30-07-2018, 21:47
Hi, everyone,
Like many of you, I've sure spent a TON of time on herbalist's websites trying to decipher how each NBE herb acts on the body. I stumbled upon a great .pdf from "Must Grow Bust" that summarizes the main dozen or so herbs and their effects, and I though I would share:
The .pdf: mustgrowbust.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/.../HERBAL-PROGRAM-GUIDE-C.pdf
Direct excerpts for forum purposes:
HERB | ESTROGEN | PROGESTERONE | PROLACTIN | ANTI-ANDROGEN
Alfalfa Y N Y N
Black Cohosh N N N Y
Damiana N Y N N
Dandelion Root N N N N
Dong Quai N N N N
Fennel Y Maybe Y N
Fenugreek Y Y Y N
Goat’s Rue N N Y N
Green Tea N N N Y
Hops Y Y Y N
Licorice Root Y N N Y
Pueraria Mirifica Y N N N
Red Clover Y Y N N
Red Reishi Y N N Y
Saw Palmetto N N N Y
Shatavari Y N Y N
Soy Y N Y N
Spearmint N N N Y
Vitex N Y Depends N
White Peony Y N N Y
Wild Yam Y N N N
Summary of Herbs:
Alfalfa: Another legume, alfalfa also contains phytoestrogens like spinasterol, coumestrol and coumestan. It’s also a galactogogue known to increase prolactin levels. You should know that alfalfa has mild diuretic properties and can cause upset stomach and diarrhea, ‘though it’s rare. It can also lower blood sugar and interfere with the body’s absorption of iron and Vitamin E – so alfalfa is a no-go if you’re anemic and you’ll want to supplement Vitamin E while on alfalfa.
Black Cohosh: Many people think black cohosh is a phytoestrogen, but growing evidence actually indicated that it doesn’t have general estrogen-like actions – rather, it only acts like estrogen in certain places, mainly the brain, bones, and vagina. It is, however a potent anti-androgen.
Dandelion Root: Great for a cleanse since it enhances the flow of bile in the liver while acting as a general stimulant for the urinary system and boosting digestion. It also helps detoxify your liver of excess estrogens and other hormones.
Damiana: Damiana’s mostly used as an aphrodisiac because it contains β-sitosterol and some aromatic oils that may be responsible for the stimulant effect. But it’s role in breast enhancement is a little tricky – although damiana was found to behave as progesterone in the body, it’s also been shown to raise testosterone levels by inhibiting the aromatase enzyme (which converts testosterone to estrogen). Can be very helpful for estrogen dominance.
Dong Quai: In studies, dong quai has been shown to be non-estrogenic and does not have any hormone-like actions. Especially when used just by itself, it’s mostly just good for boosting circulation thanks to coumarin, which dilates blood vessels and increases blood flow resulting in less menstrual cramps and painful periods.
Fennel: Fennel gets its licorice-like flavor from a group of natural compounds including anethole, photoanethole, and dianethole – all of which are phytoestrogens. On top of its estrogenic properties, it also increases prolactin levels, which is why it’s often recommended for nursing mothers – which can come with a risk, since fennel tea has been shown to lead to premature breast development in babies. As for progesterone, this is still up for debate – some studies say fennel increases progesterone levels and some claim it doesn’t.
Note: Fennel can increase your sensitivity to sunlight so make sure to wear sunscreen, especially if you’re light-skinned.
Fenugreek: Fenugreek seeds are mostly known for their phytoestrogenic activity because they contain diosgenin, which is a weak phytoestrogen shown to behave as estrogen in the human body. But fenugreek doesn’t just have estrogenic properties – it stimulates the ovaries to increase both estrogen and progesterone levels. It also increases prolactin production, making it one of the most popular galactogogue used to increase milk supply.
Note: Fenugreek contains an amino acid called 4-hydroxyisoleucine, which increases the body’s production of insulin when blood sugar levels are high, making fenugreek helpful for those with diabetes and high cholesterol. Of course, it should not be used if you’re prone to low blood sugar.
Also, especially in the first few weeks, you might experience mild gas and bloating but the biggest downside of fenugreek is that it has a maple syrup-y smell and can make you smell like a strange mixture of waffles and curry.
Goat’s Rue: Goat’s rue doesn’t contain any phytoestrogens, but it’s a potent galactogue, known to increase prolactin levels and encourage the development of mammary tissues. It’s most recommended for those with excess androgens, such as PCOS.
Green Tea: Green tea also inhibits 5-alpha reductase, effectively reducing the conversion of normal testosterone into the more potent DHT.
Hops: Hops is one of the most potent breast enhancement herbs since it has fairly strong estrogenic properties thanks to a substance called 8-prenyl naringenin (8-PN), which acts as a phytoestrogen to mimic natural estrogen in the body. 8-PN has also been shown to stimulate prolactin, IGF-1 and progesterone in the body. Hops’ claim to fame? Compared to other phytoestrogens, which range from 1/200 to 1/1,000 of the strength of real estrogen, the 8-PN in hop is about 1/20 the strength.
Note: Hops has mild sedative properties, which is why it’s often used to promote sleep and relaxation so it’ll be great for you if you suffer from anxiety or are high-strung. That being said, hops can worsen depression so stay clear of it if you’re prone to depression.
Licorice Root: Licorice is one of the best breast enhancement herbs because it both contains phytoestrogens, mostly Liquiritigenin, which mimic estrogen in the body and reduce testosterone. In studies, licorice has been shown to reduce blood testosterone levels in women by 50%, thanks to an active ingredient called glycrrhetinic acid, which inhibits 17B-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, the enzyme responsible for testosterone production in the ovaries hair follicles.
Pueraria Mirifica: Contains various phytoestrogens, including deoxymiroestrol, daidzein, daidzin, genistein, genistin, and coumestrol. The chromene phytoestrogens, miroestrol, isomiroestrol, and deoxymiroestrol, are possibly of a similar potency to 17B-estradiol (https://examine.com/supplements/pueraria-mirifica/). Reported to lower the likelihood of developing breast cancer. May lead to estrogen dominance due to the potency of its phytoestrogens, although this has been disputed. No evidence to support a reduction in testosterone levels.
Red Clover: Red clover is a part of the legume family, like soy, and also contains isoflavones, which are phytoestrogens. But unlike the other legumes, red clover contains all four estrogenic isoflavones: biochanin, formonoetin, daidzein, and genistein, making it one of the strongest estrogenic herbs. It’s also one of the strongest PR (progesterone)-binding herbs, so you can use red clover to increase both estrogen and progesterone levels.
Note: Red clover’s also been shown to be helpful in reducing bad cholesterol levels and stimulating the increase in bile acid. It also contains small amounts of coumarins, which dilates blood vessels and helps to keep the blood from becoming thick and gummy – a good thing overall ‘cause it prevents blood clots and arterial plaque.
(catpower's note: reducing cholesterol levels and thinning blood may be particularly beneficial for NBE, as an increased estrogen level is a known risk factor for DVTs -- blood clots in the calf that can travel to the lungs, heart, or brain).
Red Reishi: Lowers testosterone levels by reducing levels of 5-alpha reductase, which is the enzyme that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
Saw Palmetto: Saw palmetto is commonly used in breast enhancement because it blocks the conversion of testosterone into DHT (catpower's note: by acting as a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor) which is a much stronger form of testosterone. But at the same time, saw palmetto may also reduce the number of estrogen receptors, thus decreasing the effects of estrogen. This estrogen and testosterone-blocking action of saw palmetto is most likely what makes it so effective for clearing up acne.
Despite this estrogen-blocking paradox, Saw Palmetto is one of the oldest, most popularly used breast enhancement herbs. It’s commonly recommended as a breast enlarger by herbalists and homeopathists and there’s even a reference to it that dates back to 1898: ...”its (Saw Palmetto’s) most pronounced effects appear to be those exerted upon the urino-genital tracts of both male and female, and upon all the organs concerned in reproduction...to enlarge wasted organs, as the breasts, ovaries, and testicles...” King’s American Dispensatory
Shatavari: This herb literally means ”she who has a hundred husbands” and is a versatile female tonic and the main Ayurvedic rejuventation herb for women of all ages. It contains steroidal saponins and isoflavones which are phytoestrogenic and support the body’s own natural production of estrogen. Shatavari is also a galactogogue and shown to increase prolactin levels and increase growth of the mammary glands.
Soy: Probably the best-known source of isoflavones – the major ones found in soy are genistein and daidzein, both of which are phytoestrogens.
Spearmint: Spearmint tea has been shown to significantly decrease free testosterone in the body while increasing estradiol (the strongest of the estrogen hormones).
(catpower's note: Spearmint decreases free testosterone, but it does NOT inhibit 5-alpha reductase, which prevents the conversion of T to DHT. If you are taking a pro-aromatase herb to promote the conversion of T to estrogen, you may prefer a traditional 5-alpha reductase to spearmint).
Vitex (Chasteberry): Vitex is a super hormone-balancing herb. It contains no hormones itself, but it helps the body increase its production of LH, which boosts progesterone levels during the Luteal Phase of the menstrual cycle. Further helping to increase progesterone levels, vitex has also been shown to stimulate the formation of the corpus luteum, which is responsible for progesterone secretion.
Vitex’s effects on prolactin are a little more controversial – it seems to increase prolactin when taken in low doses (less than 200mg) but decreases prolactin when taken in higher doses (like 900mg).
White Peony: Peony has weak estrogen-like effects on the body and it’s great for reducing testosterone levels by promoting the aromatization of testosterone into estrogen. It’s strongest when combined with licorice, which is recommended for those with excess androgen levels (PCOS) as well as for biological males. Peony has also been shown to have a positive influence on low progesterone levels.
Wild Yam: Wild yam root also contains diosgenin, a weak phytoestrogen shown to protect against breast cancer. But wild yam has not been shown to increase estrogen nor progesterone levels. Many people mistakenly believe wild yam contains progesterone because of its diosgenin content, but the human body cannot convert diosgenin into progesterone – that must be done in a laboratory.
Like many of you, I've sure spent a TON of time on herbalist's websites trying to decipher how each NBE herb acts on the body. I stumbled upon a great .pdf from "Must Grow Bust" that summarizes the main dozen or so herbs and their effects, and I though I would share:
The .pdf: mustgrowbust.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/.../HERBAL-PROGRAM-GUIDE-C.pdf
Direct excerpts for forum purposes:
HERB | ESTROGEN | PROGESTERONE | PROLACTIN | ANTI-ANDROGEN
Alfalfa Y N Y N
Black Cohosh N N N Y
Damiana N Y N N
Dandelion Root N N N N
Dong Quai N N N N
Fennel Y Maybe Y N
Fenugreek Y Y Y N
Goat’s Rue N N Y N
Green Tea N N N Y
Hops Y Y Y N
Licorice Root Y N N Y
Pueraria Mirifica Y N N N
Red Clover Y Y N N
Red Reishi Y N N Y
Saw Palmetto N N N Y
Shatavari Y N Y N
Soy Y N Y N
Spearmint N N N Y
Vitex N Y Depends N
White Peony Y N N Y
Wild Yam Y N N N
Summary of Herbs:
Alfalfa: Another legume, alfalfa also contains phytoestrogens like spinasterol, coumestrol and coumestan. It’s also a galactogogue known to increase prolactin levels. You should know that alfalfa has mild diuretic properties and can cause upset stomach and diarrhea, ‘though it’s rare. It can also lower blood sugar and interfere with the body’s absorption of iron and Vitamin E – so alfalfa is a no-go if you’re anemic and you’ll want to supplement Vitamin E while on alfalfa.
Black Cohosh: Many people think black cohosh is a phytoestrogen, but growing evidence actually indicated that it doesn’t have general estrogen-like actions – rather, it only acts like estrogen in certain places, mainly the brain, bones, and vagina. It is, however a potent anti-androgen.
Dandelion Root: Great for a cleanse since it enhances the flow of bile in the liver while acting as a general stimulant for the urinary system and boosting digestion. It also helps detoxify your liver of excess estrogens and other hormones.
Damiana: Damiana’s mostly used as an aphrodisiac because it contains β-sitosterol and some aromatic oils that may be responsible for the stimulant effect. But it’s role in breast enhancement is a little tricky – although damiana was found to behave as progesterone in the body, it’s also been shown to raise testosterone levels by inhibiting the aromatase enzyme (which converts testosterone to estrogen). Can be very helpful for estrogen dominance.
Dong Quai: In studies, dong quai has been shown to be non-estrogenic and does not have any hormone-like actions. Especially when used just by itself, it’s mostly just good for boosting circulation thanks to coumarin, which dilates blood vessels and increases blood flow resulting in less menstrual cramps and painful periods.
Fennel: Fennel gets its licorice-like flavor from a group of natural compounds including anethole, photoanethole, and dianethole – all of which are phytoestrogens. On top of its estrogenic properties, it also increases prolactin levels, which is why it’s often recommended for nursing mothers – which can come with a risk, since fennel tea has been shown to lead to premature breast development in babies. As for progesterone, this is still up for debate – some studies say fennel increases progesterone levels and some claim it doesn’t.
Note: Fennel can increase your sensitivity to sunlight so make sure to wear sunscreen, especially if you’re light-skinned.
Fenugreek: Fenugreek seeds are mostly known for their phytoestrogenic activity because they contain diosgenin, which is a weak phytoestrogen shown to behave as estrogen in the human body. But fenugreek doesn’t just have estrogenic properties – it stimulates the ovaries to increase both estrogen and progesterone levels. It also increases prolactin production, making it one of the most popular galactogogue used to increase milk supply.
Note: Fenugreek contains an amino acid called 4-hydroxyisoleucine, which increases the body’s production of insulin when blood sugar levels are high, making fenugreek helpful for those with diabetes and high cholesterol. Of course, it should not be used if you’re prone to low blood sugar.
Also, especially in the first few weeks, you might experience mild gas and bloating but the biggest downside of fenugreek is that it has a maple syrup-y smell and can make you smell like a strange mixture of waffles and curry.
Goat’s Rue: Goat’s rue doesn’t contain any phytoestrogens, but it’s a potent galactogue, known to increase prolactin levels and encourage the development of mammary tissues. It’s most recommended for those with excess androgens, such as PCOS.
Green Tea: Green tea also inhibits 5-alpha reductase, effectively reducing the conversion of normal testosterone into the more potent DHT.
Hops: Hops is one of the most potent breast enhancement herbs since it has fairly strong estrogenic properties thanks to a substance called 8-prenyl naringenin (8-PN), which acts as a phytoestrogen to mimic natural estrogen in the body. 8-PN has also been shown to stimulate prolactin, IGF-1 and progesterone in the body. Hops’ claim to fame? Compared to other phytoestrogens, which range from 1/200 to 1/1,000 of the strength of real estrogen, the 8-PN in hop is about 1/20 the strength.
Note: Hops has mild sedative properties, which is why it’s often used to promote sleep and relaxation so it’ll be great for you if you suffer from anxiety or are high-strung. That being said, hops can worsen depression so stay clear of it if you’re prone to depression.
Licorice Root: Licorice is one of the best breast enhancement herbs because it both contains phytoestrogens, mostly Liquiritigenin, which mimic estrogen in the body and reduce testosterone. In studies, licorice has been shown to reduce blood testosterone levels in women by 50%, thanks to an active ingredient called glycrrhetinic acid, which inhibits 17B-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, the enzyme responsible for testosterone production in the ovaries hair follicles.
Pueraria Mirifica: Contains various phytoestrogens, including deoxymiroestrol, daidzein, daidzin, genistein, genistin, and coumestrol. The chromene phytoestrogens, miroestrol, isomiroestrol, and deoxymiroestrol, are possibly of a similar potency to 17B-estradiol (https://examine.com/supplements/pueraria-mirifica/). Reported to lower the likelihood of developing breast cancer. May lead to estrogen dominance due to the potency of its phytoestrogens, although this has been disputed. No evidence to support a reduction in testosterone levels.
Red Clover: Red clover is a part of the legume family, like soy, and also contains isoflavones, which are phytoestrogens. But unlike the other legumes, red clover contains all four estrogenic isoflavones: biochanin, formonoetin, daidzein, and genistein, making it one of the strongest estrogenic herbs. It’s also one of the strongest PR (progesterone)-binding herbs, so you can use red clover to increase both estrogen and progesterone levels.
Note: Red clover’s also been shown to be helpful in reducing bad cholesterol levels and stimulating the increase in bile acid. It also contains small amounts of coumarins, which dilates blood vessels and helps to keep the blood from becoming thick and gummy – a good thing overall ‘cause it prevents blood clots and arterial plaque.
(catpower's note: reducing cholesterol levels and thinning blood may be particularly beneficial for NBE, as an increased estrogen level is a known risk factor for DVTs -- blood clots in the calf that can travel to the lungs, heart, or brain).
Red Reishi: Lowers testosterone levels by reducing levels of 5-alpha reductase, which is the enzyme that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
Saw Palmetto: Saw palmetto is commonly used in breast enhancement because it blocks the conversion of testosterone into DHT (catpower's note: by acting as a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor) which is a much stronger form of testosterone. But at the same time, saw palmetto may also reduce the number of estrogen receptors, thus decreasing the effects of estrogen. This estrogen and testosterone-blocking action of saw palmetto is most likely what makes it so effective for clearing up acne.
Despite this estrogen-blocking paradox, Saw Palmetto is one of the oldest, most popularly used breast enhancement herbs. It’s commonly recommended as a breast enlarger by herbalists and homeopathists and there’s even a reference to it that dates back to 1898: ...”its (Saw Palmetto’s) most pronounced effects appear to be those exerted upon the urino-genital tracts of both male and female, and upon all the organs concerned in reproduction...to enlarge wasted organs, as the breasts, ovaries, and testicles...” King’s American Dispensatory
Shatavari: This herb literally means ”she who has a hundred husbands” and is a versatile female tonic and the main Ayurvedic rejuventation herb for women of all ages. It contains steroidal saponins and isoflavones which are phytoestrogenic and support the body’s own natural production of estrogen. Shatavari is also a galactogogue and shown to increase prolactin levels and increase growth of the mammary glands.
Soy: Probably the best-known source of isoflavones – the major ones found in soy are genistein and daidzein, both of which are phytoestrogens.
Spearmint: Spearmint tea has been shown to significantly decrease free testosterone in the body while increasing estradiol (the strongest of the estrogen hormones).
(catpower's note: Spearmint decreases free testosterone, but it does NOT inhibit 5-alpha reductase, which prevents the conversion of T to DHT. If you are taking a pro-aromatase herb to promote the conversion of T to estrogen, you may prefer a traditional 5-alpha reductase to spearmint).
Vitex (Chasteberry): Vitex is a super hormone-balancing herb. It contains no hormones itself, but it helps the body increase its production of LH, which boosts progesterone levels during the Luteal Phase of the menstrual cycle. Further helping to increase progesterone levels, vitex has also been shown to stimulate the formation of the corpus luteum, which is responsible for progesterone secretion.
Vitex’s effects on prolactin are a little more controversial – it seems to increase prolactin when taken in low doses (less than 200mg) but decreases prolactin when taken in higher doses (like 900mg).
White Peony: Peony has weak estrogen-like effects on the body and it’s great for reducing testosterone levels by promoting the aromatization of testosterone into estrogen. It’s strongest when combined with licorice, which is recommended for those with excess androgen levels (PCOS) as well as for biological males. Peony has also been shown to have a positive influence on low progesterone levels.
Wild Yam: Wild yam root also contains diosgenin, a weak phytoestrogen shown to protect against breast cancer. But wild yam has not been shown to increase estrogen nor progesterone levels. Many people mistakenly believe wild yam contains progesterone because of its diosgenin content, but the human body cannot convert diosgenin into progesterone – that must be done in a laboratory.
this is very informative, i AM busy designing a Herb schedule for myself.. this is really helpful. In mostly relied on singleherbs in past but I have a good base now... Time to trhow in lots of herbs 