Peony and Licorice - The Dynamic Duo for PCOS, Fertility, and More!
Peony and licorice have long been considered a powerful pair in herbal medicine, especially when it comes to supporting reproductive health! Originally used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), today they been well-studied and are recommended by modern herbalists for potential benefits in managing hormone balance, particularly for those with PCOS. Let’s dig into how these two herbs work together and why they might be worth considering if you’re dealing with hormonal challenges.
The Magic of Peony and Licorice
White Peony (Paeonia lactiflora)
Known as Bai Shao in TCM, white peony root is celebrated for its ability to “cool” and “nourish the blood,” helping with issues like menstrual pain, irritability, and even acne.
Peony is rich in paeoniflorin, a compound that has been shown to help regulate the ovarian cycle. This can be helpful for those with irregular periods or anovulation (when your body doesn’t release an egg).
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
In TCM, licorice is called Gan Cao. It’s a harmonizer that enhances the effects of other herbs and has been used to relieve PMS, soothe inflammation, and support adrenal health.
Licorice root has compounds that influence cortisol levels and support stress management—super helpful for those with PCOS, as stress can often worsen symptoms.
Why They’re Used Together
When combined, peony and licorice can help with hormone balancing, particularly by addressing the body’s androgen levels. What are androgens? Androgens are hormones like testosteone that, when elevated in women with PCOS, can lead to issues like excess hair growth, acne, and irregular periods due to hormone imbalances. The combination of peony and licorice can be a game-changer for women with PCOS, which often involves elevated androgens (hello, hirsutism and acne!). Here’s how this herbal pair may work for you:
Supports Ovulation: Paeoniflorin in peony and glycyrrhizin in licorice may help support the ovarian cycle and encourage ovulation, which is often irregular in PCOS.
Reduces Androgens: Some studies suggest that this combo can help lower androgens, which may reduce acne and excess hair growth.
Balances Mood and Reduces Stress: Licorice’s effects on cortisol, paired with peony’s ability to relax the nervous system, can provide stress support—a biggie for hormonal harmony.
How to Use This Combination
A combination of peony and licorice is right here in Taiwan and you can find it here! Please note that you should be cautious when using licorice if you have elevated blood pressure.
Quick takeaways:
Peony and licorice are commonly used together for reproductive health, particularly in cases of PCOS.
They support hormone balance, reduce stress, and may help regulate menstrual cycles.
Remember that licorice can affectalready elevated blood pressure.
Using herbs as allies for hormonal balance can be incredibly supportive—sometimes it’s about finding the right combination, and peony and licorice might just be the herbal duo you’ve been looking for!