Reproductive-health Foods & Herbs List: An Ayurveda Perspective

Categories / Concern / Reproductive-Health

Share Content with Friends & Clients

Click one of the buttons above, or cut and paste the following link to share this page with your network. This link will automatically track your referrals to Joyful Belly:

Share URL for Reproductive-Health

Copy Link

About Sharing Content & Referrals.

Reported by John Immel Asheville, NC
About Reproductive-Health Browse Recipes

AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE ON REPRODUCTIVE-HEALTH

Comparing Sex Hormones

Each of the main sex hormones has unique biocharacteristics that affect the entire constitution. Based on this analysis, which hormones are dominant in your constitution?

Testosterone - Hot, moist, heavy

Male sex hormone but still needed in women. Anabolic muscle builder, gives umph & vigor. See also Anti-androgen for herbs that reduce testosterone. Testosterone production is stimulated by release of LH and FSH from the pituitary.

Deficiency causes fatigue, lack of motivation, low libido, lack of vigor.
Hypothyroid stimulates pituitary => stimulates PCOS
Dopaminergic herbs relax pituitary => anti-androgen

Estrogen - Heavy, Moist, Anxiolytic

Female sex hormone. Anabolic muscle builder. See also Anti estrogenic herbs. Cooler than progesterone. Estrogen deficiency (as in menopause) causes a drop in heat / metabolism.

Symptoms of Excess Estrogen - Overweight, K+, damp, heavy periods (due to thicker endometrium), tender breasts during menses, PCOS, Fibroids, Endometriosis.
Symptoms of Deficient Estrogen - Light period, dryness, low libido, bone loss.

Progesterone - Hot, Dry, Relaxing

Progesterone is a warm, muscle relaxing hormone that maintains and prepares uterine lining for implantation. Elevated during pregnancy and luteal phase of menstrual cycle. It relaxes muscles and especially the pelvic floor to prepare hips for childbirth. This relaxing quality also acts as a vasodilator that can lead to varicose veins. Progesterone raises body temperature - it is essentially metabolic/catabolic but more regulatory. It builds muscle mass. As pregnancy hormones naturally suppress fertility hormones, progesterone tempers/opposes estrogen. It is diuretic.

Symptoms of Deficient Progesterone - Loss of self-esteem, withdrawal tendencies, fatigue. Short luteal phase (short menstrual cycle). Progesterone deficiency mimics estrogen dominance i.e. painful, swollen or lumpy breasts, etc.
Symptoms of Excess Progesterone - Light or delayed period.

Oxytocin - Hot, Light, Tense

Stimulates uterine contraction (during labor, postpartum, etc), release of breast milk (let down reflex). Tribal (+bonding to infant, loyal to inner circle, hostile to outsiders / other groups / people with different opinions / cultures / beliefs). Produced by pituitary, stimulated by breastfeeding, ejaculation. Anabolic to muscle and bone, but causes weight loss (catabolic) through reducing food intake, increasing energy expenditure and inducing lipolysis.

Symptoms of Deficient Oxytocin: Objective, unbiased but also more detached, indifferent to those close to you.
Excess oxytocin (side effect of hormonal birth control): Miscarriage, tribal behaviors, hostility towards outsiders, nepotistic behaviors, reduces libido and alters sexual preferences.

Prolactin (galactagogue) - Cold, Heavy, Dry

Causes production of breast milk. Suppresses fertility & menstruation by decreasing estrogen and testosterone (which is why breastfeeding women do not menstruate). Suppresses fat metabolism (leading to weight gain) but also suppresses fat storage (leading to hyperglycemia) so that sugars will be available in milk. Stimulates insulin release. Causes vaginal dryness. As it suppresses reproductive hormones, prolactin is associated with depression, anxiety, and hostility. Hypothyroidism causes higher prolactin levels. See also anti-prolactin herbs.

Increased by pregnancy, nipple stimulation, stress, hormonal birth control, & pituitary stimulation (often due to hypothyroid).
Decreased by dopaminergic (as in mint).

Estrogen Effects, Dominance, & Deficiency

INGREDIENTS AFFECTING REPRODUCTIVE-HEALTH

View By: Dosha Herbal Action Biocharacteristics (energetics) Taste System Meal Season

Reduces
Papaya
Reduces
Almonds
Poppy Seed
Reduces
Flower / Bee Pollen
Parsley (Fresh)
Reduces
Tofu
Reduces
Rose Petals

Browse Reproductive-health Recipes

HERBS & SUPPLEMENTS AFFECTING REPRODUCTIVE-HEALTH

View By: Dosha Herbal Action Biocharacteristics (energetics) Taste System

Neutral (Tridoshic)
Avoid endocrine disruptors
Chastetree Berry
Geranium
Motherwort
Reduces
Ashwagandha Ghee
Saw Palmetto
Reduces
Bala
Black Cohosh
Gokshuradi Guggulu
KapiKacchu
Safed Musali
Shatavari
Shatavari Ghee
Vidari
Reduces
Ashwagandha
Ginseng, Chinese
Aggravates
Blue Cohosh
Reduces
Gokshura
Reduces
Ashoka
Ashokarishta - Menstrual Tonic
Jasmine Flower
Manjistha
Pennyroyal
Raspberry Leaf Tea
Rose Hips
Yarrow
Reduces
Damiana
Guggulu
Shilajit Tonic
Incomplete
Ashwagandhadi Vati
Black Haw
Cypress Essential Oil - 1/3 oz
Muira puama
Patchouli Leaf Powder
Red Peony

HELPFUL FOR*

'Reproductive-health' may be helpful for these symptoms and causes below.

TYPE: CONCERN

Reproductive-Health Recipes Listed By Strength

Browse By Popularity

About the Author

John Immel, the founder of Joyful Belly, teaches people how to have a healthy diet and lifestyle with Ayurveda. His approach to Ayurveda is clinical, yet exudes an ease which many find enjoyable and insightful. John also directs the Joyful Belly College of Ayurveda, offering professional clinical training in Ayurveda for over 15 years.

John's hobbies & specialties include advanced digestive disorders, medieval Catholic philosophy, & botany. He holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Harvard University. John, his wife Natalie and their 7 kids live in Asheville, NC

Learn More

College of Ayurvedic Diet & Digestion

Reproductive-health - Foods & Herbs ListCLASSIFICATION OF FOOD, HERBS, & LIFESTYLE

AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE ON REPRODUCTIVE-HEALTH

Comparing Sex Hormones

Testosterone - Hot, moist, heavy

Estrogen - Heavy, Moist, Anxiolytic

Progesterone - Hot, Dry, Relaxing

Oxytocin - Hot, Light, Tense

Prolactin (galactagogue) - Cold, Heavy, Dry

Estrogen Effects, Dominance, & Deficiency

INGREDIENTS AFFECTING REPRODUCTIVE-HEALTH

Reduces

Reduces

Reduces

Reduces

Reduces

Sattvic SATTVIC Sattvic foods promote awareness and a refreshed mind by nourishing the body without taxing digestion. Sattvic foods do not stimulate desire or nervous energy. They create clarity instead of drowsiness or heaviness. SEE ALL 'SATTVIC' FOODS / HERBS

SATTVIC

NERVE-RELAXANT-GROUNDING

Ojas OJAS Ojas is the essence of healthy tissue, immunity, stable energy and happiness. Substances that improve ojas are recommended after long-term illness, debility, emotional and physical trauma, and even sadness. SEE ALL 'OJAS' FOODS / HERBS

OJAS

Reproductive REPRODUCTIVE Reproductive tissue (Shukra/Artava Dhatu) includes male and female reproductive organs. SEE ALL 'REPRODUCTIVE' FOODS / HERBS

REPRODUCTIVE

Blood Plasma Lymph BLOOD-PLASMA-LYMPH Plasma (Rasa Dhatu) includes plasma, white blood cells, and lymph. SEE ALL 'BLOOD-PLASMA-LYMPH' FOODS / HERBS

BLOOD-PLASMA-LYMPH

Nutritive NUTRITIVE An herb that is strengthening and nourishing. SEE ALL 'NUTRITIVE' FOODS / HERBS

NUTRITIVE

Alkalizing ALKALIZING An herb or food that makes the urine more alkaline (higher pH). This herbal action can be helpful for a number of inflammatory conditions. SEE ALL 'ALKALIZING' FOODS / HERBS

ALKALIZING

Aphrodisiac APHRODISIAC Herbs that increase sexual arousal through various actions including increased circulation, relaxation, stimulation, or tonics that strengthen glandular health. SEE ALL 'APHRODISIAC' FOODS / HERBS

APHRODISIAC

Anti Inflammatory ANTI-INFLAMMATORY Reduces inflammation in the body. Different herbs and carriers target different body systems. SEE ALL 'ANTI-INFLAMMATORY' FOODS / HERBS

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY

Appetite Suppressant APPETITE-SUPPRESSANT Suppresses hunger without causing weight gain. SEE ALL 'APPETITE-SUPPRESSANT' FOODS / HERBS

APPETITE-SUPPRESSANT

Uterine Tonic UTERINE-TONIC An herb that tonifies and strengthens the uterus. Helpful for menstrual difficulties and fertility. Often herbs that increase ojas, but also circulation to reproductive system. SEE ALL 'UTERINE-TONIC' FOODS / HERBS

UTERINE-TONIC

Air AIR Resembles air (vayu) in quality - highly mobile, drying, light, cold, subtle, rough. SEE ALL 'AIR' FOODS / HERBS

AIR

Stimulates Energy STIMULATES-ENERGY This category groups thyroid and adrenal stimulating herbs. SEE ALL 'STIMULATES-ENERGY' FOODS / HERBS

STIMULATES-ENERGY

Downward DOWNWARD Downward-moving (Adho Gati Marga) substances move food downward in the GI tract, settle the nervous system, and relax muscles. SEE ALL 'DOWNWARD' FOODS / HERBS

DOWNWARD

Earth EARTH Resembles earth (prithvi) in quality - heavy, dense, solid, stable, hard. SEE ALL 'EARTH' FOODS / HERBS

EARTH

Diuretic DIURETIC Herbs that promote urine formation, thereby flushing the kidneys and urinary tract while eliminating any excess water retention. As diuretics reduce water retention, they are often used to reduce blood pressure. SEE ALL 'DIURETIC' FOODS / HERBS

DIURETIC

Promotes Fertility PROMOTES-FERTILITY An herb that promotes fertility. Generally used by women who wish to become pregnant. These herbs may also help with menstrual problems of deficiency, such as amenorrhea (lack of a period). SEE ALL 'PROMOTES-FERTILITY' FOODS / HERBS

PROMOTES-FERTILITY

Muscle Relaxant MUSCLE-RELAXANT Herbs that relax muscles. Helpful for chronic pain or tension as well as healing from physical trauma. SEE ALL 'MUSCLE-RELAXANT' FOODS / HERBS

MUSCLE-RELAXANT

Tonic TONIC A tonic herb restores function through strengthening tissue. This can happen through a combination of nourishing the tissue, and invigorating tissue metabolism. The tonic should not be withering, as in caffeine. SEE ALL 'TONIC' FOODS / HERBS

TONIC

Antispasmodic ANTISPASMODIC Herbs that reduce or inhibit muscle spasms or cramping, such as in asthma, menstruation, heart palpitations, migraine, or IBS. SEE ALL 'ANTISPASMODIC' FOODS / HERBS

ANTISPASMODIC

Progesteronic PROGESTERONIC Progeserone is the pregnancy hormone. It raises body temperature (Pitta), and suppresses menstruation. It is generally more extroverted. SEE ALL 'PROGESTERONIC' FOODS / HERBS

PROGESTERONIC

Nervine NERVINE Balances the nervous system. They can help with stress, memory, early alzheimer's, and even chronic pain. Often they are aromatic in nature. SEE ALL 'NERVINE' FOODS / HERBS

NERVINE

Analgesic ANALGESIC Pain reliever, reduces pain without eliminating sensation. Also known as anodyne. SEE ALL 'ANALGESIC' FOODS / HERBS

ANALGESIC

Cold COLD Cold refers to anything that reduces body temperature, metabolism, and blood flow. SEE ALL 'COLD' FOODS / HERBS

COLD

Heavy HEAVY Heavy is identified by sedation, sluggishness, or increased weight. SEE ALL 'HEAVY' FOODS / HERBS

HEAVY

Hot HOT Hot is identified by increased body temperature, metabolism, or inflammation. SEE ALL 'HOT' FOODS / HERBS

HOT

Liquefied LIQUEFIED Substances that thin fluids (lower viscosity of blood plasma). These may include blood thinners or mucolytic herbs. SEE ALL 'LIQUEFIED' FOODS / HERBS

LIQUEFIED

Oily OILY In Ayurveda, oily refers to anything moistening. More specifically, oily refers to building substances that increases fat, or are themselves fatty. For example, sugar is Oily. SEE ALL 'OILY' FOODS / HERBS

OILY

Easy EASY Easy refers to anything easy to digest, or digests quickly. SEE ALL 'EASY' FOODS / HERBS

EASY

Dry DRY Dry is identified by lack of moisture, lack of fat, or anything that causes diuresis. SEE ALL 'DRY' FOODS / HERBS

DRY

Difficult DIFFICULT Difficult refers to anything that is difficult to digest, or takes a long time to digest. SEE ALL 'DIFFICULT' FOODS / HERBS

DIFFICULT

Light LIGHT Lightness is identified by reduced weight. SEE ALL 'LIGHT' FOODS / HERBS

LIGHT

Clear CLEAR Clear refers to anything that cleanses or flushes out wastes, or that digests ama. SEE ALL 'CLEAR' FOODS / HERBS

Sattvic
SATTVIC
Sattvic foods promote awareness and a refreshed mind by nourishing the body without taxing digestion. Sattvic foods do not stimulate desire or nervous energy. They create clarity instead of drowsiness or heaviness.
SEE ALL 'SATTVIC' FOODS / HERBS

Ojas
OJAS
Ojas is the essence of healthy tissue, immunity, stable energy and happiness. Substances that improve ojas are recommended after long-term illness, debility, emotional and physical trauma, and even sadness.
SEE ALL 'OJAS' FOODS / HERBS

Reproductive
REPRODUCTIVE
Reproductive tissue (Shukra/Artava Dhatu) includes male and female reproductive organs.
SEE ALL 'REPRODUCTIVE' FOODS / HERBS

Blood Plasma Lymph
BLOOD-PLASMA-LYMPH
Plasma (Rasa Dhatu) includes plasma, white blood cells, and lymph.
SEE ALL 'BLOOD-PLASMA-LYMPH' FOODS / HERBS

Nutritive
NUTRITIVE
An herb that is strengthening and nourishing.
SEE ALL 'NUTRITIVE' FOODS / HERBS

Alkalizing
ALKALIZING
An herb or food that makes the urine more alkaline (higher pH). This herbal action can be helpful for a number of inflammatory conditions.
SEE ALL 'ALKALIZING' FOODS / HERBS

Aphrodisiac
APHRODISIAC
Herbs that increase sexual arousal through various actions including increased circulation, relaxation, stimulation, or tonics that strengthen glandular health.
SEE ALL 'APHRODISIAC' FOODS / HERBS

Anti Inflammatory
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY
Reduces inflammation in the body. Different herbs and carriers target different body systems.
SEE ALL 'ANTI-INFLAMMATORY' FOODS / HERBS

Appetite Suppressant
APPETITE-SUPPRESSANT
Suppresses hunger without causing weight gain.
SEE ALL 'APPETITE-SUPPRESSANT' FOODS / HERBS

Uterine Tonic
UTERINE-TONIC
An herb that tonifies and strengthens the uterus. Helpful for menstrual difficulties and fertility. Often herbs that increase ojas, but also circulation to reproductive system.
SEE ALL 'UTERINE-TONIC' FOODS / HERBS

Air
AIR
Resembles air (vayu) in quality - highly mobile, drying, light, cold, subtle, rough.
SEE ALL 'AIR' FOODS / HERBS

Stimulates Energy
STIMULATES-ENERGY
This category groups thyroid and adrenal stimulating herbs.
SEE ALL 'STIMULATES-ENERGY' FOODS / HERBS

Downward
DOWNWARD
Downward-moving (Adho Gati Marga) substances move food downward in the GI tract, settle the nervous system, and relax muscles.
SEE ALL 'DOWNWARD' FOODS / HERBS

Earth
EARTH
Resembles earth (prithvi) in quality - heavy, dense, solid, stable, hard.
SEE ALL 'EARTH' FOODS / HERBS

Diuretic
DIURETIC
Herbs that promote urine formation, thereby flushing the kidneys and urinary tract while eliminating any excess water retention. As diuretics reduce water retention, they are often used to reduce blood pressure.
SEE ALL 'DIURETIC' FOODS / HERBS

Promotes Fertility
PROMOTES-FERTILITY
An herb that promotes fertility. Generally used by women who wish to become pregnant. These herbs may also help with menstrual problems of deficiency, such as amenorrhea (lack of a period).
SEE ALL 'PROMOTES-FERTILITY' FOODS / HERBS

Muscle Relaxant
MUSCLE-RELAXANT
Herbs that relax muscles. Helpful for chronic pain or tension as well as healing from physical trauma.
SEE ALL 'MUSCLE-RELAXANT' FOODS / HERBS

Tonic
TONIC
A tonic herb restores function through strengthening tissue. This can happen through a combination of nourishing the tissue, and invigorating tissue metabolism. The tonic should not be withering, as in caffeine.
SEE ALL 'TONIC' FOODS / HERBS

Antispasmodic
ANTISPASMODIC
Herbs that reduce or inhibit muscle spasms or cramping, such as in asthma, menstruation, heart palpitations, migraine, or IBS.
SEE ALL 'ANTISPASMODIC' FOODS / HERBS

Progesteronic
PROGESTERONIC
Progeserone is the pregnancy hormone. It raises body temperature (Pitta), and suppresses menstruation. It is generally more extroverted.
SEE ALL 'PROGESTERONIC' FOODS / HERBS

Nervine
NERVINE
Balances the nervous system. They can help with stress, memory, early alzheimer's, and even chronic pain. Often they are aromatic in nature.
SEE ALL 'NERVINE' FOODS / HERBS

Analgesic
ANALGESIC
Pain reliever, reduces pain without eliminating sensation. Also known as anodyne.
SEE ALL 'ANALGESIC' FOODS / HERBS

Cold
COLD
Cold refers to anything that reduces body temperature, metabolism, and blood flow.
SEE ALL 'COLD' FOODS / HERBS

Heavy
HEAVY
Heavy is identified by sedation, sluggishness, or increased weight.
SEE ALL 'HEAVY' FOODS / HERBS

Hot
HOT
Hot is identified by increased body temperature, metabolism, or inflammation.
SEE ALL 'HOT' FOODS / HERBS

Liquefied
LIQUEFIED
Substances that thin fluids (lower viscosity of blood plasma). These may include blood thinners or mucolytic herbs.
SEE ALL 'LIQUEFIED' FOODS / HERBS

Oily
OILY
In Ayurveda, oily refers to anything moistening. More specifically, oily refers to building substances that increases fat, or are themselves fatty. For example, sugar is Oily.
SEE ALL 'OILY' FOODS / HERBS

Easy
EASY
Easy refers to anything easy to digest, or digests quickly.
SEE ALL 'EASY' FOODS / HERBS

Dry
DRY
Dry is identified by lack of moisture, lack of fat, or anything that causes diuresis.
SEE ALL 'DRY' FOODS / HERBS

Difficult
DIFFICULT
Difficult refers to anything that is difficult to digest, or takes a long time to digest.
SEE ALL 'DIFFICULT' FOODS / HERBS

Light
LIGHT
Lightness is identified by reduced weight.
SEE ALL 'LIGHT' FOODS / HERBS

Clear
CLEAR
Clear refers to anything that cleanses or flushes out wastes, or that digests ama.
SEE ALL 'CLEAR' FOODS / HERBS

Sweet
SWEET
Sweet refers to anything builds tissue, including macronutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins and fats.
SEE ALL 'SWEET' FOODS / HERBS

Astringent
ASTRINGENT
Astringency is characterized by constriction, drawing together, or drying.
SEE ALL 'ASTRINGENT' FOODS / HERBS

Crunchy
CRUNCHY
Makes an audible noise when you eat them. Can provide fun texture variation.
SEE ALL 'CRUNCHY' FOODS / HERBS

Pungent
PUNGENT
Pungency is characterized by irritation, or sharp, spicy foods that irritate the mouth such as black pepper.
SEE ALL 'PUNGENT' FOODS / HERBS

Bitter
BITTER
Bitter taste has cholagogue action - it is cold, clear, light, and stimulating. It increases digestive enzymes and is laxative, and drying.
SEE ALL 'BITTER' FOODS / HERBS

Salty
SALTY
Salty refers to anything with salt, or high mineral content.
SEE ALL 'SALTY' FOODS / HERBS

Sour
SOUR
Sour refers to anything fermented or acidic.
SEE ALL 'SOUR' FOODS / HERBS

Skin Care
SKIN-CARE
Includes skin care, and anything that nourishes epithelial membranes (of digestive, respiratory, urinary tract, blood vessels, etc).
SEE ALL 'SKIN-CARE' FOODS / HERBS

Anti Aging
ANTI-AGING
Geriatric conditions typically involve low agni / metabolism, poor circulation, weakness & debility, muscle weakening, poor digestion, a drop in sex hormones, and connective tissue degradation in bones & skin.
SEE ALL 'ANTI-AGING' FOODS / HERBS

Energy Vitality
ENERGY-VITALITY
Includes vitality improving foods, herbs, and exercises by dosha.
SEE ALL 'ENERGY-VITALITY' FOODS / HERBS

Aphrodisiac
APHRODISIAC
Herbs that increase sexual arousal through various actions including increased circulation, relaxation, stimulation, or tonics that strengthen glandular health.
SEE ALL 'APHRODISIAC' FOODS / HERBS

Anti Inflammatory
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY
Reduces inflammation in the body. Different herbs and carriers target different body systems.
SEE ALL 'ANTI-INFLAMMATORY' FOODS / HERBS