What I Drink Every Day To Balance My Hormones

When I talk about hormonal health, I usually get deep into discussions around leafy greens, root veggies, healthy fats, and other wholesome foods. As far as I’m concerned, medications and pricey supplements are not the ideal fixes for hormonal issues ranging from amenorrhea to fibroids to PCOS. The real healing happens at breakfast, lunch, and dinner!

But in addition to reaping hormonal rewards through food, I also recommend that women drink their way to health with some easy, potent beverages that can have a big impact on the endocrine system. These recipes are simple, affordable, and — yes — totally tasty.

Here are my three favorite hormone-balancing beverages:

1. Warm Lemon Water

Sure, this one is simple — but the effects are profound! I’ve been recommending warm lemon water for years and many clients tell me it’s made a big difference in their skin, boosted their energy, and helped keep them feeling satisfied between meals.

Lemons are high in vitamin C, which has been shown to benefit the skin and boost immunity. Lemons have also been shown to help the liver detoxify the body and improve insulin resistance by regulating hormones like glucose and leptin.

Adding this powerful citrus fruit to warm water is also a tasty way to stay hydrated — an important component of overall health — and keeping your digestion in motion.

Instructions: I recommend women start their day with a big glass of warm water and a few squeezes of lemon first thing in the morning. Cheers!

2. "Woman Balance Tea": Red Raspberry Leaf, Dong Quai, and Nettle Tea

Raspberry leaf has historically been used to strengthen uterine muscles, and there’s some scientific evidence to back the claim that the herb can have a powerful effect on hormones. According to a study published in the Journal of Midwifery and Women’s Health, women who drank raspberry leaf tea actually had shorter second stages of labor and fewer of their babies were delivered by forceps. Another study, published in The Australian College of Midwives Incorporated Journal, found that women who drank the tea were less likely to require C-sections.

Adding calcium-rich nettles to a raspberry leaf tea is also a great way to support bone health. But I consider the powerhouse ingredient in this powerful brew to be dong quai. An ancient root often used in Chinese medicine, dong quai has traditionally been used to address reproductive problems like dysmenorrhea and painful periods. One study published in Clinical and Experimental Obstetrics & Gynecology even found that a supplement containing the root was effective in treating menopausal symptoms without side effects. I like to call dong quai a hormone-balancing wunderkind!

Instructions: Just combine 1 bag each of dried red raspberry leaf with dried nettle leaf and dong quai to brew a tea and drink as often as you like.

3. Golden Milk

Golden Milk is the ultimate hormone-balancing concoction, and it’s also warming, soothing, and delicious. The combination of turmeric, coconut oil, coconut milk, sweeteners, and spices is warming and rejuvenating, and it’s something I recommend to clients with all kinds of endocrine issues.

Turmeric, the powerful, potent spice that plays a big role in Ayurvedic medicine, has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and improve circulation and estrogen metabolism. In Ayurveda, turmeric is considered an important tool in combating everything from amenorrhea and endometriosis to fibroids and cysts, and the other ingredients, including coconut milk, are wonderful sources of healthy fats.

Anecdotally, I’ve found Golden Milk to be a great supplement for women trying to combat bad cramps, an underactive thyroid, or super-cold hands and feet. And — bonus — the recipe is easy!

Instructions: To get the most out of your milk, it’s best to first cook a golden paste by blending 5 tablespoons virgin coconut oil, 1/2 cup organic turmeric powder, 1 cup water, and 1.5 teaspoons black pepper in a pot and simmer for about 10 minutes. Once this cools, you can keep it in the refrigerator in a jar for about two weeks and just take a dollop every time you make the milk.

To make the milk, warm 2 cups of coconut milk and 1 teaspoon of the golden paste in a pot, and whisk until fully mixed. Then add cinnamon, honey, and maple syrup to taste. For an added kick, you can also add cayenne pepper!

So, how do I make sure I fit all three drinks into my day? I recommend lemon water in the morning before breakfast, Woman Balance Tea in the late afternoon, and the Golden Milk before bed.


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