Here are my favorite potentially hormone-balancing teas and beverages: Lemons are high in vitamin C, which has been shown to benefit the skin and improve immunity. Adding this powerful citrus fruit to warm water is also a tasty way to stay hydrated—an important component of overall health—and keeping your digestion in motion. Instructions: I recommend women start their day with a big glass of warm water and a few squeezes of lemon first thing in the morning. Cheers! I believe the powerhouse ingredient in this brew is dong quai. An ancient root often used in Chinese medicine, dong quai has traditionally been used to address reproductive problems like dysmenorrhea and painful periods, according to Mount Sinai. One study published in Clinical and Experimental Obstetrics & Gynecology even found that among a group of 55 women, a supplement containing the root was effective in treating menopausal symptoms without side effects. (That said, Mount Sinai specifies that anyone at risk of hormone-related cancers, including breast, ovarian, and uterine, should not take dong quai, since researchers aren’t sure if it acts like estrogen in the body.) Instructions: Just combine 1 bag each of dried red raspberry leaf with dried nettle leaf and dong quai to brew a tea and drink as often as you like. Turmeric, the powerful, potent spice that plays a big role in Ayurvedic medicine, has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. In Ayurveda, turmeric is considered an important tool in combating everything from amenorrhea and endometriosis to fibroids and cysts, and the other ingredients, including coconut milk, are wonderful sources of healthy fats. Anecdotally, I’ve found Golden Milk to be a great supplement for women trying to combat bad cramps, an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), or super-cold hands and feet. And—bonus—the recipe is easy! Instructions: To get the most out of your milk, it’s best to first cook a golden paste by blending 5 tablespoons virgin coconut oil, 1/2 cup organic turmeric powder, 1 cup water, and 1.5 teaspoons black pepper in a pot and simmer for about 10 minutes. Once this cools, you can keep it in the refrigerator in a jar for about two weeks and just take a dollop every time you make the milk. To make the milk, warm 2 cups of coconut milk and 1 teaspoon of the golden paste in a pot, and whisk until fully mixed. Then add cinnamon, honey, and maple syrup to taste. For an added kick, you can also add cayenne pepper! So, how do I make sure I fit all three drinks into my day? I recommend lemon water in the morning before breakfast, Woman Balance Tea in the late afternoon, and the Golden Milk before bed.
