The Best 5 Herbs for PCOS
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- by Lesley O'Connor

Let’s talk about the best 5 herbs for PCOS. If you’re struggling with PCOS symptoms like an irregular cycles, acne, or sugar cravings? Certain herbs can help balance hormones, support ovulation, and improve insulin sensitivity naturally. Examples include spearmint for lowering androgens and Gmnema for blood sugar control, these natural remedies may be the missing piece in your PCOS journey.
Herbs can help you:
- 1. Establish a regular cycle by improving ovulation
- 2. Help with acne, unwanted hair growth and thinking hair by lowering serum testosterone
- 3. Help weight loss by reducing insulin sensitivity
Black Cohosh
Black Cohosh can help suppress lutenising hormone (LH) which can be elevated in PCOS. Elevated LH can lead to increased testosterone production and associated symptoms like hirsutism (excess facial and body hair), acne, scalp hair thinning, oily skin, and irregular cycles.
Contraindications: History of migraines or severe headaches: Introduce black cohosh slowly.
Spearmint
Spearmint may help reduce androgen levels, alleviating symptoms like hirsutism (excess facial and body hair), acne, scalp hair thinning, oily skin, and irregular cycles in women with PCOS. Lower androgens can also support overall skin and hair health.
Recommended Dosage: 2-3 cups of strong spearmint tea per day.
Contraindications: Potential issues for individuals with LH dominance
Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto is a herb that can help manage PCOS symptoms by acting as a natural anti-androgen. It works by inhibiting 5-alpha reductase, the enzyme that converts testosterone into its more potent form, dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This can help reduce symptoms of hirsutism (excess facial and body hair), acne, and scalp hair thinning associated with high androgen levels in PCOS.
Gynmema
Gymnema is a herb known for its blood sugar-lowering and insulin-sensitizing effects, making it beneficial for women with PCOS-related insulin resistance. It works by improving glucose metabolism, enhancing insulin function, and reducing sugar cravings, which can help with weight management and blood sugar control—key factors in managing PCOS symptoms.
Caution: If already taking metformin or myo-inositol it’s best to seek medical advice.
Licorice & Peony
Together licorice and peony can help lower testosterone, increase estrogen, reduce prolactin, and balance LH and FSH levels. This helps reduce acne and facial hair, support ovulation and fertility, regulate cycles, and improve hair growth.
Contraindications: cases of high blood pressure and elevated cortisol levels.
Need more help?
Incorporating the right herbs into your routine can be a powerful way to support your PCOS symptoms naturally. However, every person’s body is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. If you’re considering herbal support, it’s always best to test first, to see if your luteising hormone is elevated. From this you can then determine if black cohosh is the best herb for you!
If you need help book in for a consultation so we can find the right approach for you. Have you tried any of these herbs for PCOS? Share your experience in the comments below, and don’t forget to pass this along to someone who might find it helpful.

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