Herbs and spices to help with endometriosis and hormone balance

So, we all know that fruit and vegetables are good for endometriosis and hormone balance, but we often forget about the health benefits of herbs and spices. We might only use small amounts of them, but the compounds within herbs and spices can really help reduce inflammation and help with the symptoms of hormone imbalance. They can also have a warming effect on the body to help keep out the winter chill, along with supporting your immune system through the winter months.

Here are my top six herbs and spices for endometriosis and hormone balance:

• Turmeric – this is my number one spice for endometriosis. It is anti-inflammatory so can help with endometriosis pain. Research also suggests that turmeric can reduce the growth of endometriosis. It helps with liver detoxification, so is good for hormone balance as well as supporting immune health. It really can be added to anything – I have it in teas, smoothies, porridge, curries, stews and soups.

• Ginger – this is another favourite for anyone with endometriosis due to the anti-inflammatory effects of ginger. It helps get things moving in the digestive system, so is good if you are prone to constipation. It can also help to reduce nausea, supports immune health and has a warming effect on the body, so great for those of us who feel the cold. Also, quite versatile to use and tastes good in teas, smoothies, energy balls, porridge, stir fries, curries and soups.

• Cinnamon –can help with balancing blood sugar levels, and if your blood sugar levels are balanced this can help with balancing your hormones (see my blog on blood sugar balance). Cinnamon can also help reduce bloating and nausea. It works well in teas, smoothies, porridge, energy balls, flapjack and with fruit and yoghurt.

• Rosemary – also has an anti-inflammatory effect on the body. Rosemary helps the liver breakdown oestrogen into a safe form and so helps with hormone balance. It is also useful for migraines and headaches. As well as adding to roasts, it can give flavour to stews.

• Sage – is also anti-inflammatory but is more widely known for helping to reduce hot flushes and night sweats. Sage can also be helpful for sore throats. As well as adding to food, drinking sage tea can be useful for sore throats and helping with hot flushes and night sweats.

• Coriander –helps balance blood sugar levels and supports the liver to detoxify and so if useful for hormone balance. It is also anti-inflammatory and can help fight infections. Add to soups, stews, and curries.

Be sure to make these health boosting compounds part of your daily diet to help reduce endometriosis pain and keep your hormones in balance.

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The information contained above is provided for information purposes only. The contents of this blog  are not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of this blog. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of this blog. Emma Belton Nutrition disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of this blog.