Herbs to Take for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a disorder of the ovaries that causes multiple follicles to develop and form into clumps. Rather than disintegrate during menstruation, these clumps of follicles hang around the ovaries and can cause hormonal imbalances. It is when the hormonal problems develop that polycystic disease can become a problem. It can cause obesity, pain, dark patches on the skin and infertility.

Herbs to Treat PCOS

• It has been thought for many years that herbs can treat a host of medical conditions. Polycystic ovary syndrome has been found to have good results with treatments of certain herbs. More women are turning to herbs to treat their POCS due to the fact that herbs can be taken for longer period of time. This is because they are unlike traditional medicines and are not as hard on the body. They also produce fewer side effects.

  Some popular herbs for POCS that help clear out existing cysts and discourage new ones from forming is a concoction of red clover (which is known to thin the walls of cysts, helping the cyst rupture earlier), pulsatilla, phytolacca, chamomile, blue flag and St. Mary's thistle. You can also add honeysuckle, red chestnut, wild oat, and Bach Flower remedies known as Walnut, along with wild oats, and impatiens. Women should take this mixture for at least three menstrual cycles (maybe longer).

Hormonal Balancing Herbs

• Because hormones play a big role in polycystic ovary syndrome, it is believed that herbs that treat hormone problems will help. A few of the herbs that are known to aid in hormonal balancing are evening primrose and chasteberry. Evening primrose has been used to treat PMS along with skin problems incurred with POCS. It is also known to help with blood pressure problems, high cholesterol and heart disease.

  Chasteberry is known to help with hormonal issues because it works on the pituitary gland, one of the most important organs responsible for hormone production and balance. The pituitary gland can increase weight gain and hair growth if it over secretes hormones.

Chinese Herbs

• Chinese herbs have long been recognized to have healing powers. One that has been discovered to help with POCS is dong quai. Dong quai has even been referred to as a "female ginseng." Dong quai, like many herbs, can be taken for a long period of time. Dong quai aids the endocrine system as well as the liver and is thought to help with irregular menstruation, premenstrual syndrome and several other female problems.

  Some woman have good luck with black cohosh. Black cohosh has been used for PMS, and it also treats amenorrhea along with irregular menstruation.

  Saw palmetto can also be used. It is an anti-androgen, which means that it fights against a lot of the symptoms associated with POCS. Of course, it is always best to talk to your doctor first before embarking on your own treatment, even with herbs.