Cycle syncing involves aligning your lifestyle with different phases of your menstrual cycle to achieve hormonal balance. This can include diet, exercise, sleep, or supplements. When you understand how your body works, you can start to work with it rather than fight unpleasant symptoms. At Potion, we know how important hormones are, and that’s why our herbal supplements contain ingredients formulated specifically to nourish and balance the body.
Ayurveda considers the menstrual cycle to be a window into the human body and sees it as a vital component in understanding and maintaining overall health. Considered to be a monthly cleanse, menstruation provides the body with an opportunity to release toxins and realign cycle-related hormones. Ayurveda recognizes that hormones play a role in managing menstrual cycles and that dosha imbalances can impact the efficacy of this process.
The 3 Dosha Phases
The three prominent doshas—Kapha, Pitta, and Vata—help to explain the nature of the menstrual cycle and how hormone balance can be achieved. The first part is known as the Kapha phase and encompasses the first half of the cycle. This dosha is characterized by stability and sluggishness and is associated with nurturing and calming the body.
During the second part of the cycle, the pituitary and ovarian hormones change, causing ovulation. Pitta is highly elevated with its fiery and productive energy providing structure and allowing the body’s flow to rise.
Finally, the last phase of the cycle is dominated by a rise in Vata, which begins the menstrual period and acts as a force that enables the flow.
First half of cycle: Kapha
Ovulation: Pitta
Menstruation: Vata
In order to restore the proper flow of hormones during each phase of the menstrual cycle, it is recommended to follow an Ayurvedic diet. This means consuming simple and lightly cooked foods that don’t aggravate the doshas. Additionally, it is important to hydrate with plenty of water and herbal teas throughout the day and to ensure that your body is getting enough rest to reserve energy and encourage a downward flow.
Balance Your Hormones with Herbs
Herbal remedies are a great way of balancing hormones and encouraging cycle syncing. Specific herbs can help to cultivate Pitta or Vata, or relieve common period symptoms. For example, turmeric, cinnamon, and cardamom are spices that promote healthy blood flow and help to maintain balance in the body.
The unique array of herbs found in our Immunity Potion is effective in balancing hormones for a healthy cycle.
Amla: Ancient texts in Ayurveda recommend amla for improving fertility in women. Amla flushes out toxins, regulates the menstrual cycle, and restores estrogen balance. As a bonus, it can also help reduce cramps!
Ashwagandha: Research claims that ashwagandha helps normalize blood cortisol levels and thyroid hormones. It even regulates reproductive hormones that fight against in PCOS and period cramps, as well as helps manage menopausal symptoms [1].
Black Pepper: Black pepper works as an anti-inflammatory agent which, in turn, helps balance hormones. It also amplifies the body's ability to absorb nutrients contained in food, which allows your body to use what it needs from a healthy diet [2].
Cardamom: Cardamom is tri-doshic, which means it is useful in balancing all three Doshas. It is particularly useful in pacifying Vata. Cardamom works as a mood enhancer, which helps combat anxiety and depression.
Cinnamon: Cinnamon helps lower insulin resistance. Keeping insulin levels in check is necessary to maintain good hormone health and can even keep symptoms of hormonal disorders such as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) at bay [3].
Clove: Cloves provide a significant amount of the mineral manganese. Manganese helps your body manage the enzymes that help repair your bones and produce hormones.
Echinacea: Known for immune-enhancing benefits, echinacea helps restore balance by providing antioxidants and fighting off vaginal infections. Echinacea contains active substances that have hormonal, antiviral, and antioxidant effects.
Giloy: Giloy, also known as “Guduchi,” is rich in antioxidants and possesses anti-aging properties. It is often used during menopause or for helping treat PCOS.
Ginger: Ginger reduces the production of prostaglandins, which in return helps reduce common symptoms associated with PMS such as cramps, mood swings, and headaches [4].
Passion Flower: Studies have been conducted that show that passion flower can treat menopausal symptoms, such as vasomotor signs (hot flashes and night sweats), insomnia, depression, anger, and headaches, and it may be an alternative to conventional hormone therapy [5].
Tulsi: Tulsi has an uplifting and strengthening effect on the body and mind, increasing resilience to physical and emotional stress [6]. Tulsi’s cortisol hormone control makes it excellent as a period regulator.
Turmeric: Anti-inflammation, antioxidant, and liver detoxification are just a few terms that describe turmeric’s powerful uses. All three of these elements can treat underlying factors for hormonal imbalance and fertility issues. Turmeric also helps alleviates endocrine-metabolic abnormalities associated with PCOS [7].
Understanding the nuances of your menstrual cycle from an Ayurvedic perspective can help you to balance hormones and restore your cycle for stronger health. Potion’s bouquet of herbs is rooted in nature’s way of healing and provides a holistic solution to help get you back on track. Ready to start cycle syncing and investing in your health?
