Dr. Nicole Sundene, NMD
Good news for women with anxiety! We can now treat your anxiety, libido, weight gain, diabetes, and loss of lean muscle all at once with schisandra thanks to the latest research! Menopausal women that took my favorite anxiety herb, schisandra, had improved quadriceps muscle strength in a few recent research studies [1,2]
This is important because loss of female hormones with menopause causes Osteoporosis AND a loss of lean muscle. When women lose lean muscle they are essentially losing their metabolism, as your muscles are pretty much the only thing burning calories in your body. Therefore taking a super safe, gentle herb like schisandra or ashwaghanda is important to prevent that postmenopausal weight gain that tends to happen in perimenopause and menopause. It is all about prevention ladies!!
I should forewarn women that I prescribe schisandra not just for anxiety, but also for poor libido and liver support. So if you don’t want a libido then definitely proceed with caution as I certainly don’t want you getting into trouble for picking up a second husband!! 😉
I am certainly not a homewrecker!
Otherwise, most of my menopausal patients need the libido enhancing effects of schisandra and research also found it effective in treating menopausal symptoms so this is a game changer! [4]
Plus the best part is that it is a very safe, gentle herb, as it is just Chinese berries. Personally, I prefer capsules to the tea or tincture form which has a bit of a bitter, Christmas tree type of flavor. I have most women on about 2 capsules twice daily of Schisandra for anxiety, weight loss, libido, and menopausal support.
The flavonoids in schisandra or the red berry color were also shown via research to help with weight loss. Managing high blood sugar is likely the mechanism for weight loss, as in a recent research study schisandra was found effective at lowering both high fasting glucose and high insulin levels and is therefore safe, and effective for women with diabetes and insulin resistance. [3]
But the most cost effective way of getting schisandra in your system is via the tincture method in my Instagram video. I fill my bottle about half full of berries and continue to shake it every few days for about 4-6 weeks and be sure to ensure the vodka is always covering the berries. Then strain and take a full or half teaspoon twice daily or more for anxiety.
The giant bottle of schisandra tincture I made in my Instagram video will last me for several years and is super inexpensive and fun to make! So if you are on a budget then the tincture is the way to go!
Be sure to only buy organic herbs from reputable brands trusted by your Naturopathic Doctor.
Check out my latest Women’s Health Masterclass “Mental Health and Hormones” to learn more of my best tips for your mental health. This free women's masterclass is not something you will want to miss! Plus it is 100% FREE so there are no excuses getting yourself educated on how female hormones impact mental health:
If you want to treat yourself to a Naturopathic visit simply give us a call, or pop over to my SCHEDULE page. I would be happy to help you with your anxiety, or women's health!
Dr. Nicole Sundene
(480) 837-0900
Dr. Sundene is a Naturopathic Doctor in Scottsdale, Arizona, and is a Female Hormone Expert in Women's Health and Bioidentical Hormones. She specializes in Holistic Women's Health for Menopause, Thyroid, Hashimotos, PMS, Perimenopause, Autoimmune, Postpartum, Chronic Fatigue, Depression, Anxiety, Food Allergies, Digestion, Dermatology, Acne, Psoriasis, Eczema, and Adrenal Hormonal Conditions. In 1999 she began working for a Hormone Doctor prior to starting Naturopathic Medical School. With over 23 years of experience in both Prescription and Natural women's health and hormones, she presents to women the best-integrated health solutions for their Chronic Disease.
She has been an Herbalist for over 28 years and enjoys teaching women how to use herbs to balance their hormones, nutrition and optimize their health. Dr. Sundene relies on blood testing for her hormone metrics. The hormone testing is covered per the patient's insurance plan (not Medicaid) and conducted at certain points in the woman's menstrual cycle. To learn more about Hormone Testing for Women Visit: Bioidentical Hormones. Follow Dr. Sundene on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook for more tips on Women's Health, Female Hormones, and Naturopathy!
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