Ingredients for Radiant Feminine Balance

The next few months see the spotlight being shone directly on women’s health in global consciousness. July is Fibroid Awareness Month, August is Women’s Month, and September is Menopause and PCOS Awareness Month.

This is fitting, as women around the world face a multitude of devastating health challenges, ranging from common issues like PMS and menopause to more complex conditions like fibroids, endometriosis, and PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder). 

Every day, women experience everything from heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, and fatigue to mood disturbances and more. 

The time is ripe for us to speak up about what we are going through, and to support our sisters experiencing the same. 

The first step towards healing the universal feminine wound is awareness. Women need to know that - while medical professionals and interventions are required in more serious cases - there are a multitude of ways in which we can support our own hormonal health every day. 

One of the steps I have found to be the most helpful on my own journey back to balance has been the addition of supportive ingredients to my daily health regime. 

Here are a few of my favourites…

Dong Quai

Often referred to as ‘female ginseng’, this traditional Chinese herbal remedy is renowned for its benefits in women's health. It has been used for centuries to address various gynecological issues, including menstrual irregularities, menopausal symptoms, and PMS. 

Dong quai is believed to help balance estrogen levels, alleviate cramps, and improve blood flow, making it a popular choice for managing menstrual pain and enhancing overall reproductive health. 

It also contains phytoestrogens, which can mimic the body's natural estrogen and potentially ease menopausal symptoms like hot flashes. 

Black Cohosh

A perennial plant native to North America, black cohosh has long been used as a natural remedy for women's health issues, particularly those related to menopause. 

This herbal supplement is commonly employed to alleviate menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and vaginal dryness. 

The active compounds in black cohosh, including triterpene glycosides, are thought to have estrogen-like effects that help balance hormone levels, thereby reducing the severity of these symptoms. 

Additionally, black cohosh may also support menstrual health by alleviating PMS symptoms and menstrual cramps. 

Chasteberry

A fruit of the chaste tree, chasteberry has been valued for centuries in herbal medicine for its beneficial effects on women's health, particularly in regulating hormonal balance. 

It is widely used to alleviate symptoms of PMS, such as breast tenderness, irritability, and mood swings, by influencing the pituitary gland to reduce prolactin levels, thereby balancing other hormones like progesterone and estrogen. 

Chasteberry is also known to support menstrual regularity and has been used to manage conditions like amenorrhea (absence of menstruation) and menorrhagia (heavy menstrual bleeding). 

It can also be helpful during the transition into menopause, easing symptoms such as hot flashes and hormonal fluctuations. 

Ashwagandha

A prominent herb in Ayurvedic medicine, ashwagandha offers numerous benefits for women's health, particularly in managing stress and hormonal balance. 

Known for its adaptogenic properties, ashwagandha helps the body to cope with stress by regulating cortisol levels, which can positively affect mood, energy levels, and overall well-being.

This herb is also used to support thyroid function and may aid in alleviating symptoms of hypothyroidism, which disproportionately affects women. 

Ashwagandha may also help to enhance reproductive health by improving conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) through its potential to balance hormones and reduce inflammation. It may also promote better sleep, boost libido, and enhance cognitive function, contributing to a holistic approach to women's health. 

Maca

A vegetable native to the Andes of Peru, maca is celebrated for its significant benefits to women's health, particularly in enhancing fertility, hormonal balance, and energy levels.

Rich in essential nutrients, it is often used to alleviate symptoms associated with menopause, such as hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep disturbances, by supporting the endocrine system and promoting hormonal equilibrium. It is also popular among women seeking to improve their reproductive health and libido, with studies suggesting that maca can enhance sexual desire and fertility by balancing estrogen and progesterone levels. 

What’s more, maca is known for its adaptogenic properties, helping to reduce stress and increase stamina and vitality, which are crucial for overall well-being. 

Raspberry Leaf

Derived from the red raspberry plant, this traditional herbal remedy is highly regarded for its benefits to women's health, particularly in reproductive health and pregnancy.

Rich in vitamins and minerals such as vitamins A, C, E, and B, as well as magnesium, potassium, and iron, raspberry leaf is often used to support menstrual health by reducing cramps and regulating menstrual cycles. It is also known for its uterine-toning properties, which can help strengthen the uterine muscles, making it a popular choice among women preparing for childbirth. 

Many midwives and herbalists recommend raspberry leaf tea during the third trimester to facilitate labour and potentially reduce complications. Additionally, it can help alleviate symptoms of PMS and menopause, promoting overall hormonal balance. 

Magnesium

Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in women's health, offering a wide range of benefits from menstrual health to mental well-being. 

It is particularly effective in alleviating symptoms of PMS such as mood swings, irritability, and bloating by regulating neurotransmitters and reducing inflammation. 

Magnesium also supports muscle relaxation and can help reduce menstrual cramps and migraines, which are common complaints among women. 

During menopause, magnesium aids in managing symptoms like insomnia, mood fluctuations, and bone density loss, thereby improving overall quality of life. 

Additionally, adequate magnesium levels are important for heart health, blood pressure regulation, and maintaining stable blood sugar levels, which are vital for long-term health. 

Zinc

Zinc is a vital trace mineral that significantly contributes to women's health by supporting various bodily functions and overall well-being.

For reproductive health, zinc is essential for hormone regulation, which can aid in managing menstrual cycles, reducing the severity of PMS symptoms, and supporting fertility.

During pregnancy, adequate zinc levels are important for the proper growth and development of the fetus, as well as for reducing the risk of preterm birth and complications.

Zinc also contributes to skin health, helping to treat acne and promote wound healing, and it supports cognitive function and mental health by influencing neurotransmitter activity and reducing the risk of depression and anxiety. 

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that plays a vital role in women's health by protecting cells from oxidative stress and supporting various bodily functions.

This fat-soluble vitamin is crucial for maintaining healthy skin and hair, promoting cell regeneration, and reducing signs of ageing. 

For reproductive health, vitamin E helps regulate menstrual cycles and alleviate symptoms of PMS such as breast tenderness and cramps by balancing hormones.

It is also beneficial during pregnancy, as it supports fetal development and reduces the risk of complications.

Vitamin E may also help to ease menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes and mood swings, by stabilizing hormone levels. 

B Vitamins

The B vitamin group, which includes B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine), B7 (biotin), B9 (folate), and B12 (cobalamin), plays a critical role in energy production, converting dietary nutrients into usable energy. 

These vitamins are particularly important for maintaining healthy skin, hair, and nails, and for supporting brain function and mental health by aiding in the synthesis of neurotransmitters and reducing the risk of depression and anxiety.

For reproductive health, B6 can help alleviate PMS symptoms and regulate hormonal balance, while folate (B9) is crucial during pregnancy for fetal development and preventing neural tube defects. B12 is essential for nerve health and the formation of red blood cells, preventing anemia and associated fatigue. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kerri-lee Taylor is the Founder and CEO of Kiko Vitals, leading providers of a 100% natural feminine supplement range that’s backed by science and offers real results.

As a certified Hormone Health Coach from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, she brings a deep understanding of the intricate relationship between lifestyle, nutrition, and hormonal balance to her products and brand.

One of her hero innovations - Kiko’s Hormone Balance formula - contains all her go-to ingredients for radiant feminine wellness.

Kerri-lee is also passionate about driving change at the intersection between women’s wellness and technological innovation. For more information, follow @kikovitals on Instagram or visit www.kikovitals.com.