Good things come to those who wait. Well that's what I've been telling myself these last few months.
I’ve been on a quest since early this year to source special ingredients to formulate my own hormone health product line. As in foods as medicine. No capsules, tablets, fillers or binders. Just pure, organic healing gifts of nature.
While my initial goals were to have four main products ready at launch time, I had many hold ups along the way and made the call in the end to drop two of these (for now) due to potentially needing to compromise on quality. Not something I'm prepared to do.
So although I was initially disappointed, I feel proud of my decision to align everything along this process with my goals of delivering high quality medicines that support women’s hormone, gut & metabolic health.
Let me share the two products I am launching today!
Over the years as a naturopath there have been a hand full of foundational healing foods that I have recommend for most women's hormone health. This year I had a light bulb moment and asked myself why am I not producing my own specialised version of these healing gifts of nature? I know I can do better!
Particularly in the space of liver detoxification for healthy hormone metabolism, preventing common issues such as oestrogen dominance which can drive symptoms such as painful & heavy periods, headaches, breast tenderness, pre-period irritability &/or puffiness.
These symptoms are becoming the ‘norm’ for women now days as we live in such a toxic society and are faced with daily insults which are liver has the job to metabolise. If it’s overwhelmed with toxins, your hormone metabolism (which also happens in the liver), will be compromised and overtime contributes to hormone imbalances.
Secondly a big reason for producing my own products was to offer digestive health support for absorption of key fat soluble vitamins from nourishing fats. To digestion of fats relies of a healthy liver, gallbladder and biliary tract- the liver produces bile, sends it on to be stored in the gallbladder and when fats are eaten, bile is released to break down the fats in the small intestine.
Something I’ve personally struggled with in the past & that I’m seeing so much of as a naturopath is as women attempt to up their intake of nourishing fats for balancing blood sugars and delivering crucial fat soluble vitamins, they are left with unwanted symptoms of sluggish fat digestion.
Amongst symptoms are bloating, pains, nausea, smelly flatulence, or even pain behind right shoulder following fat intake - whether they're nourishing fats from small oily fish, or inflammatory seed oils from deep fried products. Long term of course this negatively impacts the absorption of fat soluble vitamins, which play such an important role in hormone & fertility health (amongst more). This was a reminder for me that women need support in this area. Because the answer is not always to eat less fat.
Thirdly, blood glucose support and therefore sensitising the body to insulin was high on my list of targeting. Insulin sensitivity is critical for promoting overall hormone health and metabolism (aka fat loss). Most women seem to want a big of that, right?
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), which 8-13% of Australian women1 are effected by, is driven by insulin resistance and I wanted to provide something for these women to help re-sensitise their body's to insulin and rebalance their overall hormone, fertility and metabolic health.
Fourthly, we know how damaging inflammation can be for driving symptoms but also chronic disease in the body. So providing foods that have anti-inflammatory effects was also high on my list. This of course also helps prevent period pain, offers support for women with endometriosis and improves thyroid function (helping energy, metabolism & more)- just to name a few.
So although this list sounds massive & I could potentially throw many natural medicines at, there’s a few key players that I knew I could blend together & offer in a pleasant tasting cuppa that could even help you reduce your caffeine intake.
Once I’d decided what I wanted in my herb and spice based healing (this was the easy part), the lengthy process began to source organic radiation free ingredients that could be certified. I wanted to do things properly for complete transparency and for you all to have confidence in these products to support your health.
Fellow Nutritionist Cyndi O’Meara offered me inspiration for the organic and radiation free ingredient sourcing, after which I was sent samples to taste test and made some small refinements. I genuinely love the taste and since being out of stock from my samples, I have been really missing not having the products in my daily diet.
I had designed the labels, the website was made and when the organic certification was finally accepted, I had my labels finalised through my graphic designer friend Ash from Ornamental Plum. I wanted to go for a minimalistic design with a touch of nature, which I think I nailed.
Yessss, I was getting closer!
Labels were emailed off to the printers, sent to the packaging company and ready to package. I had previously selected the most sustainable packaging option and then the first order arrived and my heart sank…. they had put them in the wrong bags. I did want full paper packaging but not this time. But you know what, they still look great, it’s practical and will keep the precious tea blends fresh and at a higher quality when they reach you.
What. A. Process. Lucky my passion has kept me going and voila, here we are my friends, at launch time. My first 2 products are ready for you!
An organic Dandelion Root Tea blend and natural coffee alternative, designed for women seeking a natural option for liver support from daily toxin insults and overindulgences. To ultimately help with stimulating digestive health, balancing hormones and boosting your metabolism.
Enriched with additional organic ginger also known for detoxing the liver, plus supporting digestion and reducing inflammation. When thinking about this blend, I had in mind the women who are experiencing painful periods, endometrioses, headaches, migraines, puffiness, digestive issues such as bloating, pains & flatulence after consuming fats; any of the oestrogen dominance symptoms I previously listed and those who just love to over indulge (because we all do at times, right?!).
Balance Me
Infused with organic cinnamon, this Organic Dandelion Root Tea blend is a natural alternative to coffee and supports liver detoxification, digestion, blood sugar balance and overcoming sweet cravings.
When I was thinking about this blend, I had in mind the women who are struggling with the symptoms of Insulin Resistance & PCOS such as irregular periods, thinning of head hair, facial hair growth, midsection weight gain &/or skin breakouts. But also those who feel hungry often, crave sweets and have weak digestion.
If you're keen to try them, you can head straight here, or read on to understand the health benefits of regularly drinking organic Dandelion Root Tea.
When it comes to a herbal cuppa, few herbs offer such extensive health benefits as the humble dandelion. While often regarded as a pesky weed, the dandelion is actually a powerhouse of nutrients and therapeutic properties.
One of the most potent parts of this plant is its root, which, when brewed into a tea, offers a plethora of health benefits, particularly for hormone health and metabolism. Not only that but its caffeine free and is a popular coffee replacement. Win win!
Let's delve into the health benefits of incorporating Organic Dandelion Root Tea into your daily routine.
Hormonal imbalances can lead to a host of health issues, including mood swings, fatigue, weight gain, skin breakouts, irregular cycles, painful and heavy periods amongst more. Dandelion root tea can be a natural ally in maintaining hormone balance due to its unique properties:
The liver plays a crucial role in hormone regulation by metabolising and excreting excess hormones. Dandelion root is renowned for its liver-supporting abilities, promoting detoxification and improving liver function. A study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food explored the liver protective effects of dandelion root and its ability to improve liver function.2
This helps in maintaining a healthy hormone balance. Particularly for thyroid health, a healthy liver encourages the conversion of thyroid hormone T4 into the active form T3 to be used in the cell for energy, regulating body temperature and metabolic health among so much more.
Dandelion root tea acts as a natural diuretic, helping to eliminate excess water and toxins from the body. This can reduce bloating and water retention, common symptoms of hormonal imbalance. My Dandelion Root Tea blends can really make a difference to prevent pre-period puffiness and 'next day inflammation'.
Dandelion root is packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C, K, B’s + minerals iron, potassium & magnesium. These nutrients are vital for hormone health, supporting the endocrine system's proper functioning. So it doesn’t just cleanse, it also supplies nutrients as well.
Chronic inflammation can disrupt hormone balance. Dandelion root contains potent anti-inflammatory compounds that can help reduce inflammation, promoting overall hormonal harmony. Research published in the Nutrition Reviews highlighted the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of dandelion, which can contribute to its overall health benefits, including hormone regulation.3
A sluggish metabolism can lead to weight gain and difficulty losing weight, especially around the midsection. Dandelion root tea offers several benefits that can help rev up your metabolism and support weight management:
Dandelion root tea stimulates digestion by promoting the production of gastric juices and bile. Improved digestion ensures that nutrients are efficiently absorbed, boosting metabolic processes and energy production.
Fluctuations in blood sugar levels can affect metabolism and energy levels. Research in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences found that Dandelion root tea has been shown to help regulate blood sugar levels and improve metabolism4, thanks to its inulin content. Inulin is a type of soluble fiber that slows the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream.
Now it’s worth noting that this is the dandelion root tea alone- both blends have additional spices that have known blood sugar regulating effects.
Drinking dandelion root tea before meals can help suppress appetite, making it easier to manage portion sizes and reduce calorie intake. This can be particularly beneficial for those looking to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.
The antioxidants in dandelion root tea, such as beta-carotene and polyphenols, protect the body’s cells from oxidative stress. This protection can enhance metabolic functions and promote overall vitality.
Organic dandelion root tea is more than just a comforting beverage, it's a potent natural remedy that can significantly benefit your hormone health and metabolism. By supporting liver function, aiding digestion and providing essential nutrients, dandelion root tea helps maintain hormonal balance and boosts metabolism.
Our favourite way to drink Dandelion Tea with additional liver cleansing benefits is through our Back To The Paddock Organic Dandelion Tea Blends.
As a special introductory offer (for a week only), you can use code LAUNCHPARTY for a special introductory price.
Get all the details and try them out using the introductory code, here.
I look forward to hearing your feedback as we sip our way to healthy hormones together.
References
2) Choi, U. K., Lee, O. H., & Yim, J. H. (2010). “Hepatoprotective effect of dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) root against acute liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride in mice.” Journal of Medicinal Food, 13(3), 549-556. doi:10.1089/jmf.2009.1227.
3) Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale): A review of its potential role in the prevention and treatment of several diseases.” Nutrition Reviews, 70(11), 622-640. doi:10.1111/j.1753-4887.2012.00525.x.
4) Lobo, V., Patil, A., Phatak, A., & Chandra, N. (2010). "Free radicals, antioxidants and functional foods: Impact on human health." Pharmacognosy Reviews, 4(8), 118-126. doi:10.4103/0973-7847.70902.
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