Blog Category
The endocrine system is the body's chemical messaging network — a collection of glands that secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream, regulating everything from metabolism and growth to mood, sleep, reproduction, and stress response. When this system is out of balance, the effects are wide-ranging and often difficult to pin down: unexplained weight changes, fatigue, mood swings, skin changes, reproductive irregularities. Herbal medicine has a long tradition of supporting endocrine health — from the adaptogenic herbs that normalise stress hormone output, to phytoestrogenic plants that gently buffer hormonal fluctuations, to specific herbs for the thyroid and adrenal glands. The articles here explore this complex and fascinating territory.
ASOHM News
24 May 2021
For thousands of years the Chinese have credited ginseng as the “king of the herbs”, believing it to be good for everything from sex problems to terminal diseases! Its botanical name Panax is derived from the Greek word panakos, a panacea, in reference to the miraculous virtue ascribed to it by the Chinese. The History […]
Read article →
ASOHM News
13 August 2017
An overload of toxins in your body will lead to chronic illness, premature ageing and death. You and I are exposed to thousands of toxic chemicals, they are everywhere — all the time. They are in the air...
Read article →The endocrine system sits at the intersection of so many other health concerns that supporting it often has cascading benefits across multiple body systems. These articles explore the relevant herbs, the glands they support, and the conditions most responsive to a herbal approach.
The adrenal glands produce cortisol, adrenaline, and other hormones critical to the stress response. Adaptogenic herbs that modulate adrenal output are the primary herbal tools for adrenal health — ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea), siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus), and licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra, used cautiously and short-term) are the most important. Licorice supports cortisol metabolism and can help in states of low cortisol, but should not be used long-term or by those with hypertension.
Thyroid disorders range from hypothyroidism to hyperthyroidism and autoimmune thyroid conditions such as Hashimoto's and Graves' disease. Herbal support depends entirely on the type of dysfunction. For hypothyroidism, bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus) provides iodine support, though this is not appropriate where the cause is autoimmune. For hyperthyroidism, bugleweed (Lycopus virginicus) and motherwort can help reduce thyroid activity. Thyroid conditions always require medical diagnosis and monitoring — herbal support is adjunctive.
Phytoestrogens are plant compounds with a structural similarity to oestrogen. They bind weakly to oestrogen receptors and can have a modulating effect — acting as mild oestrogens when oestrogen is low (e.g., at menopause) or occupying receptors to reduce stimulation when oestrogen is high. Red clover, soy isoflavones, and flaxseed are the primary dietary phytoestrogen sources. They are gentler and more buffering than pharmaceutical oestrogen.
Very directly — cortisol dysregulation drives anxiety and contributes to depression; thyroid dysfunction can cause mood changes, cognitive fog, and depression; oestrogen and progesterone fluctuations affect serotonin and GABA signalling in the brain. Supporting endocrine balance is therefore also a strategy for supporting mental and emotional wellbeing.
Maintaining healthy blood sugar is an endocrine function of the pancreas. Berberine (found in barberry, goldenseal, and Oregon grape) has strong evidence for improving insulin sensitivity. Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) has shown modest blood sugar-lowering effects in clinical trials. Gymnema (Gymnema sylvestre) is a traditional Ayurvedic herb for blood sugar support. These are best used alongside dietary management and medical monitoring.
Yes — endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) found in plastics, pesticides, and personal care products can interfere with hormone receptor signalling. Supporting the liver's detoxification capacity through herbs like milk thistle and dandelion, and reducing exposure to EDCs, are important components of a comprehensive endocrine health strategy.
Lesson 8 provides a thorough exploration of the endocrine glands — hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal, pancreas, and gonads — their hormones, the conditions that affect them, and the herbal treatments relevant to each gland.
Endocrine health is one of the most complex and rewarding areas to study in herbal medicine. Lesson 8 of our course dedicates full attention to this system, giving you the knowledge to approach hormonal health with real confidence. View lesson packages and enrol today.