Women’s Support Formula

My aim in crafting this lovely Women's Support Formula, was to meet my own personal needs and the needs of those in my community. Without going into too much personal information, I know (via symptoms and issues during my last pregnancy), that my body struggles on the progesterone side of things. I also know that the women in my family who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, all had estrogen-dominant forms of cancer.

This formula was birthed within this intention, to support my body with the plants provided by Creation for my benefit. And if any of this resonates with you and what you know to be true of your body, I am so pleased to share it with you.

Given that soy or soy byproducts (a phytoestrogen) is in nearly all processed foods, there a good chance that the issues our female bodies are plagued with, on a daily and monthly basis, are rooted in too much synthetic estrogen. But that's just my opinion; and more importantly, something for you to consider and determine if true within your own body.

GIFTS OF THE HERBS:

—Milk Thistle Seed (Silybum marianum)
• Role in Hormonal Support: Milk thistle is primarily a liver-supporting herb, which is key for hormone modulation. The liver processes excess hormones (like estrogen) and supports overall hormonal balance. By enhancing liver detoxification, milk thistle indirectly supports progesterone levels by preventing estrogen dominance.
• Active Constituents: Silymarin (antioxidant, hepatoprotective)
• Calming Effects: Although it’s not a direct nervine, supporting liver health can indirectly contribute to overall well-being and stress reduction.

—Dandelion Root (Taraxacum officinale)
• Role in Hormonal Support: Like milk thistle, dandelion root is a liver tonic and detoxifier. It helps eliminate excess hormones and reduces the likelihood of estrogen dominance, allowing for better progesterone balance.
• Active Constituents: Sesquiterpene lactones, flavonoids (support liver detox and reduce inflammation)
• Calming Effects: It mildly supports digestion, which can reduce stress on the body. Its diuretic action can also relieve bloating, reducing physical discomfort that can cause tension.

—Vitex Berries (Vitex agnus-castus)
• Role in Hormonal Support: Vitex (chaste tree berry) is the star herb for progesterone support. It helps modulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis, supporting progesterone production by enhancing the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. It also balances prolactin, which can reduce PMS symptoms.
• Active Constituents: Iridoid glycosides, flavonoids (support hormonal regulation)
• Calming Effects: While not directly sedative, Vitex can alleviate anxiety, mood swings, and irritability by balancing hormones, particularly during the menstrual cycle and in menopause.

—Wild Yam Root (Dioscorea villosa)
• Role in Hormonal Support: Current research findings have determined wild yam acts as a hormone modulator rather than an estrogen booster (as once considered), supporting smooth muscle relaxation and alleviating menstrual cramping. It’s an excellent complement to Vitex, as it supports general endocrine health without pushing estrogen levels up.
• Active Constituents: Diosgenin (anti-inflammatory, hormone modulating)
• Calming Effects: Its antispasmodic properties help relax uterine and digestive muscles, which can provide physical relief and reduce stress.

—Red Raspberry Leaf (Rubus idaeus)
• Role in Hormonal Support: Red raspberry leaf is a uterine tonic, which supports the tone and strength of the uterus. It helps with regulating menstrual cycles and easing menstrual discomfort, supporting progesterone balance by promoting healthy uterine function.
• Active Constituents: Flavonoids, tannins (uterine tonic, astringent)
• Calming Effects: It’s mildly astringent, which helps soothe tissues and promote overall vitality, contributing to a sense of well-being.

—Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca)
• Role in Hormonal Support: Motherwort is fantastic for emotional and physical support during hormonal fluctuations. It’s known for calming palpitations, easing anxiety, and providing emotional support, especially for women during menstruation, postpartum, or menopause.
• Active Constituents: Alkaloids, iridoid glycosides (nervine, calming)
• Calming Effects: Motherwort is a powerful nervine and heart tonic, calming both the mind and body. It eases stress, anxiety, and nervous tension, making it a wonderful herb for emotional well-being.

—Ashwagandha Root (Withania somnifera)
• Role in Hormonal Support: Ashwagandha is an adaptogen that supports the endocrine system and regulates cortisol levels. By calming the stress response, it indirectly supports balanced progesterone levels, as chronic stress and elevated cortisol can disrupt progesterone production.
• Active Constituents: Withanolides (adaptogen, anti-inflammatory, hormone-balancing)
• Calming Effects: Ashwagandha is deeply calming and helps reduce anxiety, promoting restful sleep, and supporting resilience to stress. It’s an ideal herb for balancing the mind and body under chronic stress.

—Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora)
• Role in Hormonal Support: Skullcap’s primary action is as a nervine, which indirectly supports hormonal health by calming the nervous system. By reducing stress and tension, skullcap helps prevent cortisol spikes, which can negatively impact progesterone levels.
• Active Constituents: Flavonoids, baicalin (nervine, anti-anxiety)
• Calming Effects: Skullcap is an excellent calming herb, providing profound relief from anxiety, tension, and nervous exhaustion. It can be particularly helpful for women who experience stress-related hormonal imbalances.

STRENGTHS OF THE FORMULA:

• Hormonal Modulation: Several of the herbs used, directly support progesterone balance without increasing estrogen (e.g., Vitex, wild yam). Milk thistle and dandelion are excellent liver-supporting herbs, helping the body process excess estrogen and maintain optimal hormonal balance.
• Progesterone Support: Vitex directly supports the luteal phase and encourages healthy progesterone levels. Wild yam complements Vitex in this role, working on overall endocrine balance.
• Calming and Adaptogenic Support: Ashwagandha, skullcap, and motherwort are among the best herbs to provide support for stress management and nervous system health, which is critical for preventing cortisol-driven disruptions to hormonal balance. Skullcap and motherwort add a layer of emotional and physical calming, while ashwagandha provides long-term resilience against stress.
• Uterine Support: Red raspberry leaf and motherwort ensure that the uterus is supported and toned.

Many have asked if this formula is also suited for women experiencing menopause. This formula holds rich benefits for women of all ages! And for those experiencing menopause, interested in this formula, you may find it well-suited for addressing many of the symptoms of menopause, particularly in terms of hormonal modulation, stress reduction, and supporting the body’s detoxification pathways. It may be particularly beneficial for:

• Reducing hot flashes and mood swings (Vitex, motherwort, wild yam)
• Supporting sleep and reducing anxiety (ashwagandha, skullcap, motherwort)
• Promoting liver health to balance hormones (milk thistle, dandelion)

My hope is that this formula could potentially be a blessing in your life, as it has been in mine, and so many others.

MADE WITH: vitex berries, ashwagandha root, milk thistle seeds, dandelion root, wild yam root, red raspberry leaf, motherwort leaves & flowers, skullcap leaves & flowers; grain alcohol for extraction

*All the plant material used in the making of this formula are either grown better-than-organic in our medicine garden here on Farm or wild-harvested or sourced from small, family-run herb farms who cultivate plants like we do.

PRODUCT DETAILS:
-Choose between a 1 oz. (30 mL) or a 4 oz. (120 mL) glass bottle full of tincture

TO USE:
-Women of all ages and teens take 2–4 mL (about 40–80 drops), 2–3 times per day. Daily consumption is recommended for optimal results. Young teens, especially, start with the lower end of the dosage recommendation.

The statements made regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The efficacy of these products, and the testimonials made, have not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or ailment. Consult with a doctor prior to use.