Herbal traditions have used these plants for centuries, but we like to go a step further and look at what modern research actually shows. Below are eight herbs in our WOMAN loose leaf blend, each included for a specific role in supporting the body through perimenopause and menopause, along with a plain-language look at the peer-reviewed studies behind each one.
Lady's Mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris) — for hormonal balance
Lady's mantle has a long traditional use for regulating gynecological hormonal complaints, attributed to its luteotropic action on ovarian progesterone secretion. In a controlled animal study of a hormonal imbalance disorder, Alchemilla vulgaris extract normalized hormonal disturbances and related tissue changes, an effect linked to its anti-inflammatory and vascular-protective properties, supporting its traditional reputation as a hormone-balancing herb through life's hormonal transitions. 🔗 Hormonal imbalance model study (PubMed)
Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) — for hot flashes
A systematic review and meta-analysis of eight randomized controlled trials found that red clover isoflavones produced a statistically significant reduction in the daily frequency of hot flushes compared to placebo in peri- and postmenopausal women, with the strongest effects seen at isoflavone doses of 80 mg per day or higher over a 12-week period. 🔗 Meta-analysis (PubMed)
Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) — for memory, concentration, and sexual desire
A systematic review of randomized controlled trials found that Ginkgo biloba extract has positive effects on the sexual function of postmenopausal women specifically, addressing the low libido that can accompany hormonal changes. Separately, a large body of clinical research on Ginkgo biloba has confirmed measurable benefits for memory, concentration, and cognitive control functions, particularly in adults experiencing age-related memory changes. 🔗 Sexual function systematic review (PubMed) · Memory/cognitive function trial (PubMed)
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) — for insomnia and mood swings
In a randomized, double-blind, double-dummy clinical trial in 539 adults with generalized anxiety disorder, an oral lavender oil preparation (Silexan) significantly reduced anxiety symptoms over 10 weeks, with effects comparable to the pharmaceutical antidepressant paroxetine, while also improving sleep and overall quality of life — directly relevant to the insomnia and mood swings that often accompany hormonal transitions. 🔗 Human anxiety/sleep clinical trial (PubMed)
Field Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) — for water retention
In a randomized, double-blind clinical trial, a standardized horsetail extract produced a diuretic effect stronger than placebo and equivalent to the pharmaceutical drug hydrochlorothiazide in healthy volunteers, without causing significant changes in electrolyte elimination, supporting its traditional use for easing fluid retention. 🔗 Human diuretic trial (PMC)
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) — for hormonal balance
Laboratory research confirmed that a crude extract of Achillea millefolium has genuine estrogenic activity, binding to and activating estrogen receptors in human cell testing — a mechanistic basis for yarrow's long traditional reputation as a women's herb for regulating hormonal balance through the menstrual cycle and the menopausal transition. 🔗 Estrogenic activity study (PubMed)
Sage (Salvia officinalis) — for hot flashes
A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials found that Salvia officinalis significantly reduced hot flashes in postmenopausal women. In the underlying randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial behind this finding, a fresh sage preparation reduced the hot flash severity score by 55.3% and overall menopausal symptom score by 39.2% after four weeks, reaching statistical significance compared to placebo. 🔗 Systematic review/meta-analysis (PubMed) · Human clinical trial (PubMed)
Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica) — for hot flashes
In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial in 72 postmenopausal women experiencing frequent hot flashes, Urtica dioica significantly decreased hot flash severity and improved quality of life compared to a placebo-sham control, performing comparably to acupuncture — a genuine human clinical result for a symptom central to the menopausal transition. 🔗 Human hot flashes clinical trial (PubMed)
Why This Matters
Each of these herbs has been studied individually for its relevance to a specific aspect of perimenopause and menopause — hot flashes, hormonal balance, mood, sleep, memory, libido, and water retention — with genuine human clinical trial evidence for red clover, sage, and nettle specifically on hot flashes, and for lavender and ginkgo on mood, sleep, and sexual function. We combine them because their documented modes of action support the body through hormonal transition from several different angles: easing vasomotor symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats, calming irritability and mood swings, supporting restful sleep, protecting memory and concentration, and gently encouraging hormonal balance as the body's own estrogen production naturally declines.
This post is for educational purposes and summarizes existing scientific literature. It is not medical advice, and our blend is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please consult a healthcare provider before using herbal supplements, especially if you have a personal or family history of hormone-sensitive conditions (such as breast or endometrial cancer), are taking hormone replacement therapy or other hormonal medication, or have a diagnosed cardiovascular, liver, or kidney condition, as several of these herbs have measurable hormonal and fluid-balance effects.