Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) affects millions of women worldwide, causing hormonal imbalances, irregular menstrual cycles, weight gain, and fertility challenges.
While conventional treatments focus on medications, lifestyle changes, and surgery, many women are turning to herbal remedies for natural relief. But can herbs truly cure PCOS? Let’s explore the potential of herbal medicine and highlight the best Nigerian herbs for managing PCOS symptoms.
What is PCOS?
PCOS is a hormonal disorder that affects the ovaries, often leading to:
• Irregular or missed periods
• Excess androgen (male hormone) levels
• Polycystic ovaries (enlarged ovaries with small fluid-filled sacs)
• Insulin resistance.
Symptoms of PCOS
The major signs of PCOS are abnormal blood androgen levels and sugar levels, the presence of cysts in the ovaries and premenstrual syndrome. Obesity, depression, anxiety, eating disorders and chronic metabolic syndrome are also prevalent symptoms in PCOS patients.
Furthermore, it will cause an increase in blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which can lead to the development of heart disease and diabetes mellitus.
While the exact cause of PCOS is unknown, a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors plays a significant role.
Herbs can help address the underlying issues, including hormone regulation, insulin sensitivity, and inflammation.
Can Herbs Cure PCOS?
Herbal medicines are extracts of entire plants or any part of a plant that shows a major therapeutic effect, with fewer side effects when compared to conventional therapy.
Herbs cannot completely “cure” PCOS because it is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management. However, they can significantly alleviate symptoms, improve hormonal balance, and support overall reproductive health.
When combined with a healthy diet and lifestyle, herbs can be a powerful tool in your PCOS management plan.
Benefits of Using Herbs for PCOS
• Hormonal Balance: Regulates estrogen, progesterone, and androgen levels.
• Improved Insulin Sensitivity: Helps control blood sugar levels and prevent weight gain.
• Reduced Inflammation: Alleviates chronic inflammation linked to PCOS.
• Fewer Side Effects: Herbal remedies are generally safer and have fewer side effects compared to synthetic medications.
Herbs That Increase Ovulatory Cycles
Vitex and turmeric are two herbs that show a beneficial effect in PCOS by reducing cyst formation, dissolving cysts and improving ovulatory cycles.
The Vitex fruits contains phytochemicals which play a major role in suppressing the prolactin and increasing the ovulatory cycles.
Turmeric is commonly called Curcuma domestica Loir, Curcuma domestica vale, curcuma, yellow ginger, amomum curcuma Jacq, Indian saffron and yellow root.
Turmeric reduces the follicular sheath and improve the formation of the corpus luteum and the ovulation process.
Turmeric also suppresses the serum levels of progesterone and elevate the levels of estradiol in women with PCOS.
Furthermore, their estrogenic, antihyperlipidemic, antioxidant and hypoglycemic effects are useful in managing PCOS and preventing ovarian cell dysfunction and thereby improving ovulation and fertility.
Herbs with Anti-Androgen Properties
High blood levels of androgens are also the one of the major causes of PCOS.
Hence, drugs with anti-androgen activity are used in the treatment of PCOS.
Herbs including Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Linseed (Linum usitatissimum), Spearmint (Mentha spicata), Coconut oil (Cocus nucifera) and Pomegranate have anti-androgenic action and would be useful for the management of PCOS.
Liquorice contains phytoestrogens which acts as a potent anti-androgen and helps the body to maintain biosynthesis and the release of estrogen.
The flavonoids of Glycyrrhiza can help in the secretion of insulin, which reduces blood sugar levels and contributes positively to the treatment of PCOS.
liquorice has other health benefits such as cough suppression, antibacterial and antiviral activity and treatment for digestive issues, hepatitis and mouth ulcers.
Linseed regulates estrogen production in the body and promote fertility rate as well as the menstrual cycle. Similarly, they decrease androgen levels and considerably reduce elevated levels of testosterone in the blood.
Flaxseed also reduces symptoms associated with PCOS, such as hyperandrogenism and hirsutism.
Regular intake of flaxseed could significantly suppress the ovarian volume and follicle size in the ovaries and regulate the frequency of menstrual cycles.
It is also used in various disorders, such as neoplasms, diabetes mellitus, arrhythmia, obesity and clotting problems in blood vessels.
Spearmint improves ovarian cysts in PCOS. It has anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic and anti-cancer properties.
Spearmint reduces the free and total testosterone levels, as well as the degree of hirsutism.
It regulates the blood ratio of LH and FSH. Based on this regulation of LH/FSH in the blood, it could be useful for the treatment of PCOS.
Coconut oil regulates the blood levels of sex hormones such as FSH and LH and reduces blood glucose levels. It also suppresses the weight of the ovary and increases the uterus weight.
Pomegranate reduces the complications associated with PCOS and normalizes the blood levels of free testosterone, serum estrogen and androstenedione hormone.
Read also Do You Know You Can Use Herbs for Ovarian Cysts? No More Menstrual Crises: Amazing Herbs For Menstrual Wellness
Herbs That Restore Glucose Sensitivity, Estrus Cyclicity and Enzyme Activity
Reduced insulin sensitivity and high blood glucose levels are among the primary symptoms experienced by women with PCOS. Consequently, medications that enhance insulin sensitivity are part of the treatment for PCOS.
Herbs such as Cinnamomum (Cinnamomum cassia) and Aloe vera, which have the same mechanism, and can reduce blood glucose as well as regulate the estrus cycle.
Cinnamon is used as an adjunctive in the treatment of PCOS. it could regulate progesterone levels.
Incorporating cinnamon into your daily diet can significantly aid in regulating the menstrual cycle while also providing relief from symptoms associated with polycystic ovary syndrome. This versatile spice is rich in both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which contribute to its effectiveness in addressing these health concerns. By consistently consuming cinnamon, individuals may experience a more balanced hormonal environment, leading to improved menstrual health and overall well-being.
Aloe vera regulates blood lipid and glucose levels, and hence this activity is useful in treating PCOS due to metabolic disturbances
Herbs That Promote FSH and Decrease LH Secretions
In PCOS, a common complication is elevated levels of LH and decreased levels of FSH.
Hence, drugs that have the ability to elevate the levels of FSH and reduce the concentrations of LH are beneficial in the treatment of PCOS.
Herbs including Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Ginseng (Panax ginseng) and Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) Anisum or sweet cumin (Pimponella anisum), Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) have such actions; hence, they are useful for the treatment of PCOS.
Ginseng is often used as a natural estrogen replacement therapy, as well as because it can modify the estrus cycle and shows significant estrogenic effects, as suggested by the reversal of atrophy of the vagina and uterus.
Ginseng also helps with postmenopausal symptoms such as insomnia, anxiety, and depression.
Black cohosh suppresses cysts in the ovary, decrease the blood levels of LH and also improved pregnancy rates in patients who had ever used clomiphene during a menstrual cycle.
Anisum or sweet cumin helps to relieve oligomenorrhea and improve quality of life in women who are undergoing treatment for PCOS. It also helps in the regulation and improvement of menstrual cycles and LH/FSH secretion in women with PCOS and play an important role in relieving PCOS complications.
Anisum reduced the cyst size, as well as ovary volume, in women who received it daily as a supplement to their diet over a period of 90 days
Effective Ovulation Induction Agents.
As a result, drugs used to stimulate ovulation are included in PCOS treatment.
The most common complication of PCOS is infertility or frequent pregnancy termination due to the patient’s lack of carrying capacity.
Herbs such as Ginger (Zingiber officinalis) and Tribulus terrestris, promote ovulation, might be useful for the treatment of PCOS.
Ginger maintains the balance of estrogen and progesterone.
Tribulus terrestris significantly reduces the serum glucose level, serum triglyceride level and serum cholesterol in a study. Many compounds from Tribulus are effective ovarian stimulants and act as fertility tonics for women, making it a good choice for women with polycystic ovaries.
Precautions When Using Herbs for PCOS
• Consult a Professional: Always talk to a healthcare provider before starting any herbal treatment, especially if you’re on medications.
• Choose High-Quality Products: Opt for fresh, organic herbs from reputable sources.
• Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep track of how your body responds and adjust your regimen as needed.
Lifestyle Changes to Complement Herbal Remedies
• Adopt a Balanced Diet: Focus on whole foods, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
• Exercise Regularly: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days.
• Manage Stress: Incorporate mindfulness practices like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing.
• Sleep Well: Prioritize 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night.
Final Thoughts
While herbs cannot completely cure PCOS, they offer a natural and effective way to manage symptoms and improve your quality of life. By incorporating these Nigerian herbal remedies into a holistic care plan, you can take control of your health and reduce the impact of PCOS on your daily life. Remember, the journey to wellness is unique for everyone—listen to your body and find what works best for you.
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