Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is more than just a hormonal imbalance; it’s a condition affecting the health and wellness of millions of women.
From irregular menstrual cycles and hormonal fluctuations to challenges with fertility and metabolic disruptions, its symptoms definitely make staying healthy quite the challenge.
While there is no cure for PCOS, it’s important to know that its symptoms can be managed through healthy eating, exercise, proper supplementation and sometimes, medication.
I myself have enjoyed regular periods, weight loss and conceived two healthy girls naturally by managing my diet, blood sugar levels and weight – so it is possible (I share links to those articles as well below!).
There are many natural ways to improve the super-crappy effects of PCOS, one of which includes incorporating the right herbal teas into your diet to balance blood sugar, reduce stress and rebalance hormones.
With all these potential benefits, even a hardened coffee lover like myself can be pushed to switch to herbal tea, right?
In this article, I’ll share nine herbal teas that may help you feel better with PCOS (although a healthy lifestyle is the most important factor when managing this condition)!
*note – this article does not constitute medical advice; always discuss your health concerns with your doctor get medical approval before adding any supplements or herbs into your routine*
What Are The Symptoms Of PCOS?
If you have PCOS or suspect that you have PCOS, you may struggle with the following symptoms:
- acne
- excess weight or difficulty losing weight
- excess hair growth on the face and body
- irregular periods or no periods
- lack of ovulation
- insulin resistance or pre-diabetes (e.g. your body doesn’t metabolize sugars properly)
- skin tags
- high androgen (testosterone and/or DHEA) levels
- darkening of skin around the neck, groin, or underneath the breasts
- thinning hair
- fatigue
- trouble conceiving
Through healthy eating and lifestyle changes, many of the above symptoms can be managed. Below I’ll share how the featured herbal teas can help reduce some of the above symptoms. And if you have any of the above symptoms, please contact your doctor and share these concerns with them.
FYI – I have many PCOS targeted articles on the blog – you can find them all here or sprinkled throughout this article below.
My PCOS Symptoms + Diagnosis
Do you suffer from irregular/missed periods, excess hair growth, acne or weight gain? You could have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, otherwise known as PCOS.
Can PCOS Go Away?
Unfortunately, there is no cure for PCOS, but the symptoms and negative effects can be managed naturally by following a healthy diet that keeps your blood sugar levels stable (because PCOS sufferers are often insulin resistant), exercising with a focus on weight training and managing overall stress and wellness.
9 Beneficial Herbal Teas For PCOS
1 . Spearmint Tea For PCOS:
Known for its anti-androgenic properties, spearmint tea may help reduce excess testosterone levels in women with PCOS, potentially aiding in hormonal balance. Specifically, it can help reduce excess hair growth and help promote healthy ovulation.
I have seen so many health influencers on Instagram promoting the benefits of spearmint tea for PCOS that this is one that I’ve added to my Amazon cart to try out.
BUY IT: AMAZON
2. Green Tea
Rich in antioxidants, green tea can help manage weight, reduce inflammation and improve insulin sensitivity, all of which can be beneficial for PCOS. You can read more about the benefits of green tea for health here.
BUY IT: AMAZON
3. Cinnamon Tea
Cinnamon tea regulates blood sugar levels and may improve insulin resistance, a common issue in PCOS. Insulin resistance can reduce the body’s ability to metabolize sugars, leading to increased blood sugar levels,which contribute to weight gain and potentially diabetes if left unmanaged.
BUY IT: AMAZON
10 Ways To Reverse Insulin Resistance Naturally
If you suffer from insulin resistance from pre-diabetes or PCOS, you need to read up on these 10 ways to reverse insulin resistance without medication.
4. Licorice Tea
Licorice tea may help hormonal balance by regulating levels of cortisol and androgens, but it’s important to use this tea in moderation due to its potential effects on blood pressure (1 cup per day).
BUY IT: AMAZON
5. Chamomile Tea
Known for its calming properties, chamomile tea can help reduce stress and promote better sleep, which in turn may support hormone regulation and weight loss (good sleep is essential for healthy weight!).
Many women with PCOS suffer from poor sleep and high cortisol levels, which both work together to make it more difficult to lose weight and feel your best.
BUY IT: AMAZON
Suffer From PCOS? Here Are 10 Supplements That Can Help
Looking to reduce the symptoms of PCOS? This post will review 10 supplements that can help.
6. Nettle Tea
Nettle tea naturally reduces testosterone and blood sugar levels, while reducing inflammation, making it the perfect tea bag to add to your PCOS tea list.
BUY IT: AMAZON
How To Lose Weight With PCOS In 6 Steps
Losing weight with PCOS is not impossible! Find out how I did it in 6 steps that can be incorporated into a healthy lifestyle for sustained weight maintenance.
7. Dandelion Root Tea
Dandelion root helps to detoxify the liver, which means your liver is better able to break down toxins and remove hormones from the body after use for proper hormonal balance. It can also help aid in digestion to keep your tummy working at it’s best.
BUY IT: AMAZON
8. Chasteberry Tea (Vitex)
Chasteberry, also called chaste tree, vitex or castus agnus, is a herb often used to help improve hormonal imbalances. Chasteberry has been found to help improve reproductive health by improving the function of the pituitary gland, which releases luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone for conception. These hormones regulate the menstrual cycle and follicle (egg) growth.
Chasteberry also regulates progesterone and estrogen production, which can be negatively impacted by PCOS.
BUY IT: AMAZON
How I Got Pregnant With PCOS Naturally
Getting pregnant with PCOS can be difficult; find out how I got pregnant naturally with some lifestyle changes.
9. Red Reishi Teas For PCOS
Red reishi has a number of benefits that can reduce PCOS symptoms, including calming and anti-stress benefits for relaxation, anti-inflammatory properties, androgen reducing benefits, improved liver detoxification and improved heart health.
BUY IT: AMAZON
Always consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating new teas or herbal remedies into your routine, especially if you have pre-existing conditions or are taking medications.
While teas can offer support, they should not replace proper eating, lifestyle changes – and sometimes medication – to treat PCOS.
You may also need to consume these herbal teas for PCOS regularly to see continued benefits.
