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Hormones & Herbs
By Steven Horne and Nature's Field
Note from Four Winds Nutrition:
Dong Quai. Dong Quai contains a very remarkable type of phyto-estrogen (vegetable source estrogen). It can act as estrogen for women if needed. If, on the other hand, estrogen levels are too high in the body, this phytoestrogen competes with the body's estrogen for activity sites and lowers the body's estrogen levels to normal.
In the words of Dr. Bob Arnot, M.D.:
"Imagine a super estrogen that is hundreds of times more powerful that the most potent natural estrogen. It fits precisely into the estrogen receptor, just like natural estrogens. Then imagine that it is included in many of the foods you eat, every day at every meal. This is the nightmare scenario of the chemical estrogen theory of breast cancer: chemicals in the environment that act just like an estrogen when they attach to the estrogen receptor on breast cells but provide a signal that is many times more powerful."
Check your knowledge
Check your answers with the information below. Don't feel bad if you got
some answers wrong, two years ago, before I started studying this subject
in more depth, I would have answered many of these questions incorrectly
myself.
1. Glandular herbs contain natural hormones.
False. Hormones are chemicals produced
in the bodies of animals to regulate animal metabolism. Plants produce
their own set of chemicals to regulate their plant metabolism, but they
2. The term estrogen does not refer to a specific hormone, but
rather to any chemical which induces ovulation and the urge to
mate in female mammals.
True. Believe it or not ladies, there
is no chemical in your bodies called estrogen. You actually have three
estrogens in your bodies: esterase, estrone, estradiol. The term estrogen
refers to anything which will put a mammal into heat. In addition to
the estrogens our bodies produce, there are also phytoestrogens (chemicals
in plants which mimic estrogen) and xenoestrogens (environmental pollutants
which mimic estrogen). This is an important concept to understand, because
when we are talking about plant estrogens, we are not talking about plant
hormones. We are talking about chemicals in plants which imitate the effects
of hormones.
3. Wild yam contains natural progesterone.
False. We have already established the
fact that plants do not contain hormones, so wild yam cannot contain progesterone.
4. The sterols in plants such as wild yam and sarsaparilla are
precursors of (i.e., can be converted into) human hormones in our
bodies.
False. When people learn that wild
yam does not contain progesterone, they think it must contain precursors
to progesterone. Unfortunately, that is not true either. Wild yam, and
many other herbs, contain sterols which some herbalists believe are precursors
of hormones, but there is no known metabolic pathway for converting these
substances into hormones in our bodies. These substances are precursors
to the chemical synthesis of hormones in a laboratory, which is probably
where the myth arose. But the chemical manufacturer of synthetic hormones
is different from the body's method of making them.
5. Excess hormones are a toxin which must be broken down by
the liver.
True. Because the liver must detoxify
excess hormones, liver weakness is often a factor in what appear to be
glandular imbalances. So, even though it is not technically a part of
the glandular system, liver function should be considered as a possible
factor in hormonal imbalances.
6. Research suggests that phytoestrogens may help protect the
body against certain types of cancer, but the effect is very weak.
True. As we indicated previously,
phytoestrogens are chemicals in plants which mimic estrogen. However,
the estrogen-like effect of these chemicals in plants is very weak in
comparison to the body's hormones. The growth of breast and prostate cancers
is usually stimulated by estrogen. The phytoestrogens, however, don't
stimulate the growth of these cancers much because their effect is so
weak. When foods containing these phyto-estrogens are consumed in large
quantities, it is believed that they tie up estrogen receptor sites and
prevent stronger estrogens (those produced by the body or chemical estrogens
like pesticide residues) from binding to the same sites. Foods which contain
phytoestrogens include green leafy vegetables, whole grains and soybeans.
However, don't expect these foods to be of much help if you swallow a
few grams of them in a capsule. You have to eat them as a regular part
of your diet for them to be of any use. Additional research suggests that
consuming these foods as a regular part of your diet also helps you avoid
some of the symptoms of menopause by providing a natural estrogenic effect.
What are hormones?
Hormones are chemical substances created by the body that control numerous body functions. They actually act as "messengers" to coordinate functions of various body parts. Most hormones are proteins consisting of amino acid chains. Some hormones are steroids, fatty cholesterol-produced substances. Functions controlled by hormones include:
hypothalamus
- activities of entire organs
- growth and development
- reproduction
- sexual characteristics
- usage and storage of energy
- levels of fluid, salt and sugar in the blood
thyroid and parathyroids
adrenal gland
The pair of adrenal glands are located on top of both kidneys. Adrenal glands work hand-in-hand with the hypothalamus and pituitary gland.
kidney
The pair of kidneys are located near the middle of the back, just below the rib cage. The kidneys process the blood to sift out waste products and extra water. This waste and extra water becomes urine, which is stored in the bladder.
pancreas
The pancreas is located across the back of the abdomen, behind the stomach. The pancreas plays a role in digestion, as well as hormone production.
ovary
A woman's ovaries are located on both sides of the uterus, below the opening of the fallopian tubes (tubes that extend from the uterus to the ovaries). In addition to containing the egg cells necessary for reproduction, the ovaries also produce estrogen and progesterone.
testis
A man's testes are located in a pouch that hangs suspended outside the male body. The testes produce testosterone and sperm.
It is used topically as a soothing emollient to soften hardened tissue.
The so-called wild yam creams, are actually progesterone creams. They
contain a small amount of natural progesterone in a wild yam cream base.
The hormonal effects come from the progesterone in the cream, not from
the wild yam. Many companies don't put the fact that the cream contains
progesterone on the label. Some creams contain no progesterone (see Resolve Wild Yam Emollient.)
None of the above means that wild yam has no hormonal effects, period.
It merely means that there is a lack of data to support that conclusion.
If wild yam does have a hormonal effect it is more likely it affects the
adrenals and the anti-inflammatory hormones they produce. Which brings
us to the final issue about the hormonal effects of wild yam.
What about its use as a birth control agent? Some herbalists discount
this, but I have had many positive reports from people about wild yams
ability to prevent conception, so I tend to believe that it can. However,
its birth control effect is not necessarily hormonal. If it is acting
as a natural progesterone, then theoretically it would shut down the menstrual
cycle like birth control pills and would probably have the same side effects.
So, how does it work?
When I was working for NSP years ago, the company was considering introducing
wild yam because managers wanted to have it available to use for birth
control. The debate at the company centered around the fact that the research
and development people were not sure how it worked. I was told it was possible
that it caused the uterine lining to become slippery so that a fertilized
egg would be unable to implant in the womb. Because wild yam is an emollient,
I tend to believe that this is how it works. It fits with the description
of how the plant is used. It must be taken regularly for two months before
it becomes effective and if you miss a day you have to start over. This
sounds to me like a mechanical action rather than a biochemical one. Wild
carrot seed, another natural contraceptive, works by this same mechanism.
9. Melatonin is a natural substance derived from plants. It
has been thoroughly researched and proven to be safe and effective.
False. First of all, melatonin is a hormone, so it cannot be derived from a plant. Secondly, it
has been researched pretty thoroughly for short term use for occasional insomnia. However, its claims as an
anti-aging wonder drug for daily use are subject to suspicion.
10. Odors and thoughts have a powerful influence on hormone
production via the hypothalamus.
True. The hypothalamus is a stalk
of the brain upon which the pituitary sits. The cells which have nerve
endings to detect odors are connected to the hypothalamus. As a result,
smells cause immediate changes in our moods by altering hormonal output
in the pituitary. This is an exciting new area of research which suggests
we can use volatile oils to correct hormonal imbalances. Some of the interesting
tidbits I have gathered include the fact that the smell of sweat helps to
regulate the female menstrual cycle. This was discovered after it was
determined that women who had regular physical intimacy with a man or
who lived in close proximity to other women (as in a dorm) had more regular
menstrual cycles than women who lived alone. Another piece of research
I saw on PBS indicated that the smell of cinnamon buns increased testosterone
levels in men, adding to the old maxim the way to a man's heart is through
his stomach.
11. Any plant containing phytoestrogens should be avoided during
pregnancy.
False. As we pointed out earlier,
some of the best sources of phytoestrogens include whole grains, green
leafy vegetables and soybeans, all of which are excellent foods to be
used during pregnancy. Unless an herb has been observed in its traditional
use to induce abortion or damage the fetus we should not be afraid to use
it during pregnancy.
12. DHEA has no known side effects.
False. DHEA does have side effects.
It can cause breast swelling and tenderness in women, acne and mood swings.
Basically, taking too much DHEA can bring back all the problems you experienced
in puberty.
Personally, I am glad DHEA levels tend to decline with age. I don't want
to be a teenager again. I believe that you should not take DHEA unless
a lab test shows you are actually low in DHEA and you should try to figure
out why your levels are low and correct the underlying imbalances rather
than just relying on the hormone.
13. Natural progesterone is synthesized from wild yam or yucca.
True. Wild
yam and yucca both contain
sterols which can be used as the basic building blocks for synthesizing
progesterone. I have also been told they are synthesizing it from
a chemical in corn. The question is tricky because people wonder,
how can natural progesterone be synthesized?
After all, something which has been synthesized is synthetic, not natural,
isnt it? Well, thats the way us common people think, but its not the
way a natural products chemist thinks. To us lay folk, the word natural
means it comes from nature. To the product chemist, however, it means
that the substance duplicates what is found in nature.
The progesterone being used in the wild yam creams is not from nature,
it is a synthesized version of the natural progesterone found in our bodies.
A distinction needs to be made because most hormone-replacement drugs
are not duplications of the natural hormones in our bodies. They are isomers
of the natural hormones.
To understand the concept of an isomer, we need to understand how our
steroidal-based hormones (such as testosterone, estrogens, etc.) work.
A hormone molecule has a three dimensional shape. Inside our cells are
molecules called hormone receptors. The hormone is like a key and the
hormone receptor is like a lock. The hormone shape fits into the shape
of the hormone receptor and joins with it to create a new molecule which
moves into the nucleus of the cell to trigger certain chemical reactions.
Because these hormonal effects are triggered by molecular shapes, not
by chemical composition, other substances with a similar shape can attach
to a hormone receptor and trigger it. This is why chemicals in plants
(which are not hormones) and environmental pollutants (like pesticides)
can act as estrogens. Even though their chemical structure is different,
their molecular shape is similar enough to trigger a hormonal reaction.
The reason why drug companies don't manufacture duplicates of the natural
hormones in our bodies is because they cannot be patented. Since they did not
create it, they cannot own it. Anyone who can synthesize or extract a natural
substance can sell it. So, what drug companies do is create isomers of
the hormones. Isomers are molecules which have been slightly altered from
the original, but still possess some ability to bond to the hormone receptor
sites and stimulate them. Because they create molecules which do not exist
in nature they can patent them and have exclusive rights to market them.
The doctor who started the craze with natural progesterone creams felt
that the natural form of the hormone was less harmful and more beneficial
than the isomers. There may be some merit to this argument, but it sure
causes confusion in the public mind. Anyway, I hope its clear to you,
now.
As a side-light, there are natural forms of most hormones available in
the marketplace. Hence, if you must be on some type of hormone replacement
therapy, you might want to ask your doctor to prescribe the natural hormone
instead of the isomers.
14. Kelp and other seaweeds help to reduce overactive thyroid
function.
False. Many people believe
that seaweeds like kelp will help to balance out an overactive
thyroid as well as an underactive thyroid. This is simply not
true. If you run into someone with an overactive thyroid (also
known as Graves disease) do not use Thyroid
Activator (KC-X), TS II, kelp,
dulse or other iodine supplements with them.
Support the adrenals with licorice root and adaptagens. Use nervines
to help reduce stress (hops or catnip might be a good choice). Bugleweed helps to reduce an overactive thyroid function and is
a specific for this problem. Motherwort also helps calm an overactive
thyroid and sedates the heart (which tends to race when the
thyroid is overactive).
Raw cruciferous vegetables (cabbage, broccoli, etc.) also tend to inhibit
thyroid function.
15. The precursor to steroidal hormones is cholesterol.
True. If you want a hormone precursor
for DHEA, estrogen, testosterone, etc. then eat a steak or pat of butter.
Cholesterol is not all bad, we need it for many body functions, including
the health of our adrenal and reproductive glands.
16. Frequent use of caffeine bearing plants (guranna, coffee,
kola nuts, etc.) and stimulants like Chinese ephedra can deplete
the bodys energies by overtaxing the adrenals.
True. Caffeine is an adrenal stimulant
and ephedrine (the alkaloid in ephedra) mimics adrenaline. Hence, frequent
use of these plants has a similar effect on the body as constant stress.
These plants increase the heart rate, tense the muscles, inhibit digestion
and ultimately drain the bodys energy reserves. This leads to a condition
I like to call burn-out.
Burn-out is very common in our society and is characterized by fatigue,
restless or poor sleep patterns, confusion, loss of short term memory
(absent-mindedness), emotional sensitivity and a general drained feeling.
Licorice root and Nervous
Fatigue Formula are my favorite remedies for aiding
burn-out.
17. Circle all of the plants which contain phytoestrogens:
The following plants contain phytoestrogens:
Hops, black cohosh, red clover, soybeans, licorice, green tea and coffee
beans.
The rest, including red raspberry, dong quai and chaste tree do not.
Hops are one of the most estrogenic herbs on this list.
Hops have been
traditionally used to increase
sexual drive in woman and decrease it in men. Says something interesting
about drinking beer doesn't it?
It is likely that the phytoestrogens in alfalfa, red clover and soybeans
have a protective effect against cancer.
Red raspberry tones the uterus muscle, but is not hormonal.
Dong quai is a blood nourishing tonic in Chinese medicine. It helps anemia,
pelvic congestion, loss of blood and estrogen utilization, but is not directly
estrogenic.
Chaste tree helps regulate the cycle by regulating the pituitary and hypothalamus,
but does not have a direct estrogenic effect.
18. Circle the hormones which are manufactured in the adrenal
glands.
All of these hormones are produced by the adrenals. Before puberty, the
adrenals take the major role in producing sex hormones. After menopause,
the adrenals again become the major suppliers of female hormones. Hence,
much of the discomfort associated with menopause in women may
be due to adrenal fatigue (see Ardenal Support).
19. Circle the plants which have oxytocic effects.
Blue cohosh and scotch broom both mimic the hormone oxytocin, which is
produced by the pituitary to stimulate uterine contractions during labor
and delivery.
While alfalfa feeds the pituitary, it does not stimulate
uterine contractions.
Black cohosh relaxes muscle spasms rather than causing the uterus to contract.
This information is for educational purposes only. Consult with a qualified
health practictioner for all serious or persistant illness.
Copyright 2000 by Robinson & Horne, L.C., P.O. Box 1028, Roosevelt,
UT 84066.
This material may be duplicated for educational purposes only (not for
resale)
Distributed by: Four Winds Nutrition
The queen of female herbs - "Female ginseng" Angelica, sinensis.
Dong quai root is an aromatic that has been used for 20 centuries in many Chinese herbal formulas.
It has a reputation for stimulating female reproductive organs and for being a general nerve and organ tonic.
It is considered the "female ginseng" although both are useful to women.
Men sometimes use dong quai for kidney problems and related symptoms including eczema.
It is used in hemorrhages of all kinds.
Dong quai helps to regulate monthly periods (also relieving menopausal hot flashes and cramps) as well as a mother's recovery after childbirth.
It is also used for pernicious anemia because it is high in iron and cobalt (a critical component of vitamin B12).
It is usually used for the 7-10 days of each month when it is needed, rather than continuously.
Avoid using during early pregnancy or abdominal inflammation
Comments from Mr. Steven Horne, RH (AHG)
Dong Quai also known as tang or dang qui, is the queen of tonics, and may be the most extensively used herb in the world. Around half a billion Women in China alone take this herb daily.
Dong quai is a blood tonic, which means it is nourishing to the blood and tissues. During their child-bearing years, women lose blood each month and dong quai helps them replenish this loss. It is high in iron and helps improve blood flow, especially to the digestive organs and female reproductive system.
Studies have validated its traditional uses in treating PMS symptoms, including breast tenderness, constipation and dizziness.
It also excels in regulating the period, treating amenorrhea and cramps, but can also be helpful as a tonic for women during and after menopause.
Dose is 2 capsules 2-3 times daily.
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