How to Make Your Own Hormone Balancing Adaptogen Blend
A holistic nutritionist on the best adaptogens for balancing your hormones.
When it comes to hormonal health, adaptogens help to regulate the HPA axis (hypothalamus, pituitary, adrenal connection), which is in charge of your stress response and cortisol production.
By regulating the stress response and nourishing the endocrine system (ovaries, thyroid, adrenals) this helps to combat fatigue, increase stamina, decrease anxiety, balance blood sugar and mood swings, improve sleep, hormone production and libido. (Want to increase your happy hormones? We can help with that, too.)
Adaptogen Blend: The Hormone Helper
1 tsp. He shou wu
3 tsp. Ashwagandha
2 tsp. Maca
2 tsp. Schisandra
1 tsp. Licorice
The benefits of these adaptogens:
• He Shou Wu – nourishes blood, supports circulation and sexual function.
• Ashwagandha – supports hormonal balance, steady moods and reduces anxiety.
• Maca – increases energy, supports stamina and libido.
• Schisandra – improves rest and sexual vitality.
• Licorice – increases circulation and enhances function/assimilation of herbs.
How to make an ashwagandha adaptogen blend:
Mix the individual powders together in a glass jar; a small mason jar works well. Seal and keep in a cool dark place. Label the jar with the ingredients and dosage, ½ tsp once a day. The powders incorporate best when blended so I suggest adding to a beverage or smoothie and mixing for about 1 minute.
Can be taken daily, 1/2 tsp. suggested use of 3 weeks on, 1 week off.
Related: DIY Adaptogen Coffee Recipe
Where to find adaptogen powders:
Source powdered adaptogens from your local health food store or online through companies like Sun Potion, Four Sigmatic or wherever you like to shop for wellness supplies. Look for quality sourcing, extraction and organic certification when possible.
Still curious about adaptogens? Learn more about how adaptogens can help reduce stress.
***Consult a health practitioner before using if you have any pre-existing medical conditions, are pregnant, breastfeeding, bipolar, taking thyroid hormones or meds to suppress immune system. Make sure to integrate them gently in low doses, listen to your body, be aware of its response, and if it doesn’t feel right, take a break.
Effects may vary per person, and are dependent on other lifestyle factors, so remember nothing is a cure all, treat your body well with quality food, sleep and hydration.
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