PCOS stands for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. It is a disease in which imbalance of hormones occurs and that leads to formation of cysts over the ovaries. There is actually an imbalance of sex hormones viz. estrogen and progesterone.
Androgen is also affected which is a male hormone present in women in small amounts. Testosterone level gets increased when women get affected with PCOS. It is common in women at teenage and during pregnancy. 5-10% of women at the age of 15 to 45 years are mostly affected with PCOS. Genetic factor is also considered to be one of the causes of this disease. Women affected with PCOS face irregularity in menstrual periods.
They also gain weight and face obesity problems. Excessive growth of hair on face, lower abdomen, thigh and chest is also encountered. Abnormal insulin and sugar levels are too associated with the disease. It is a very complex disease in which polycystic ovaries are developed due to the production of male hormones in large amount. The disease is critical as it may lead to serious cases like infertility, heart disease and diabetes.
Though there is no cure for PCOS but the symptoms can be reduced and controlled to a large extent. Natural remedies can be helpful to reduce the symptoms of PCOS. These are inexpensive and do not have serious side effects. Before using the herbal remedies, one should always consult doctor or healthcare practitioner.
14 Herbal Remedies for PCOS
Holy Basil
Holy Basil has anti-androgenic properties and it is helpful in regulating insulin levels. It also reduces obesity and provides relief from stress. Consume 10-12 holy basil leaves in the morning before having breakfast. Continue use of this natural remedy for 8-10 weeks is effective for curing PCOS. It can also be taken in the form of tablets. Tea prepared from holy basil is also very effective.
Agnus Cactus
Agnus Cactus is also known as Vitex or Chastetree Berry. The herb can be used in the form of organic tincture as 1 teaspoon for 3 times in a day. This remedy can be used for 3-4 months or up to 18 months. Vitex in the form of pills can be consumed by mixing in 8 ounces of water. Doctor should be consulted before its consumption.
This is a medicinal herb that affects pituitary gland which regulates menstrual cycle and the production of hormones. It is beneficial in treating the pancreas. Those who have low progesterone levels should consume this herb as it is more beneficial to them.
Garcinia Cambogia
It is also called as Brindall Berries. It contains an acid that converts carbohydrate into energy and inhibit the formation of fat. It is helpful for the treatment of PCOS as it reduces sugar cravings and insulin resistance.
Fish Oil
Fish Oil contains omega 3 fatty acids that improve sensitivity of insulin and reduce the amount of androgen. It can be taken in the form of capsules or tablets. Consuming one tablet daily would be beneficial in the treatment of PCOS.
Dandelion Root
This medicinal herb would remove all the toxic materials out of liver that otherwise cause menstrual problems or infertility issues. It contains a number of vitamins and minerals that are beneficial for skin. Consuming 540 mg of dandelion along with food for 3 times in a day is very effective in curing PCOS.
Milk Thistle
Milk thistle is one of the important herbs for liver. This herb protects the liver and heals the damaged cells. It is very effective in curing PCOS for the process of detoxification. It can be consumed twice a day for effective use.
Saw Palmetto
Women affected with PCOS have high levels of estrogens and testosterones. Saw palmetto helps in reducing the production of testosterone and regulating the estrogen levels. 585 mg of saw palmetto consumed along with food for three times in a day is helpful in curing PCOS.
White Peony
It helps in decreasing progesterone levels and regulates estrogen and prolactin. Tea prepared from white peony is helpful in regulating the hormones required for reducing estrogen levels. The tea can be consumed daily for effective use.
Gymnema
It is useful in regulating blood sugar levels and in the treatment of insulin resistance. It helps in reducing weight and thus is one of the effective herbs in treating PCOS. Leaves of gymnema plant are used for making a powder which is helpful in treating PCOS. It is effective in reducing sugar cravings and thus help in reducing calories in the diet. 400-600 mg of gymnema can be consumed daily for the treatment of PCOS.
Inositol
It regulates appetite and reduces insulin resistance. Depression is also very common in PCOS and D-Chiro inositol helps in providing relief from it. It is also helpful for the liver as it metabolizes the fat. 200-1000 mg of inositol consumed per day is helpful in the treatment of PCOS. It is available in the form of tablet, capsule and powder.
Cedrus Deodara
Take 50 gm bark of Cedrus Deodara and add this in 500 ml water. Boil it till it gets reduced to 50 ml. Consume this as tea on an empty stomach. Use this remedy for three times in a day to cure PCOS.
Cinnamon
One to four gram of cinnamon can be consumed after meals that are effective in lowering sugar levels and increasing insulin production.
Maca
It helps in making a balance between the hormones viz. estrogen and progesterone. It is also useful in regulating menstrual flow. It is available in the form of tincture, capsule and powder. In general, 1000-3000 mg of maca can be consumed in a day.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Add 20 ml of vinegar in 200 ml of water. Consume this solution for two times in a day when the stomach is empty. Apple cider vinegar increases insulin activity leading to lower blood sugar. It also helps in reducing insulin resistance. It takes 1-6 months for observing the change.
Some women may get relief in less time with small doses while others have to increase the dosage. But one should not exceed more than three tablespoons at one time and not more than ten tablespoons in the whole day.
