Was at my health food store last night and picked up the April copy of Herbs for Health. It's a great mag with all types of info about herbs, treatments, and foods for a healthy lifestyle.
As I was thumbing through, there she was; a article (larger than most I've seen) about pcos, and it's link with ir. Wasn't completely beneficial to me, as you gals have pretty much told me what the article said (and more!!!), but was nice to see it being recognized in the herb world.
The article offered a tincture that could be used as a "female restorative", containing 3 pts dong quai, 2 pts Chinese peony root, 1 pt. false unicorn root, 1 pt black cohosh and 1 pt wild yam- 30 drops twice daily. It also talked about vitex being used to stimulate ovulation.
In talking about syndrome x (ir) it recommended a formula that combined fenugreek (which aids control of insulin production, alpha lipoic acid, to help burn glucose and convert it into energy; bitter melon, used to lower blood glucose levels in diabetics by improving the utilization of glucose, and gymnema, which is used to reduce blood sugar levels.
Also recommended diet low in carbs or low gi foods.
Last, but not least, talked about essential fatty acids being out of wack with us cysters; they suggested an omega-3 oil (krill or deeps sea fish oil - sounds yummy, right!), and an omega-6 oil, such as black currant.
There was a bit more to the article- using saw palmetto for the excess androgens, castor oil to reduce benign masses and swelling, including ovarian cysts etc.
All-in-all, a great read, and was happy that it confirmed my beliefs that there are alternative treatments other than Rx's. Giving herbs a whirl before having the doc prescribe anything, and in the short time I've been trying them out, DEFINITELY SEE/ FEEL THE DIFF!!!!
If this mag is not readily available where you are, you can subscribe to it on line at
www.herbsforhealth.com
New article in herb mag about pcos 
