Conventional therapy for menstrual irregularities and menopausal symptoms involves using pharmaceutical hormones to either stop or start menstrual bleeding. Typically, such treatments have only temporary effects and fail to address the cause. While hormonal therapies are valuable in crisis situations such as acute hemorrhage, long-term use can worsen hormonal imbalances. For example, synthetic hormones increase the metabolic workload of the liver, further burdening that often overtaxed organ.⁽¹⁾

Menstrual problems are so common that they are more like threads in the tapestry of a woman’s life than actual illnesses, so it makes sense treat them naturally. Natural therapies support the body’s innate hormonal cycle and restore natural rhythm. Dietary changes, nutritional and herbal supplements can support hormonal regulation in management of both acute and chronic menstrual abnormalities.⁽¹⁾

Phytoestrogens (usually isoflavones, phytosterols, saponins or lignans) are compounds in plants that exert mild estrogenic effects by occupying estrogen receptors. They not only alleviate hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms, but in animal studies, have been extremely effective in inhibiting mammary tumors. Women who consume high amounts of phytoestrogens (also abundant in soy) demonstrate an increase in the number of superficial cells in the vaginal lining which can offset vaginal drying and irritation common in postmenopausal women.⁽³⁾

The four most popular phytoestrogen-containing herbs usedfor menopausal hot flashes are black cohosh (Cimifuga racemosa), dong quai (Angelica sinensis), Chinese ginseng (Panax ginseng) and licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra).⁽³⁾ Red clover (Trifolium pratense) isoflavones are also effective.

Black cohosh was well known by native Americans as a natural remedy for gynecological complaints. In addition to its estrogenic effects, it has strong antispasmodic and sedative properties, making it useful for any inflammatory condition associated with spasm or tension, such as dysmenorrhea, menstrual pain and menopausal discomforts.⁽⁴⁾ Both animal and human experiments show that the herb contains substances that bind to estrogen receptors and lower luteinizing hormone (LH) which is elevated in menopause.⁽³⁾

Dong quai is popular for treating both menstrual and menopausal problems. It contains coumarin (an anticoagulant) and coumestans (phytoestrogens). It also increases blood circulation to the pelvis and improves function of the reproductive organs. Because it relaxes smooth muscle, dong quai can relieve menstrual cramps. Animal studies show it can strengthen the uterus and normalize uterine tone.⁽¹⁾ Its efficacy in treating menopausal symptoms, especially hot flashes, may be due to a combination of its estrogenic effects and other components that stabilize blood vessels.⁽³⁾

Chinese ginseng is perhaps the most famous medicinal plant of China. Although it is often viewed as a "male tonic", it can exert estrogenic activity. The estrogen-like action on the vaginal epithelium may prevent atrophic vaginitis.⁽³⁾ By stimulating the adrenals and spleen, it acts as a glandular balancer and energizes the whole body. It also helps regulate body temperature.⁽⁴⁾ The active components are more than 20 glycosides called ginsenosides.⁽²⁾ Herbal Harmony™ uses a standardized extract containing 20% ginsenosides.

Siberian ginseng (Eleutheroccus senticosus) contains a group of six glycosides called eleutherosides which are responsible for the plant’s adaptogenic properties. These glycosides appear to act on the adrenal glands, helping to prevent adrenal hypertrophy and excess corticosteroid production in response to stress. They also help reduce the exhaustion phase of the stress response and return the adrenals to normal function faster.⁽²⁾ Herbal Harmony™ uses an extract standardized to contain 0.8% eleutherosides. All varieties of ginseng strengthen the adrenal and reproductive glands.⁽⁵⁾

Red Clover acts as an antibiotic, appetite suppressant, blood purifier and relaxant.⁽⁵⁾ Herbal Harmony™ uses an extract of red clover standardized to contain 8.3% isoflavones. These phytoestrogens exert a mild estrogenic effect.

Chaste tree berry (Vitex agnus castus) acts on the pituitary gland to increase (LH) and decrease follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Since LH stimulates ovarian secretion of progesterone, the herb indirectly promotes progesterone in cases of excess estrogen. Overall, it restores normal rhythm to reproductive hormones.^(1,2,9) Because of this action chaste tree berry has been shown to reduce menstrual complaints, especially premenstrual syndrome (PMS), amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea and endometriosis as well as menopausal symptoms,^{(2) especially hot flashes}.⁽³⁾ One study reported significant reduction of PMS symptoms including anxiety, nervous tension, insomnia and mood changes with chaste tree berry supplements.⁽²⁾

Blue cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides) is another antispasmodic herb that is particularly useful for women with poor uterine tone. Indications include pelvic pain and menstruation that follows multiple pregnancies, obesity or other causes for pelvic laxity. Blue cohosh contains saponins that stimulate the uterus and increase pelvic blood flow. Many pioneering American physicians recommended it for improving pelvic tone and preparing the uterus for childbirth. They also used this herb for cramps radiating to the lower back and thighs due to laxity of the uterus and its supporting ligaments.⁽¹⁾

Peony Root (Paeonia officinalis) is a liver tonic used for problems stemming from imbalanced liver function.⁽¹⁰⁾ A fundamental goal of naturopathic treatment of menstrual disorders is to support liver function. The liver changes estrogen to a less potent form, then combines it with other substances to make it more water soluble, thereby allowing excretion in the urine. Simply improving liver function often alleviates menstrual difficulties.⁽¹⁾ Peony is useful for all female complaints, especially menstrual irregularity and abdominal pains associated with the menstrual cycle. It also nourishes the blood and is used to treat anemia.⁽¹⁰⁾

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is high in nutrients including amino acids, vitamins and trace minerals. It is used to alkalize and detoxify the body. It also acts as a diuretic, and is used to ease inflammation, lower cholesterol, balance hormones and promote pituitary function.⁽⁵⁾

Wild yam (Dioscorea villosa) has an antispasmodic action on the uterus and may be extremely effective for simple menstrual cramps.⁽¹⁾ Also helpful for many female disorders including PMS and menopausal symptoms.⁽⁵⁾

Sarsaparilla Root (Smilax officinalis) increases energy, regulates hormones and has diuretic properties. It may be useful in cases of frigidity, impotence, infertility, nervous system disorders, PMS and disorders caused by blood impurities.⁽⁵⁾

Marigold (Calendula officinalis) helps to regulate the menstrual cycle⁽⁵⁾ and is also recommended for women with painful menstruation or menopausal complaints. Herbal Harmony™ uses an extract standardized for 20% lutein content. Lutein is an antioxidant carotenoid that has been associated with reduced risk of age-related macular degeneration⁽⁶⁾, breast cancer⁽⁷⁾ and cervical dysplasia.⁽⁸⁾

Red Raspberry (Rubus idaeus) decreases menstrual bleeding, relaxes uterine and intestinal spasms and strengthens uterine walls.⁽⁵⁾ It has a regulatory effect on the gynecological system⁽⁴⁾ and is useful for female disorders such as hot flashes and menstrual cramps.⁽⁵⁾ After childbirth, it encourages muscles to resume their normal shape.⁽⁹⁾

WARNING: This publication and the product contained herein have not been approved or evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This publication, and the product contained herein are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The product relates to nutritional support only.

1. Stansbury J, "Simple botanical treatments for Menstrual Abnormalities", Health & Nutrition Breakthroughs, Dec. 1997.

2. Flynn R, Roest M, Your Guide to Standardized Herbal Products, One World Press, Prescott, AZ, 1995

3. Werbach M, Murray M, Botanical Influences on Illness, Third Line Press, Tarzana, CA, 1994

4. Allardice P, Natural Remedies A-Z, Harper-Collins, 1995.

5. Balch J, Balch P, Prescription for Nutritional Healing, Second Edition, Avery Publishing, Garden City Park, NY, 1997.

6. "Dietary prevention of age-related macular degeneration", J Am Optom Assoc, Jan, 1999; 70(1):39-47.

7. "Dietary Carotenoids and Vitamins A,C, and E and Risk of Breast Cancer", J Natl Cancer Inst, 1999; 91(6):547-556

8. "Cervical Dysplasia", Prevention’s Healthy Ideas, www.prevention.com.

9. Curtis S, Fraser R, Natural Healing for Women, Pandora (Harper-Collins), London, 1991.

10. Tierra M, The Way of Herbs, Pocket Books (Simon and Schuster), New York, 1990.

Product No.876 Size: 120 capsules

Each capsule contains:
Alfalfa Extract (Medicago sativa) (5:1 P.E.) 350 mg.
Siberian Ginseng Extract (Eleutherococcus senticosus) 150 mg.
Standardized to 0.8% Eleutherosides 1.2 mg.
Dong Quai Extract (Angelica sinensis) 400 mg.
Standardized to 1.0% Ligustilides 4 mg.
Blue Cohosh (Caulophyllum Thalictroides) 450 mg.
Black Cohosh Extract (Cimicifuga racemosa) (4:1 P.E.) 240 mg.
Red Raspberry (Rubus idaeus) 300 mg.
Chast Tree Extract (Vitus agnus castus) (4:1 P.E.) 260 mg.
Wild Yam Extract (Dioscorea villosa) 125 mg.
Standardized to 6% Diosgenin 7.5 mg.
Red Clover Extract (Trifolium pratense) 100 mg.
Standardized to 8.3% Isoflavones) 8.3 mg.
Peony Root (Paeonia officinalis) 50 mg.
Sarsaparilla Root (Smilax officinalis) 20 mg.
Marigold Extract (Calendula officinalis) 15 mg.
Standardized to 20% Lutein 3 mg.
Chinese Ginseng Extract (Panax Ginseng) 75 mg.
Standardized to 20% Ginsenosides 15 mg.

Other ingredients: rice flour, magnesium stearate, gelatin.

Recommended Use: Four capsules daily. Not for use by pregnant women or nursing mothers.