Drinking a soothing cup of herbal tea isn’t just a great way to relax; it’s also an effective way of supporting your hormones. So in this article we’re going to look at some of the best herbal teas for balancing women’s hormones and their benefits.

In addition, I’ll be sharing some blends (available in easy-to-use tea bags) that you can buy, as well as a DIY blend that you can use if you’d like to make your own tea from scratch.

Let’s dive in!

NOTE: This post contains affiliate links and I earn a commission (at no additional cost to you) if you use them to make a purchase.

13 HERBAL TEAS FOR FEMALE HORMONE BALANCE

1. Stinging Nettle Leaf

Nettle leaf (aka stinging nettle) is known for:

• regulating blood sugar
• supporting the liver
• fighting inflammation

In addition, some reports indicate that nettle leaf can lower DHT, a hormone that is strongly linked to female hair loss (source).

As a matter of fact, when it comes to hair loss, many women use nettle leaf not just internally, but also as a restorative hair rinse!

2. Vitex

Also known as chaste berry, vitex is a classic women’s herb that helps with (source):

• hot flashes
• acne
• irregular or missing periods
• fibroids
• endometriosis
• sleep disruption during menopause
• PMS
• regulating prolactin levels
• balancing estrogen to progesterone ratio
• boosting fertility
• improving luteal phase defect

So, how is it that vitex can achieve such amazing results?

Well, these berries act on the hypothalamus and the pituitary, which are the two most important glands in the endocrine system.

Basically, the hypothalamus is the master gland that regulates everything related to hormone production. It keeps an eye on how things are going in the body and then sends signals to the pituitary.

As for the pituitary, it takes action based on signals from the hypothalamus.

The pituitary secretes hormones that affect the thyroid, adrenals, ovaries and other hormone-producing centers in the body.

3. Chamomile

Chamomile tea is often thought of as a “sleep” tea.

And yes, good sleep is important for happy hormones.

But chamomile does a lot more than just help us catch some zzz’s!

Chamomile can also (1, 2):

• fight inflammation.

• regulate blood sugar (helpful for PCOS and weight loss).

• lower testosterone levels (also helpful for PCOS symptoms like acne, hirsutism and irregular periods).

• reduce stress.

• Soothe the gastro-intestinal tract.

4. Red Clover

There are two main benefits that come with using red clover for hormone balance.

• First, red clover has historically been used as a liver cleanser. And a healthy liver is essential for purifying the blood and eliminating compounds that interfere with hormone health.

• Second, red clover contains isoflavones, which are plant estrogens. These plant estrogens can be particularly beneficial if you are dealing with low estrogen symptoms.

Overall, red clover is beneficial for symptoms like hot flashes, PMS and breast tenderness (source).

5. Milk Thistle

The liver doesn’t just remove hormone disrupting toxins from the body. It also makes some hormones (this post on the liver and hormones talks more about this).

So, it goes without saying that having a healthy liver is a must for correcting hormonal imbalances.

And milk thistle is one of the best liver-friendly herbs you can use.

Aside from supporting the liver, milk thistle also (3, 4):

• lowers insulin resistance
• regulates blood sugar
• boosts immune function
• improves acne

6. Dandelion

Similar to milk thistle, dandelion is also a liver herb.

This means that dandelion is great for supporting detoxification.

In addition, dandelion contains vitamin K which helps with blood clotting and can reduce heavy menstrual flow (source).

7. Mint (Spearmint and Peppermint)

Both spearmint and peppermint tea provide important benefits for female hormones.

First, spearmint tea has been shown to lower androgen levels and hirsutism in women with PCOS.

In addition, spearmint tea is also anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory and high in disease-fighting antioxidants (source).

As for peppermint, it’s also anti-inflammatory (helpful for period pain), cools the body (very handy for hot flashes), energizing and supports healthy digestion (source).

8. Hibiscus

Even though I’ve written about using hibiscus tea for menopause, you can actually enjoy the benefits of this powerful red tea during any phase of life!

Hibiscus has been shown to (source):

• regulate blood sugar
• lower hot flashes
• support liver health
• relieve depression
• lower inflammation
• fight oxidative stress
• support weight loss

9. Ginger

Ginger is great for reducing systemic inflammation and supporting various aspects of menstrual health.

Ginger has been shown to help:

• reduce heavy menstrual bleeding
• induce ovulation
• improve irregular/missing periods
• regulate blood sugar
• relieve menstrual cramps
• boost immunity

For more details on ginger, read these posts on how to use ginger for PCOS and the benefits of ginger root for heavy periods

10. Red Raspberry Leaf

Red raspberry leaf is generally seen as a woman’s tea because it has a particular affinity for the reproductive organs.

Not only does red raspberry leaf tone and nourish the uterus, but it also:

• improves heavy periods
• cools the body
• supports a healthy menstrual cycle and fertility

11. Holy Basil (Tulsi)

Frequently used in Ayurvedic medicine, holy basil is classified as an adaptogen. This means that it supports the body’s stress response system, mainly by regulating cortisol levels.

In addition, research indicates that holy basil can be helpful for (source):

• supporting healthy blood glucose levels.
• easing anxiety and depression.
• supporting cognitive function.

Overall, holy basil is said to have properties that address chemical, physical, psychological and metabolic stress (which are all factors that affect hormone balance).

12. Cinnamon

According to two small studies done with PCOS patients, cinnamon may help to improve insulin resistance and support regular menstrual cycles (5, 6).

Furthermore, cinnamon has anti-inflammatory which could help to ease menstrual pain and other signs of inflammation.

In fact, some research shows that cinnamon (in supplement form) can help to ease (7, 8):

• period cramps.
• heavy flow.
• nausea.
• vomiting.

13. Oatstraw

Oatstraw is a very gentle herb that is classified as a nervine. This means that it supports and soothes the nervous system.

Because the nervous system takes on all the stress we experience – whether it’s chemical, physical or emotional stress – it can fall out of balance quite easily.

When this happens, the entire stress response system – which is made of the sympathetic nervous system and the HPA (hypothalamic adrenal) axis – is negatively affected.

If this state of being becomes chronic, then it can have a ripple effect on all hormones (since the hypothalamus controls what happens in the pituitary, thyroid, ovaries and other glands).

So, by drinking a nervine tea like oatstraw, you are nourishing and calming the nervous system. Over time, this may bring more balance to your stress response system and subsequently, your hormones too.

Aside from the above, other herbs that are often used to support female hormones include fennel, yarrow, dong quai, and lady’s mantle.

TOP TEA BLENDS TO BUY FOR HORMONAL IMBALANCE

One brand that does a good job of making herbal products for women – in convenient tea bags – is Pink Stork. In this section, I’m highlighting a few of their teas that you can choose from.

1. PMS Tea

With anti-inflammatory ingredients like chamomile, ginger and turmeric, plus go-to “women’s herbs” like vitex and red raspberry leaf, this blend has the essentials to help ease cramps, bloating and other symptoms that pop up during that time of the month.

2. Menopause Relief Tea

Some of the main herbs in this blend include peppermint, black cohosh and red raspberry leaf, as well as popular Chinese herbs like dong quai (aka “female ginseng”).

3. Detox Tea

With ingredients like dandelion, stinging nettle and milk thistle, this tea can help you support the liver on a daily basis and get rid of toxins.

HORMONE BALANCING TEA RECIPE FOR WOMEN

You can create your hormone-balancing tea at home with just three herbs:

• stinging nettle.
• red raspberry leaf.
• oatstraw.

All you need is 1 ounce total of herbs, some hot water and a mason jar.

What makes this tea particularly unique is that the herbs have to steep for at least 6 hours (or overnight).

By allowing the herbs to steep overnight, more nutrients are extracted into the water.

Go here to learn exactly how to make this hormone balancing tea recipe.

FAQs ABOUT TEA FOR BALANCING HORMONES

Does green tea balance female hormones?

Green tea is rich in antioxidants, such as EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) which has been studied for its ability to improve insulin sensitivity and regulate blood glucose levels. In addition, a study with PCOS patients indicated that green tea may help to reduce testosterone levels.

For a deeper dive on this topic, be sure to read this guide on how to use matcha green tea for hormone balance.

CONCLUSION

And there you have it! Thirteen herbal teas that you can use to balance female hormones, plus some convenient blends that you can buy.

I hope this article was helpful and that you now feel inspired to enjoy a cup (or two) of soothing tea!

Hey there! Curious about supplements for women’s hormones? Here are my top picks (in-depth reviews for each is available here):

• Hormone Harmony: Formulated for all around-hormone support, this supplement combines cortisol/stress lowering herbs (aka adaptogens), with herbs for nervous system support, insulin sensitivity and more. it’s no wonder it has 12,000+ (mostly glowing) reviews! Get $10 OFF with code HAPPYYOU076057.
• Live It Up (formerly Enso) Supergreens: after getting a free sample from the company, I was seriously impressed by this greens powder. I love it because it has lots of mineral-rich and nutrient-dense greens and nothing else. The minty flavor is 100% from mint, no synthetic flavors (or other additives). I also love that it has no adaptogens (which my body is not a fan of lately). Think of this as your green, multivitamin/multimineral.
• Moon Balance: this powder combines some of the best herbs for menstrual support, such as hibiscus, maca and shatavari. If your cycle is off balance and you struggle with things like PMS, period pain and other menstrual imbalances, this is one to check out.
• Maca Root Powder: in the single herb category, maca is worth paying attention to. It has traditionally been used in Peru for hormone support (in men and women). Research and anecdotal reports indicate that this root vegetable helps with libido, anxiety, hot flashes, menstrual health and more.

Related Posts:

6 Herbs That Balance Hormones (That You’re Probably Not Using)

The Benefits of Nettle for Hormones and The #1 Way To Use It

3-Ingredient Hormone Balancing Tea Recipe For Women

7 Drinks to Balance Hormones Naturally (+ Recipes)

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