Hormone Harmony: A Wild Yam & Chaste Berry Story
Hormonal imbalances can manifest in many ways—irregular cycles, mood swings, fatigue, and even digestive issues. While synthetic treatments are available, nature provides us with an abundance of plant allies that can support the body’s natural rhythms. One way to harness their benefits is through a carefully formulated body butter, infused with botanicals known for their hormone-modulating properties.
This luxurious, whipped body butter combines chaste berry-infused olive oil (Vitex agnus-castus), wild yam-infused olive oil (Dioscorea villosa), shea butter (Vitellaria paradoxa), vitamin E, frankincense essential oil (Boswellia serrata), peppermint essential oil (Mentha × piperita), and clary sage essential oil (Salvia sclarea). Applied in alternating rotation to the neck, thighs, and lower abdomen, this blend works harmoniously to support hormonal balance.
The Ingredients and Their Benefits
1. Chaste Berry (Vitex agnus-castus)-Infused Olive Oil Chaste berry has long been recognized for its ability to support hormonal equilibrium, particularly in women. Research suggests that it influences the pituitary gland, helping to regulate progesterone and estrogen balance. It is commonly used for menstrual irregularities, PMS, and menopausal discomforts.
2. Wild Yam (Dioscorea villosa)-Infused Olive Oil I must clarify something here, as misinformation is rampant online: Dioscorea villosa does not contain estrogen, nor does it convert to progesterone in the body. What it does contain is diosgenin, a plant-based steroidal saponin that is the starting point in the laboratory synthesis of progesterone. While it does not function as progesterone when applied topically, wild yam has been shown to support hormonal health, soothe muscle spasms, and assist in digestion. Historically, Mexican wild yam was utilized in the formulation of early contraceptive pills before synthetic alternatives were created. Due to its estrogen-modulating properties (not actual estrogen), it is often included in menopausal support regimens.
3. Shea Butter (Vitellaria paradoxa) Rich in vitamins A and E, shea butter nourishes the skin while providing anti-inflammatory benefits. It serves as the perfect base for this body butter, helping to deliver the medicinal compounds deep into the skin.
4. Vitamin E A powerful antioxidant, vitamin E supports skin repair and cellular health. It also plays a crucial role in protecting the delicate hormonal system from oxidative stress.
5. Frankincense Essential Oil (Boswellia serrata) Frankincense is renowned for its ability to reduce inflammation, support the nervous system, and promote hormonal balance. It works synergistically with wild yam and chaste berry to ease discomfort associated with hormonal fluctuations.
6. Peppermint Essential Oil (Mentha × piperita) Known for its cooling properties, peppermint essential oil can help alleviate headaches, hot flashes, and fatigue. It also aids in circulation, allowing the infused oils to penetrate more effectively.
7. Clary Sage Essential Oil (Salvia sclarea) Clary sage is one of the most well-known essential oils for hormonal health. It has been studied for its potential to support estrogen balance and alleviate menstrual and menopausal symptoms.
How to Use This Whipped Body Butter
To support hormonal balance, apply a small amount of this butter in alternating rotation to the neck, thighs, and lower abdomen morning and night. These areas have a high concentration of blood vessels, allowing for optimal absorption.
Castor Oil: A Separate Yet Essential Step
One important note: You will see a lot of wild yam creams on the market with castor oil and while castor oil is amazing I will not be adding castor oil (Ricinus communis) to this body butter blend, as castor oil is significantly more effective when used separately as a pack overnight. This should be a two-step process:
- Apply the hormone-supporting body butter morning and night.
- Use a castor oil pack before bed, covering the area around the liver and rinsing it off in the morning.
For best results, consider using my Castor Queen blend or a castor oil formulation infused with wild yam and chaste berry tincture.
Skin Nourishing and Hormone Harmony In a Jar
By incorporating these plant-based allies into a nourishing body butter, we embrace a WHOLISTIC, time-honored approach to wellness. While this blend does not replace medical advice, it offers a gentle, supportive tool for those seeking balance in a natural way. The synergy of these botanicals, applied consistently and mindfully, can promote harmony within the body—one luxurious application at a time. As you know I talk about synergy all the time. Without using the entire plant you lose synergy as in the willow bark-aspirin pipeline.
