Subject: Phytoestrogens- Oestrogenic Herbs

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Phytoestrogens- " Oestrogenic " Herbs

JoAnn Guest

Apr 27, 2006 15:51 PDT

 

 

Oestrogenic substances found in plants and foods are called

" Phytoestrogens " and there is a large amount of research going on

all over the world into their effects upon the hormonal disorders of

women.

 

Currently Sydney's St George Hospital is recruiting menopausal women

for clinical trials to study the effects of phytoestrogens on hot

flushes and bone loss.

 

It is fascinating that orthodox medicine is finally starting to

scrutinize and accept the ancient teachings of European naturopaths

and Chinese herbalists. It really shows us the circle of life with

modern day thinking returning to the beginning of ancient teachings.

I can only say hoorah!, as I have been using these modalities with

great success for 25 years.

 

So the buzz word is PHYTOESTROGENS and people are starting

to spread the word, however women are confused as they don't know

where to find them. Let's take a look at where you can find these

beneficial plant hormones.

 

 

The Herb Black Cohosh-

also known as Cimicifuga racemosa contains phytoestrogens. It has

tonic and antispasmodic actions which are helpful in the temporary

relief of muscular rheumatism and cramps. Black cohosh is a native

plant of North America and was used by the American Indians

to treat fatigue and female disorders. It has been used as a folk

remedy for anxiety, menstrual cramps and menopause.

 

 

Sarsaparilla root -( Smilax officinalis ) contains plant hormones

such as sterols and steroidal saponins. It has traditionally been

used as an aphrodisiac, probably because it is slightly

testosteronal.

 

Sage- ( Salvia officinalis ) contains oestrogenic substances. It can

be helpful for night sweats and excessive perspiration. It is

helpful for the temporary relief of indigestion.

 

Liquorice root- ( Glycyrrhiza glabra ) contains phytoestrogens and

has a balancing effect upon oestrogenic activity. It can also act as

a tonic for those with morning fatigue due to adrenal gland

exhaustion.

 

Wild Yam- Wild yam ( dioscorea ) contains the plant

hormone 'diosgenin' which is similar in structure to the adrenal

hormone DHEA and the ovarian hormone progesterone.

The plant hormone diosgenin has a balancing effect upon the body's

hormones similar to the effects of DHEA and progesterone.

 

Wild yam can help to overcome the negative effects of declining

levels of DHEA and progesterone that occur with ageing.

 

Natural plant hormones such as diosgenin are safer to take long term

than are synthetic or animal forms of hormones. Wild yam can help

those with fatigue, depression and loss of sex drive.

 

 

Bladderwrack or " kelp "

is a seaweed herb containing the mineral iodine and other trace

minerals. Iodine is required for the synthesis of thyroid

hormone from the thyroid gland. Thyroid hormones stimulate and

control the metabolism. Iodine can also reduce the pain caused by

fibrocystic inflammation in the breasts.

 

 

Horsetail herb ( Equisetum arvense )

is the best and most concentrated plant source of the mineral

silica. Silica is an important component of bones, nails, skin,

hair, ligaments and collagen and is needed for the physical

integrity of these structures. This is an essential herb for

those who find that their hair and nails are suffering during

menopause or postnatally.

 

 

Linseed, also known as flaxseed,

is a beneficial source of lignans. Lignans are oestrogenically

active compounds that can exert beneficial effects upon a dry and

fragile vaginal mucosa. Lignans, like many other plant steroids may

give some protection against cancers occurring in hormone sensitive

tissues such as the breasts and uterus.

 

Lignans may also be beneficial to the immune system.

 

Linseed while being free of cholesterol does contain valuable

essential fatty acids of the omega 3 variety and also linolenic

acid.

These essential fatty acids are beneficial for the cardiovascular

system and are essential for healthy skin, hair and mucous

membranes. Essential fatty acids ensure healthy cell membranes and

help to balance the prostaglandin " hormonal " system.

 

 

http://www.whas.com.au/oherbs.

 

 

 

JoAnn Guest

mrsjo-

www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/Diets