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PCOS and Herbal Remedies (Cinnamon, Spearmint, Ashwagandha)

ByDiwanshu Dika
Updated: 21 Jan 2026, 2:30 pm
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Astik Joshi, Consultant - Psychiatry, Fortis Hospital

Women with PCOS often explore herbal remedies like cinnamon, spearmint, and ashwagandha to support insulin regulation, hormone balance, and stress management. While these herbs may offer benefits, they cannot replace medical treatment. Safe use, professional guidance, and careful monitoring help women optimise results and minimise long-term health risks.

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Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common disorder that affects hormone balance, metabolism, menstrual health, and emotional well-being in women. While medical treatment and lifestyle changes form the foundation of PCOS care, many women also seek natural options to support long-term hormonal balance.
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Herbal remedies such as cinnamon, spearmint, and ashwagandha have gained wide attention for their effects on insulin regulation, androgen levels, and stress management. Now, the question arises: Are these herbs really beneficial for treating PCOS?

Let’s understand their actual benefits, scientific limitations, and safety considerations, helping women to make the right choices.

How Do Herbal Remedies Help Women With PCOS?

Women with PCOS often explore herbal remedies to manage symptoms such as irregular periods, insulin resistance, acne, excess hair growth, stress, and fatigue. However, natural remedies still carry risks and limits. Let’s understand both the supportive role and the medical boundaries of herbal use before starting any remedy.

  • Cinnamon for PCOS
Cinnamon improves insulin sensitivity and supports steadier blood sugar control. Since insulin resistance plays a significant role in PCOS, improved insulin response helps lower excess androgen production. With regular use alongside diet control, some women notice better cycle regularity, reduced sugar cravings, and enhanced metabolic balance. Cinnamon also supports digestion and overall metabolic health, which aids long-term weight management.

  • Limitations
Cinnamon does not cure PCOS, remove ovarian cysts, or replace prescribed insulin medicines. It cannot correct hormonal imbalances on its own and works only as a supportive measure alongside medical treatment and lifestyle changes.

  • Spearmint for PCOS
Spearmint tea may help lower excess androgen levels in some women. Reduced androgen activity can gradually improve acne and facial hair growth. Spearmint also supports digestion, hydration, and mild relaxation, which further helps skin health and metabolic balance. Many women prefer spearmint for its gentle calming effect on the body.

Limitations

Spearmint does not regulate ovulation independently and does not directly treat insulin resistance. Women who rely only on spearmint without medical support may delay proper hormonal management.

  • Ashwagandha for PCOS
Ashwagandha supports the body’s stress response by lowering cortisol levels. Since chronic stress worsens hormonal imbalance in PCOS, improved stress control supports better sleep, emotional stability, and reduced fatigue. Lower cortisol levels also support insulin response and long-term cycle stability.

Limitations

Ashwagandha does not correct androgen excess directly and does not replace fertility treatment, thyroid medication, or insulin therapy. Women with autoimmune disorders or those taking psychiatric medicines must use special caution and always seek medical guidance before use.



Note: Research shows that cinnamon may improve insulin sensitivity, spearmint may reduce androgen activity, and ashwagandha may lower stress hormones. However, most studies remain small and short-term. Scientists have not yet confirmed these herbs as primary PCOS treatments. Women must use them only as supportive tools, not as cures.

How to Safely Use Herbal Remedies for PCOS?

Women must follow careful practices when using herbal remedies for PCOS. Even natural herbs actively influence hormones, metabolism, and medication interactions. Here’s how to use them responsibly while minimising risks.

  • Consume One Herb at Once
Use only one herb at a time to monitor how the body responds. Introducing multiple herbs simultaneously makes it difficult to identify which remedy produces benefits or side effects. A gradual introduction allows women to observe changes in energy, skin, hair, and menstrual patterns.

  • Avoid Mixing Herbs with Hormonal Medications
Do not combine herbal remedies with prescription hormone or fertility medicines without professional advice. Herbs may amplify or interfere with medication effects, potentially altering hormone levels or treatment outcomes. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting herbal supplements alongside existing prescriptions.

  • Choose Standardised, High-Quality Supplements
Select herbal products from trusted, certified sources. Standardised supplements ensure consistent potency and reduce the risk of contamination or inaccurate dosing. Furthermore, high-quality products help women maintain safer and more predictable results when using herbs for PCOS management.

  • Track Physical and Hormonal Changes
Keep a detailed record of menstrual cycles, skin condition, hair growth, and overall energy levels. Monitoring these factors helps women assess the herb’s effectiveness and detect early signs of imbalance or side effects. Regular tracking enables women to make the right decisions about continuing or adjusting their use.

  • Stop Use if Side Effects Appear
Discontinue the herb immediately if the body shows adverse reactions, such as digestive issues, allergic reactions, or unexpected hormonal changes. Promptly reporting side effects to a healthcare provider helps prevent complications and ensures safe continuation of PCOS management.

Note: Women must consult a qualified doctor before starting any herbal remedy, especially if they take medications, manage chronic illness, or plan pregnancy. Incorrect use may cause hormonal imbalance, drug interactions, or delayed medical treatment.

Cinnamon, spearmint, and ashwagandha may support blood sugar control, androgen balance, and stress management in women with PCOS. However, these herbs do not cure PCOS or replace medical treatment. Women achieve the best results when they combine herbal support with nutrition, exercise, stress control, and medical guidance.

You’re not alone in your journey when trying to conceive. Join our supportive community to connect with others, share experiences, and find encouragement every step of the way.

FAQs on How Do Herbal Remedies Help Women With PCOS?


  1. Can herbs alone treat PCOS?
    No. Herbs only support symptom control. Medical care and lifestyle changes remain essential.
  2. Can I use more than one herb at a time?
    Women should avoid mixing herbs without a doctor’s professional advice due to hormone interaction risks.
  3. Are herbal teas safer than capsules?
    Teas usually deliver gentler doses, but women still need medical guidance.

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