Women / Hormonal Balance

Buy supplements for women: from chasteberry to evening primrose oil

In this collection we have gathered herbs, oils and formulas with vitamins and minerals that are often chosen by women. This includes classic herbs such as chasteberry, wild yam and maca, evening primrose oil as a source of omega-6 fatty acids, and formulas with vitamins and minerals. Some of these contain vitamin B6: vitamin B6 contributes to the regulation of hormonal activity and to normal psychological function. Vitamin B12 and magnesium, which you may find in some formulas, also contribute to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. These claims apply only to the vitamins and minerals mentioned, not to the herbs in this collection.

In this collection you will find both individual herbal extracts and combined formulas. Think of chasteberry extract and wild yam from brands such as Vit4ever, Swanson and Osavi, maca as a capsule or extract, evening primrose oil in softgels from Vit4ever and LUTO Supplements, the Ayurvedic formula Menosan from Himalaya and a combined formula from Vit4ever with, among other things, vitamin B6, B12 and magnesium. This allows you to choose a single ingredient or a broader combination, in capsules, tablets or softgels.

What can you find in this collection?

The products in this collection are food supplements and are not a substitute for a varied diet. No permitted health claims exist for the herbs in this collection, such as chasteberry, wild yam, maca, shatavari and sage; we therefore describe them without any claims about their effects. Health claims are permitted for vitamin B6, vitamin B12 and magnesium; you can read about these further down.

Chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus)

Chasteberry is the fruit of the chaste tree, Vitex agnus-castus, a Mediterranean shrub with small pepper-like berries. It is one of the best-known herbs in European tradition and is usually offered as a standardized extract in tablets or capsules. In this collection you will find, among other things, chasteberry extract from Vit4ever. Chasteberry is also included in a combined formula from Vit4ever.

Wild yam

Wild yam is the root of the wild yam plant (Dioscorea villosa or Mexican Dioscorea). The plant naturally contains diosgenin, a plant substance that extracts are often standardized to, for example to 20 percent. Here you will find wild yam as root powder and as concentrated extract, in capsules from brands including Vit4ever and Swanson, in various dosages and bottle sizes.

Maca (Lepidium meyenii)

Maca is a tuber from the Andes mountains in Peru, where the root has been grown as a food crop at high altitudes for centuries. For supplements, the root is dried and ground into powder or concentrated into an extract, such as a 5:1 or 10:1 extract. This collection includes maca capsules and maca powder from Swanson, Osavi and German Elite Nutrition, ranging from standard dosages to concentrated varieties.

Evening primrose oil

Evening primrose oil is the oil from the seeds of the evening primrose, a plant that originally comes from North America. The oil is a source of omega-6 fatty acids, including gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). Here you will find evening primrose oil in softgels, including the 1000 mg softgels from LUTO Supplements and the 2000 mg softgels from Vit4ever, often with some natural vitamin E added.

Menosan from Himalaya

Menosan from Himalaya is an Ayurvedic herbal formula containing, among other things, shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) and sage. It is a plant-based supplement that you take according to the directions on the packaging.

Vitamin B6, B12 and magnesium

Some formulas in this collection combine herbal extracts with vitamins and minerals. Health claims are permitted for these nutrients. Vitamin B6 contributes to the regulation of hormonal activity, to normal energy-yielding metabolism, to normal psychological function and to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. Vitamin B12 and magnesium also contribute to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue and to normal psychological function. Magnesium also contributes to normal muscle function and to the normal function of the nervous system.

Forms and dosage

The products are available in various forms: capsules and tablets for the herbal extracts and combined formulas, and softgels for evening primrose oil. Extracts are often indicated with a ratio such as 5:1 or 10:1 or with a percentage of a certain plant substance, which indicates the concentration relative to dried plant material. The amount you take per day varies by product and brand. Always follow the directions on the packaging for the correct dosage.

Who they are for and what to look for when buying

This collection has been put together for women who are specifically looking for herbs or formulas. When making your choice, pay attention to the form (individual herb or combination formula), the dosage per capsule, the number of capsules per bottle and whether you want a vegan version. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking medication, consult a doctor or pharmacist before starting an herbal supplement.

Which product is right for my situation?

If you are looking for a single ingredient, the individual extracts of chasteberry, wild yam or maca are a logical starting point. If you prefer a ready-made combination, look at a combined formula such as those from Vit4ever or Himalaya. If in doubt, consult your GP and always read the label.

What forms of maca are there (yellow, red, black)?

Maca naturally occurs in different colors, depending on the root: yellow, red and black maca. Yellow maca is the most common and most widely grown variety and is therefore most often offered as powder or capsules. Red and black maca are rarer and are sometimes sold as separate varieties or in a mixed form. The colors refer to the original root material; which form you choose is mainly a matter of availability and preference. Follow the directions on the packaging for the dosage.

Also view our related collections Maca, Wild Yam, Magnesium and Herbs & Plants for more options.