Let’s talk hormones—specifically, estrogen. It’s one of those things you don’t think about until something starts feeling off. Maybe it’s that sudden mood swing that caught you off guard, the bloating that just won’t quit, or periods that feel more like plot twists than cycles. Estrogen, like a temperamental artist, needs balance. Too much or too little? Everything goes a bit sideways.
Now, before we dive into a cabinet full of prescription bottles, it’s worth exploring the botanical route. You see, herbs and medicinal mushrooms have been quietly doing their thing for centuries—balancing, modulating, nudging the body back into harmony without making a big scene. They’re the unsung heroes of hormone health.
So, whether you’re dealing with PMS, perimenopause, PCOS, or just trying to give your endocrine system a little love, here are 12 herbs (and a couple fungi) that naturally support healthy estrogen levels—without the drama.
Medicinal Herbs for Estrogen Levels
Estrogen-Regulating Herbs & Their Unique Roles
| Herb/Mushroom | Primary Action | Best For | Form Used | Caution/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maca | Adaptogen, supports hormonal balance | Low energy, irregular cycles | Powder, capsule | Can overstimulate in high doses |
| Chasteberry | Boosts progesterone, modulates estrogen | PMS, acne, luteal phase issues | Tincture, capsule | Slow-acting; not for pregnant women |
| Red Clover | Contains phytoestrogens | Menopause, low estrogen symptoms | Tea, extract | Avoid with estrogen-sensitive cancer |
| Dong Quai | Improves circulation, balances cycle | Cramps, irregular periods | Tincture, capsule | Avoid if bleeding risk is high |
| Black Cohosh | Estrogen receptor modulator | Menopause symptoms | Capsule, extract | Not for long-term use |
| Ashwagandha | Lowers cortisol, balances hormones | Stress-related hormone imbalance | Powder, capsule | Can be sedating |
| Reishi Mushroom | Supports liver detox, immune modulator | Estrogen dominance, stress | Tea, capsule, powder | Bitter; avoid if allergic to fungi |
| Licorice Root | Phytoestrogen & adrenal support | Low estrogen, adrenal fatigue | Tea, tincture | May raise blood pressure |
| Schisandra Berry | Liver protector, yin support | Liver stagnation, fatigue | Tea, tincture | Energizing, not for nighttime use |
| Evening Primrose Oil | Anti-inflammatory, balances hormones | PMS, breast tenderness | Softgel oil capsules | Works best long-term |
| Peony Root | Hormone modulator | PCOS, high androgens | Capsule, decoction | Often paired with licorice |
| Turmeric | Anti-inflammatory, detox support | Estrogen metabolism | Powder, capsule | Add black pepper for absorption |
1. Maca Root (Lepidium meyenii)
Maca is like that reliable friend who doesn’t overpromise but always shows up. Native to the high Andes of Peru, this root has been used for centuries to support hormonal balance, especially in women.
While maca doesn’t contain estrogen, it seems to influence the hypothalamus and pituitary glands—your body’s hormone command center. That’s where it gets interesting. It’s an adaptogen, meaning it helps the body adapt to stress and re-regulate systems that have gone a little haywire.
Some women swear by maca for easing hot flashes, low libido, and irregular cycles. It tastes earthy—okay, kinda like dirt—but mixed in a smoothie, it’s totally doable.
2. Chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus)
Ah, Vitex. It has this almost mythological reputation in women’s herbalism. Sometimes called “the woman’s herb,” it works indirectly to balance estrogen by supporting progesterone levels. And when estrogen and progesterone are out of sync, things get chaotic.
Chasteberry talks to the pituitary gland, encouraging it to produce luteinizing hormone (LH), which in turn stimulates progesterone production. That domino effect helps modulate estrogen levels naturally.
It’s not a quick fix—this is a slow build kind of herb. But given a few cycles, it often works wonders for PMS, luteal phase issues, and even hormonal acne.
3. Red Clover (Trifolium pratense)
Red clover looks delicate with its fluffy pink blooms, but don’t let that fool you. It’s loaded with plant estrogens (phytoestrogens), particularly isoflavones like genistein and daidzein. These compounds mimic estrogen in the body, but more gently—think whisper rather than shout.
This makes red clover especially useful for women dealing with low estrogen symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, or vaginal dryness. It may not be ideal if your estrogen is already high, though—important to remember.
Drink it as a tea. It has this mildly sweet, grassy flavor that feels oddly comforting.
4. Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis)
Traditional Chinese medicine has long revered dong quai as the “female ginseng.” It’s not just about estrogen—it’s about flow. Dong quai improves blood circulation and helps harmonize the menstrual cycle, often easing cramps and irregularity in the process.
It’s believed to have phytoestrogenic properties, making it a helpful ally for low estrogen states. Just don’t use it if you’re pregnant or have a bleeding disorder. This one’s potent.
And the smell? Honestly, like old celery mixed with licorice. But it works.
5. Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa)
If estrogen were a character in a novel, Black Cohosh would be the wise elder offering sage advice. Used by Native Americans and later by European settlers, it’s best known for relieving menopause-related symptoms—hot flashes, mood swings, even sleep disturbances.
How it works is still up for debate. Some say it binds to estrogen receptors; others argue it works through serotonin pathways. Either way, the results are compelling.
And a quick heads-up: this isn’t one to take indefinitely. Use it in cycles and always consult someone who knows herbs inside and out.
6. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
Okay, I know—ashwagandha is usually billed as a stress herb. And it is. But here’s the thing: stress wrecks your hormones. It raises cortisol, which suppresses estrogen and progesterone. So by lowering stress, ashwagandha helps indirectly balance estrogen levels.
It’s also an adaptogen, and adaptogens are like your body’s life coaches. They don’t give you hormones; they help your body do what it’s supposed to do in the first place.
Bonus: ashwagandha helps with sleep and libido, too. Triple win.
7. Reishi Mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum)
Reishi is the calm in the hormonal storm. This medicinal mushroom doesn’t mess around—it’s deeply grounding, and it works on the liver, where excess estrogen is broken down and excreted.
If your body isn’t clearing out estrogen efficiently, things build up. Hello, estrogen dominance. Reishi helps modulate that process while also supporting immune function and reducing inflammation. Think of it as both housekeeper and therapist.
The taste? Earthy and bitter—definitely better in capsule or powder form.
8. Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
Sweet, yet powerful. Licorice root has a dual action: it acts as a phytoestrogen and it supports the adrenals. That’s a pretty rare combo.
If your estrogen is too low, licorice can help mimic its effects. If it’s too high, it may help regulate the body’s feedback loop through the HPA axis (that brain-adrenal connection).
It’s not for long-term use, though—too much can raise blood pressure. A little goes a long way.
9. Schisandra Berry (Schisandra chinensis)
This one’s a bit of a hidden gem. Tart, sour, salty, bitter, and sweet—schisandra hits all five taste notes. And it works just as widely in the body.
In traditional Chinese medicine, it’s known for balancing yin (which is estrogen-like) and protecting the liver. Again, we’re back to liver function—because that’s where estrogen gets processed and detoxified.
Add it to tea blends or take it as a tincture. It gives you this weirdly energizing clarity.
10. Evening Primrose Oil (Oenothera biennis)
Technically not an herb, but the oil from its seeds deserves a spot on this list. Evening primrose oil is rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a fatty acid that helps reduce inflammation and supports hormonal balance.
While it doesn’t directly raise estrogen, it helps ease symptoms like breast tenderness, mood swings, and bloating—especially in PMS and perimenopause. It’s one of those things you notice most after taking it consistently.
11. Peony Root (Paeonia lactiflora)
White peony root is another staple in Chinese medicine, often used alongside licorice. It’s particularly helpful for PCOS and other conditions involving excess androgens.
By supporting estrogen and progesterone production and lowering testosterone, peony helps smooth out the hormonal terrain. It’s gentle, but don’t underestimate its effect over time.
12. Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
You didn’t think we’d forget turmeric, did you? This golden root is a superstar for reducing inflammation and supporting liver detox. Again, anything that helps your liver function better helps regulate estrogen.
Curcumin, turmeric’s active compound, has been shown to modulate estrogen receptors and support hormonal harmony. Sprinkle it in food or take it as a supplement—just add black pepper for absorption.
Conclusion: Finding Your Hormonal Rhythm—Naturally
When it comes to estrogen and hormonal balance, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Our bodies are beautifully complex, and what works wonders for one person might barely move the needle for another. That’s why herbal support is so powerful—it meets you where you are.
Whether you’re trying to tame PMS, navigate the rollercoaster of perimenopause, or simply feel more at home in your body, these 12 herbs and mushrooms offer gentle yet potent ways to realign your hormonal rhythm. They don’t force—they nudge. They support your body’s natural intelligence rather than override it.
Start slowly. Listen to your body. Maybe it’s a morning maca smoothie or a soothing cup of red clover tea before bed. Over time, these plant allies can help restore balance—not just in your estrogen levels, but in your energy, mood, cycles, and sense of ease.
Because at the end of the day, hormone health isn’t just about fixing symptoms—it’s about feeling like yourself again.
Article Sources
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