Dandelion – An important part of any hormonal balancing protocol

If you go to your OBGYN for hormonal issues, it is unlikely there will be any mention of liver health, which blows my mind considering how interconnected they are. Not only does the liver break down and remove hormones like estrogen, but even the hormones produced elsewhere rely heavily on the liver. The liver provides important building blocks needed for the production of hormones. Irregular menstruation? Acne? Digestive issues? Heavy bleeding? Low energy? These symptoms could all be a result of an under-functioning liver. 

The liver’s main role is to remove the toxins we are exposed to daily from our bloodstream. If it is under-functioning this leads to an accumulation of toxins in our system. One of those is synthetic estrogens or what is also known as xenoestrogens. These synthetic estrogens mimic estrogen in the body and are often a result of the estrogen dominance a lot of women have today. These xenoestrogens are hiding in things like body care products, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and plastics.

Another important job of the liver is aiding digestion as it does things like making and secreting bile. Did you know we have a specific type of bacteria in our gut for breaking down estrogen? This is known as the estrobolome. This important microbiome in the gut helps to modulate and metabolize estrogen, and without a healthy digestive system – from the result of a healthy liver – this process can’t happen at the same efficiency. Secondary to this bacteria found in the gut we also have estrogen and progesterone receptors found throughout the entire GI tract. See how connected it all is? This is why although looking at the endocrine system is just as important in the process of balancing hormones, looking at the health of the liver and the digestive system is another crucial piece of the puzzle.

I love pairing my Digestive and Goddess tea blends together as part of a protocol for hormonal balancing. Let’s unpack the benefits of two important herbs in these blends that help support the liver, digestive, and endocrine system- Dandelion leaf and root.

Dandelion is one of the best overall cleansers for the body. The leaf is a wonderful and nutritious food and diuretic that doesn’t deplete potassium levels but provides potassium, and the root is a powerful liver cleanser and blood purifier. Both the leaf and the root are bitter tonics aiding in digestion. The root is one of the best herbs for the liver as it not only aids in detoxification but it is also very nourishing to the liver. Aiding in digestion it stimulates the secretion of bile and hydrochloric acid. It is also a great source of inulin which is a prebiotic that helps to improve your gut microbiome. This action on the liver helps to regulate hormone production which is why it is a must in any hormone-balancing protocol! 

As one of the safest and most effective diuretics, dandelion leaf acts on the kidneys and urinary system. As progesterone levels increase during your period you may notice an increase in water retention that can lead to bloating and breast tenderness. Due to this and its high vitamin and mineral content like potassium, vitamin A, Iron, and calcium dandelion leaf is also a great herb to consider during PMS and hormone balancing. 

You can learn more about taking charge of your hormone health in my ‘Holistic Hormone Balance Guide’ in my shop!