Herbs for treating PCOS
Herbs
Dose
Use
Black cohosh
(Cimicifuga racemosa)
0.5–1.5 ml, 3x/day
May have an anti-androgenic effect and may lower LH levels. May cause stomach discomfort and headaches. Use cautiously.
Blueberries,
fresh or frozen
(Vaccinium spp) or
blueberry solid extract
1/2–1 cup/day,
or 1/4 teaspoon of the extract
May normalize blood sugar levels.
Chaste tree
(Vitex agnes-castus)
1–5 ml, 3x/day
For irregular menstruation and pain with periods; this herb is well tolerated and excellent for balancing hormones.
Devil’s club
(Oplopanax horridum)
15–30 drops (0.5–1.0 ml),
3x/day
As a member of the ginseng family, devil’s club may be useful as a tonic to regulate the body’s stress response, which is important because stress can lead to insulin resistance.
Hops
(Humulus lupulus)
0.5 gram steeped in 6 ounces water, 2x/day
Taken as a tea, hops may reduce symptoms of excessive androgens. Hops tea may be quite bitter, so sweeten with honey.
Red peony root
(Paeonia lactiflora)
3–9 grams steeped in 6 ounces water, 2x/day
Taken as a tea or a tincture, this herb may also reduce androgen production. Peony may have a cooling effect, so add a warming element such as cinnamon to this tea.
Red root
(Ceanothus americanus)
1–2 ml, 3x/day
May increase lymph and fluid circulation and stimulate energy flow.
—M.P.M.
Source: Emma Whiteoak Lee, a clinical herbalist in Ithaca, New York.
Note: As always, see a knowledgeable herbalist, naturopath, or Chinese medical practitioner when considering treating a serious condition with herbs.
