardiovascular disease and heart attack rates. Anti-androgenic drugs (other than spironalactone or finasteride) have show to cause liver toxicity appearing as hepatitis and jaundice. To view full herbal recommendations for side effects see the handout located HERE.

Herbs for Transitioning: Feminizing Herbs - These are not as effective for transwomen as HRT is, and we do not want them to bind to estrogen receptors blocking HRT estrogen. Estrogenic Herbs ~ Hops, Red Raspberry, Red Clover, Alfalfa, Fenugreek, Hops, Black Cohosh, Licorice, Angelica, White Peony Root, Sage, Saw palmetto berries, Legumes

Full article on Trans Health

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