Balance your hormones with Japanese adaptogenic herbs

In January's cooking workshop focused on meals to restore stress hormone balance, we discussed the idea that "hormone tolerance varies from person to person." We explored how, just like a bucket overflowing with water, releasing some of that water can alleviate the situation—enhancing stress adaptability, improving energy, and maintaining the body’s balance. So, what are the Japanese herbs known for these effects?

1. Japanese Adaptogens for Hormonal Balance

• Black Soybean Tea

  • Features: Antioxidant effect (anthocyanin), isoflavone (hormonal support), dietary fiber (improves intestinal environment)

  • How to use: Drink as a tea, mix powder into smoothies, or add to soups.

  • Recommendation: Caffeine-free, so it is safe to drink at night.

• Matcha

  • Features: L-theanine reduces stress, stabilizes blood sugar levels, and regulates cortisol balance

  • How to use: Drink a matcha latte with almond or oat milk every morning.

• Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)

  • Benefits: Adaptogenic properties that reduce stress and promote deep sleep

  • How to use: Add the powder to herbal tea or soup and drink before going to bed at night.

• Kudzu (kudzu root)

  • Benefits: Supports the digestive system (closely related to hormone regulation)

  • How to use: Use kudzu to thicken soups and sauces, or drink it as a stomach-soothing tea.

2. How can it be used practically in everyday life?

1. Morning routine: Start with a hormone-balancing tea

   • Start your day with a matcha latte or black bean tea to balance cortisol (the stress hormone) without the sudden energy spikes that come with caffeine.

     
     

2. Midday Reset: Add to a Balanced Diet

   • Incorporate adaptogens into your cooking:

     • Add kudzu starch to miso soup or dashi soup

     • Mix reishi powder into salad dressings or add it to soups.

       
       

3. Evening Ritual: Relax and Rejuvenate

   • Drink black bean tea or Reishi tea an hour before going to bed to relax and take care of your hormones. Deep sleep is essential for hormone production.

   
   

3. Combine with other habits that support hormone balance

• Diet : Eat foods high in phytoestrogens such as tofu, miso, and soybeans along with adaptogens (be careful not to eat too much)

• Exercise : Try yoga or walking to enhance the gentle effects of adaptogens.

• Stress Management : Combining adaptogens with mindfulness and meditation can help prevent stress-related hormonal disruptions.