Herbal Hormones | The House of Sissify

Below is a partial listing of herbs often sold separately or in mixes (formulas) used for the purpose of aiding in the feminization of genetic males, due at least in part to the presence phyto-steroids. Along with the listing are brief explanations of their common medicinal uses. You will notice that not all of the descriptions of the medicinal uses include reference to their phyto-estrogenic properties. Herbal products vary a great deal in potency, as such it is very difficult to say how much of what type or combination of herbs would be needed to bring about feminization in genetic males. Couple this with the fact that for feminization to occur; the naturally occurring testosterone production must also be overcome before feminization can take place and you can see the reason for the more common as well as predictable use of pharmaceutically compounded hormones.This information is provided so that if you decide to use herbals, you can be better informed of the specifics related to the plants used. Neither the Author nor The House of Sissify are health care providers or herbalists and make no claim to the effectiveness or safety of using herbal products.Although plant and glandular sources of estrogens appear to be converted by woman’s bodies into more “natural” and possible less carcinogenic forms of hormones, it is not true that herbal products are free from potentially dangerous side effects. This is especially true at the larger doses needed to obtain feminization results.

As with any drug therapy whether it is pharmaceutical or herbal in origin, feminization takes time. It is not realistic to expect results (regardless of the drugs origin) for at least several months after committing to a chosen regime.

Phytoestrogens

(Phyto)meaning; Plant, and (estrogens) any of various steroid hormones responsible for the development and maintenance of female secondary sex characteristics.

Black Cohosh

Cimicifuga Racemosa

Black Cohosh is useful in all conditions dealing with arthritis. It improves blood circulation, and is used in treating delayed and painful menstruation, and is often used in conjunction with other herbs in treating menopause symptoms. It should not be used during pregnancy. Black Cohosh can be poisonous in large doses. It contains a chemical much like estrogen, so those advised by their doctor’s not to take the Pill should avoid using this herbThe phytochemicals in black cohosh shift the estrogen/progesterone ratio toward estrogens and occupy estradiol receptors.

Blue Cohosh	Calophyllum Thalictroides
Blue Cohosh is used to regulate the menstrual flow. It is also used for suppressed menstruation. Native Americans used this herb during childbirth to ease the pain and difficulty that accompany birthing, as well as to induce labor. This herb should not be taken during pregnancy, and should be taken in very small amounts in conjunction with other herbs, such as Black Cohosh

Borage	Borago Officinalis
Diuretic, demulcent, emollient. Borage is much used in France for fevers and pulmonary complaints. By virtue of its saline constituents, it promotes the activity of the kidneys and for this reason is employed to carry off feverish catarrhs. Its demulcent qualities are due to the mucilage contained in the whole plant.Externally, it is employed as a poultice for inflammatory swellings

Caraway

Carum Carvi

Caraway aids digestion, can help promote menses, can increase a mother’s milk, and is good to add to cough remedies as an expectorant.Both fruit and oil possess aromatic, stimulant and carminative properties. Caraway was widely employed at one time as a carminative cordial, and was recommended in dyspepsia and symptoms attending hysteria and other disorders. It possesses some tonic property and forms a pleasant stomachic. Its former extensive employment in medicine has much decreased in recent years, and the oil and fruit are now principally employed as adjuncts to other medicines as corrective or flavouring agents, combined with purgatives. For flatulent indigestion, however, from 1 to 4 drops of the essential oil of Caraway given on a lump of sugar, or in a teaspoonful of water, will be found efficacious. Distilled Caraway water is considered a useful remedy in the flatulent colic of infants, and is an excellent vehicle for children’s medicine. When sweetened, its flavour is agreeable.The bruised seeds, pounded with the crumb of a hot new loaf and a little spirit to moisten, was an old-fashioned remedy for bad earache. The powder of the seeds, made into a poultice, will also take away bruises.

Chaste Tree or Vitex

Verbenaceae Species

Vitex is a normalizing herb for the reproductive system. It is most commonly used in treating infertility, PMS, menopausal problems, and hormonal imbalances. It is most effective when taken over a period of time, and in conjunction with other herbs used for the same purposes. It is also known as chaste tree fruit, or chaste berry.Chaste berry increases progesterone and decreases estrogens. (The berry’s effect is to increase the pituitary’s secretion of luteinizing hormone, and reduction of follicle-stimulating hormone.) Reported clinical studies indicate that Chaste Berry also seems to have a regulating effect on both progesterone and estrogen, balancing the ratio between them-this greatly reduces emotional ups and downs. In other clinical studies, Dr. Murray reported that Chaste Berry reduced acne flare-ups and water retention, reduced general PMS, and even prolonged the ability to breast feed. Because of the effects of increased progesterone output, Chaste Berry has a long history of use as a testosterone suppressant.

Dill

Anethum Graveolens

Like the other umbelliferous fruits and volatile oils, both Dill fruit and oil of Dill possess stimulant, aromatic, carminative and stomachic properties, making them of considerable medicinal value.Oil of Dill is used in mixtures, or administered in doses of 5 drops on sugar, but its most common use is in the preparation of Dill Water, which is a common domestic remedy for the flatulence of infants, and is a useful vehicle for children’s medicine generally.

Dong Quai	Angelica Sinenisis
Appears to act as an estrogen modulator through the ability of its phytoestrogens to occupy estrogen receptor sites.

False Unicorn
False Unicorn is very soothing for a delicate stomach. It also stimulates the reproductive organs in women and men. This herb is often used during menopause, due to its positive effects on uterine disorders, headaches, and depression.

Fennel Seed

Foeniculum Vulgare

On account of its aromatic and carminative properties, Fennel fruit is chiefly used medicinally with purgatives to allay their tendency to griping and for this purpose forms one of the ingredients of the well-known compound Liquorice Powder. Fennel water has properties similar to those of anise and dill water: mixed with sodium bicarbonate and syrup, these waters constitute the domestic ‘Gripe Water,’ used to correct the flatulence of infants. Volatile oil of Fennel has these properties in concentration.Fennel helps to take away the appetite. It is often used as a sedative for small children. It improves digestion, and is very helpful with coughs. It is also used for cancer patients after radiation and chemotherapy treatments. Enriches and increases the flow of milk for lactating women.

Fenugreek:	Trigonella Foenum-Graecum
Fenugreek is used to soften and expel mucous. It has antiseptic properties and will kill infections in the lungs. Used with lemon and honey, it will help reduce a fever and will soothe and nourish the body during illness. It has been used to relax the uterus, and for this reason should not be taken by pregnant womenIn India the fresh plant is employed as an esculent.

Ginseng

Panax Family

Ginseng stimulates the body to overcome all forms of illness, physical and mental. It is used to lower blood pressure, increase endurance, aid in relieving depression, and is a sexual stimulant. The dried root is used for healing purposes. It has been used throughout ancient times to the present day for use in conjunction with most herbs in treating all sorts of illnesses, including cancers, digestive troubles, and memory. It is used to tone the body during stress and to overcome fatigue. During menopause it aids in rejuvenating the system and balances hormones, as well as aids in regulating hot flashes

Goats Rue

Galega Officinalis

Diaphoretic, galactagogue. The herb is official in the National Formulary IV attached to the United States Pharmacopoeia; the dried flowering tops are made into a fluid extract with diluted alcohol.In 1873 Gillet-Damitte, in a communication to the French Academy, stated that this plant when given to cows would increase the secretion of milk from 35 to 50 per cent, since which time, Cerisoli, Millbank and several French physicians have affirmed that Goat’s Rue is a powerful galactagogue. The best preparation is stated to be an aqueous extract prepared from the fresh plant.

Gotu Kola
Gotu Kola is and excellent mental stimulant. It is often used after mental breakdowns, and used regularly, can prevent nervous breakdown, as it is a brain cell stimulant. It relieves mental fatigue and senility, and aids the body in defending itself against toxins.

Licorice Root

Glycyrrhiza Glabra

Licorice Root is a great source of the female hormone estrogen. It is used for coughs and chest ailments. It is an important herb to use when recovering from an illness, as it supplies needed energy to the system. Used as a remedy for stomach and heart problems, indigestion, and most respiratory ailments. Helps to normalize and regulate hormone production. Should not be used by pregnant women as it can sometimes lead to high blood pressure with prolonged useThe action of Liquorice is demulcent, moderately pectoral and emollient.The Extract enters into the composition of cough lozenges and pastilles, with sedatives and expectorants

Milk Thistle

Silybum Marianum

It is in popular use in Germany for curing jaundice and kindred biliary derangements. It also acts as a demulcent in catarrh and pleurisy. The decoction when applied externally is said to have proved beneficial in cases of cancer.Gerard wrote of the Milk Thistle that: ‘the root if borne about one doth expel melancholy and remove all diseases connected therewith. . . . My opinion is that this is the best remedy that grows against all melancholy diseases,’ which was another way of saying that it had good action on the liver.

Mother Wort	Leonurus Cardiaca
Diaphoretic, antispasmodic, tonic, nervine, emmenagogue. Motherwort is especially valuable in female weakness and disorders (hence the name), allaying nervous irritability and inducing quiet and passivity of the whole nervous system.As a tonic, it acts without producing febrile excitement, and in fevers, attended with nervousness and delirium, it is extremely useful.

Pennyroyal

Hedeoma Pulegioides

Pennyroyal herb removes gas from the digestive system. It is also used as a tea, taken a few days before menstruation to aid a suppressed flow. It is used in treatments for clods, upset stomach, and to stimulate blood flow to the pelvis area. It’s strong minty smell makes its essential oil useful for externally repelling insects such as mosquitoes, fleas, and flies. It should not be taken or used by pregnant women. Large internal doses have been known to cause convulsions and coma. Pennyroyal oil is an effective insect repellant. Pennyroyal oil should NEVER be taken internally!

Pleurisy Root

Asclepias Tuberose

Antispasmodic, diaphoretic, expectorant, tonic, carminative and mildly cathartic.From early days this Asclepias has been regarded as a valuable medicinal plant. It is one of the most important of the indigenous American remedies, and until lately was official in the United States Pharmacopoeia.It possesses a specific action on the lungs, assisting expectoration, subduing inflammation and exerting a general mild tonic effect on the system, making it valuable in all chest complaints. It is of great use in pleurisy, mitigating the pain and relieving the difficulty of breathing, and is also recommended in pulmonary catarrh. It is extensively used in the Southern States in these cases, also in consumption, in doses of from 20 grains to a drachm in a powder, or in the form of a decoction.It has also been used with great advantage in diarrhoea, dysentery and acute and chronic rheumatism, in low typhoid states and in eczema. It is claimed that the drug may be employed with benefit in flatulent colic and indigestion, but in these conditions it is rarely used.

In large doses it acts as an emetic and purgative.

Pomegranates

Punica Granatum

The seeds are demulcent. The fruit is a mild astringent and refrigerant in some fevers, and especially in biliousness, and the bark is used to remove tapeworm.In India the rind is used in diarrhoea and chronic dysentery, often combined with opium.It is used as an injection in leucorrhoea, as a gargle in sore throat in its early stages, and in powder for intermittent fevers. The flowers have similar properties.The root-bark was recommended as a vermifuge by Celsus, Dioscorides and Pliny. It may be used fresh or dried.

Red Clover Blossoms	Trifolium
The fluid extract of Trifolium is used as an alterative andantispasmodic. An infusion made by 1 OZ. to 1 pint of boiling water may with advantage be used in cases of bronchial and whooping-cough. Fomentations and poultices of the herb have been used as local applications to cancerous growths

Rasberry

Rubus Idaeus

Red Raspberry is one of the most proven female herbs. It strengthens the uterine wall during preganancy, reduces the pain of childbirth, and helps to reduce false labor pains. After childbirth it is used to decrease uterine swelling and cut down on post-partum bleeding. It is used to ease menstrual cramps and to regulate the flow during menstruation. It is also good for vomiting in small children, and dysentery and diarrhea in infantsAn astringent and stimulant. Raspberry Leaf Tea, made by the infusion of 1 OZ. of the dried leaves in a pint of boiling water, is employed as a gargle for sore mouths, canker of the throat, and as a wash for wounds and ulcers. The leaves, combined with the powdered bark of Slippery Elm, make a good poultice for cleansing wounds, burns and scalds, removing proud flesh and promoting healing.Raspberry Leaf Tea is valuable during parturition. It can be taken freely – warm.

Southernwood	Artemisia Abrotanum
Tonic, emmenagogue, anthelmintic, antiseptic and deobstruent.The chief use of Southernwood is as an emmenagogue. It is a good stimulant tonic and possesses some nervine principle.

Tansy

Tanacetum Vulgare

Anthelmintic, tonic, stimulant, emmenagogue.Tansy is largely used for expelling worms in children, the infusion of 1 OZ. to a pint of boiling water being taken in teacupful doses, night and morning, fasting.It is also valuable in hysteria and in kidney weaknesses, the same infusion being taken in wineglassful doses, repeated frequently. It forms an excellent and safe emmenagogue, and is of good service in low forms of fever, in ague and hysterical and nervous affections. As a diaphoretic nervine it is also useful.In moderate doses, the plant and its essential oil are stomachic and cordial, being anti-flatulent and serving to allay spasms.

In large doses, it becomes a violent irritant, and induces venous congestion of the abdominal organs.

Phyto-Progesterones

Progesterone: (C21 H30 O2; a steroid hormone responsible for changes in the uterine endometrium in the second half of the menstrual cycle, development of maternal placenta after implantation and development of mammary glands.

Wild or Mexican Yam

Dioscorea Villosa

-Antispasmodic. Perhaps the best relief and promptest cure for bilious colic, especially helpful in the nausea of pregnant women. Valuable also in painful cholera morbus with cramps, neuralgic affections, spasmodic hiccough and spasmodic asthmaWild Yam is helpful to the liver and the endocrine system. It is also used in regulation of the female system, particularly during menopause and menstrual distress, as well as used in treating infertility. Used with chaste berry and dandelion it is an effective treatment for morning sickness.

Phyto-Antiandrogens

The following natural sources of phytoantiandrogens (anti-androgen-like compounds) have been identified, but the author is not aware of an effective course of treatment using them. Since phytoantiandrogens are not nearly as efficacious as true antiandrogens, huge and potentially toxic amounts of these items would have to be consumed.

Saw Palmetto

Serenoa Repens

Diuretic, sedative, tonic. It is milder and less stimulant than cubeb or copaiba, or even oil of sandalwood. Like these, it has the power of affecting the respiratory mucous membrane, and is used for many complaints which are accompanied by chronic catarrh. It has been claimed that sabal is capable of increasing the nutrition of the testicles and mammae in functional atony of these organs. It probably acts by reducing catarrhal irritation and a relaxed condition of bladder and urethra. It is a tissue builder.

what are all these cryptic terms?

Thank you’s and additional credit goes to:

The Herbal Encyclopedia

A Modern Herbal

And many thanks to all the others
who have further contributed to this topic.