Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been used for hundreds of years to help regulate hormones. TCM theory is centered on the kidneys and the use of Qi energy, which runs through different meridians in the body connecting all of our major organs. When Qi energy is out of balance, hormones can become imbalanced and cause symptoms, such as hot flashes, cramps, fatigue, emotional changes, thyroid problems and aging. Chinese herbs are employed for their effect on the organs of the body, as well as the glands in the brain that affect the function of the body, as well as symptoms.
PMS and Menopause
The hypothalamus gland, adrenal gland, pituitary gland and the gonadal glands are responsible for regulating the hormones that control emotions, energy storage and menstruation in women. Often, an endocrine disorder that puts these glands out of balance with the rest of the body can cause other serious medical problems, such as endometriosis, breast cancer and hypothyroidism. Chinese herbs that can help to regulate the hormone fluctuations and the body's natural responses in these glands include cassia bark, ginseng leaf and kudzu root.
Cassia bark (cinnamon bark) is known for helping those with emotional lows, sighted by excessive crying, irritability and general moodiness by lifting their mood with the essential oil, and increasing levels of endorphins. The aroma of the oil can be inhaled, or the oil rubbed into the heels of the feet.
Ginseng leaf increases the level of estrogen in women, stabilizing the symptoms of PMS and menopause. Increased levels of estrogen help with menstrual symptoms, such as cramps, fatigue and bloating.
Kudzu root has also been shown to increase the levels of estrogen and regulate mood swings in women.
Thyroid Problems
For years, Chinese herbs have been used to cure or relieve symptoms of thyroid disorders. There have been several studies done on the effects of TCM and hypothyroidism conducted by sources, such as Qu Zhijin and Zhou Liang, Zhang Suzhi, Fu Qingchen, and Hu Daihuai, Xia Duhung and Luo Jijie. Herbs that help with thyroid conditions include licorice root, lyceum fruit, citrus, and salvia.
Emotions
Chinese herbs used for depression increase the levels of serotonin, the hormone responsible for emotional responses in the brain. Higher levels of serotonin result in a good mood, whereas lower levels can result in depression. Common herbs used for this purpose are morinda root and white mustard seed.
Hormones and Aging
As people age, the amounts of hormones in the adrenal, pituitary and hypothalamic glands all decrease, causing fatigue, sagging skin, and poorer functioning circulatory and immune systems. Chinese herbs, such as ginseng, are used to increase the levels of hormones that provide the body with energy, improve the circulatory system, and improve the immune system, thus encouraging the body to stay as functional as possible, without the negative affects of aging. Examples of hormones that are increased when using anti-aging formulas are estrogen, testosterone and serotonin.
Hormones and Cancer
Scientific studies have shown that breast cancer is linked to high levels of estrogen in the body, whether the level is natural, comes from natural sources, or is achieved by artificial sources, such as hormone replacement therapy. In TCM, herbs are used to help regulate hormones in order to lessen the risk of breast cancer by decreasing the amount of estrogen in the body. Immune boosting herbs like reishi mushroom, herbs for preventing the alteration of breast cells like lycii fruit, and blugweed that contain anti-cancer properties, can be used to help regulate hormone levels in the place of hormone replacement therapy.
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