[layo]

Hello everyone! 

I’ve dug here in the forum trying to find an answer, but didn’t find one. I am planning to take these herbs: 

1. fenugreek (currently I have seeds, might get capsules/ extract if it’s better)
2. fennel seeds
3. shatavari (I have 40% saponin powder)
4. maca root
5. optional: saw palmetto 
6. massage with flax seed oil

My question is: when in my cycle should I take which herbs? I understood that fenugreek is good just for the follicular phase, while fennel seeds are ok during the whole cycle (?). not sure about the rest. 

It’s really important for me to not mess with my periods and general health so I want to do it right and carefully. I think last time I took too much Shatavari and it messed up my moods. 

Any help would be appreciated, thank you!

[Jessica T]

I can give you an answer on saw palmetto. Continuous use is definitely recommended. In fact it only really works well when it's taken continuously. It isn't estrogenic anyway, so timing with the cycle is not really relevant.

[layo]

I can give you an answer on saw palmetto. Continuous use is definitely recommended. In fact it only really works well when it's taken continuously. It isn't estrogenic anyway, so timing with the cycle is not really relevant.

Thank you for the quick reply!
would you recommend taking the yellow, red, or black one? or maybe all of them?
and does it matter in which form I consume it? (powder, capsule or extract)

[Jessica T]

Those color terms describe the ripeness and drying method of the berries, not different plant varieties of saw palmetto. Don't use the yellow kind. Only use the black or deep red berries, since they contain the most active fatty acids (lauric, oleic, and linoleic acids). The yellow kind is just used as a general tonic, it wouldn't be suitable for your purpose.

As for the form in which you consume it, the gold standard for saw palmetto is the extract. It's the only kind of saw palmetto that's ever used in clinical research. Taking saw palmetto in any form should be beneficial, but the best practical form has to be the oil extract, which in effect means taking daily either softgels or capsules containing that oil extract.

[VickyA]

Shatavari is best taken continuously. It's not a herb that's usually cycled, although some women increase the amount taken during the luteal phase.

[layo]

Shatavari is best taken continuously. It's not a herb that's usually cycled, although some women increase the amount taken during the luteal phase.

Thank you!
Do you have a dosage recommendation? i’m taking 250mg with honey in the evening, it’s a 40% saponin powder

[layo]

Those color terms describe the ripeness and drying method of the berries, not different plant varieties of saw palmetto. Don't use the yellow kind. Only use the black or deep red berries, since they contain the most active fatty acids (lauric, oleic, and linoleic acids). The yellow kind is just used as a general tonic, it wouldn't be suitable for your purpose.

As for the form in which you consume it, the gold standard for saw palmetto is the extract. It's the only kind of saw palmetto that's ever used in clinical research. Taking saw palmetto in any form should be beneficial, but the best practical form has to be the oil extract, which in effect means taking daily either softgels or capsules containing that oil extract.

Thank you very much for the info!
I have ordered this one on iHerb- https://de.iherb.com/pr/nature-s-answer-saw-palmetto-extract-alcohol-free-2-000-mg-1-fl-oz-30-ml/5209
hoping it will do something

do you have dosage recommendations or should I just take the amount written on the package?

[VickyA]

Do you have a dosage recommendation? i’m taking 250mg with honey in the evening, it’s a 40% saponin powder

The 40% saponin powder is good. Dosage of that generally varies from 250mg to 1000mg daily. It's probably better to start at the low end, for the first week or two at least.

[layo]

Do you have a dosage recommendation? i’m taking 250mg with honey in the evening, it’s a 40% saponin powder

The 40% saponin powder is good. Dosage of that generally varies from 250mg to 1000mg daily. It's probably better to start at the low end, for the first week or two at least.

Thank you!
last question- would you recommend starting taking all the supplements i’ve mentioned all at once, or should i start with one or two and add the rest gradually?