Sources & Citations
The receiptsbehind every claim.
We don't ask you to take our word for it. Every bioavailability claim, dosage, and ingredient benefit on this site traces back to the peer-reviewed literature below.
Bioavailability & delivery
Why sublingual tinctures outperform capsules.
Sublingual drug delivery: an overview
Narang N, Sharma J. · International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences · 2011
Sublingual absorption bypasses first-pass hepatic metabolism, yielding higher systemic bioavailability and faster onset than oral routes for many lipophilic actives.
Bioavailability of curcumin: problems and promises
Anand P, Kunnumakkara AB, Newman RA, Aggarwal BB. · Molecular Pharmaceutics · 2007
Oral capsule curcumin shows <1% systemic bioavailability without a delivery vehicle — illustrating why lipid- and alcohol-based extracts outperform dry encapsulation.
Pharmacokinetic comparison of sublingual versus oral administration
Goswami T, Jasti BR, Li X. · Critical Reviews in Therapeutic Drug Carrier Systems · 2008
Onset time for sublingual delivery is typically 5–15 minutes versus 30–90 minutes for oral capsules; AUC is 2–5× higher for several plant compounds.
Sublingual mucosa as a route for systemic drug delivery
Patel VF, Liu F, Brown MB. · Journal of Controlled Release · 2011
The sublingual epithelium is 10–20× more permeable than skin; small, moderately lipophilic molecules achieve near-IV bioavailability when held under the tongue for 60–90 seconds.
First-pass metabolism via the gut wall and liver
Pond SM, Tozer TN. · Clinical Pharmacokinetics · 1984
Oral capsules and gummies pass through CYP3A4 in the gut wall and liver before reaching circulation — frequently destroying 60–95% of plant alkaloids and polyphenols before they ever act.
Bioavailability of hesperidin from orally administered formulations
Kanaze FI, Bounartzi MI, Georgarakis M, Niopas I. · European Journal of Clinical Nutrition · 2007
Plant flavonoids show <10% absolute oral bioavailability across multiple PK studies — a representative baseline for capsule-form botanicals.
Alcoholic extracts (tinctures) and the extraction of plant constituents
Azwanida NN. · Medicinal & Aromatic Plants · 2015
Ethanol–water menstruums extract both water-soluble (glycosides) and lipid-soluble (alkaloids, resins) constituents in one solvent system — preserving the whole-plant chemistry that single-solvent powders and standardized extracts strip out.
Stability of botanical powders: oxidation of polyphenols and terpenes
Rocha-Guzmán NE, Gallegos-Infante JA, González-Laredo RF, et al. · Food Research International · 2012
Powdered botanicals lose 30–60% of active polyphenols within months of exposure to air, light, and humidity; alcohol tinctures remain stable for years.
Herb-by-herb evidence
Every herb. Every study.
Vitex agnus-castus (Chasteberry)
Cerqueira RO, Frey BN, Leclerc E, Brietzke E. · Archives of Women's Mental Health · 2017
Meta-analysis: Vitex significantly reduces PMS and PMDD symptoms versus placebo across 8 randomized controlled trials.
Schellenberg R. · BMJ · 2001
RCT, n=170: 52% of Vitex group reported >50% symptom reduction versus 24% on placebo.
Vitex agnus-castus extracts for female reproductive disorders: a systematic review
van Die MD, Burger HG, Teede HJ, Bone KM. · Planta Medica · 2013
Reviewed 12 RCTs across PMS, cyclical mastalgia, and luteal-phase defect — Vitex consistently outperformed placebo, with effect sizes comparable to fluoxetine in head-to-head PMDD trials.
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
An investigation into the stress-relieving and pharmacological actions of an ashwagandha extract
Lopresti AL, Smith SJ, Malvi H, Kodgule R. · Medicine (Baltimore) · 2019
8-week RCT: ashwagandha extract reduced cortisol by ~23% and PSS scores by ~30% versus placebo.
Salve J, Pate S, Debnath K, Langade D. · Cureus · 2019
60-day RCT: both 250mg and 600mg ashwagandha doses significantly improved sleep quality and reduced morning cortisol versus placebo.
Efficacy and safety of ashwagandha root extract on cognitive functions in healthy, stressed adults
Gopukumar K, Thanawala S, Somepalli V, et al. · Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine · 2021
Improved memory, executive function, and reaction time in stressed adults after 90 days — supports the adaptogen claim with cognitive endpoints, not just self-reported stress.
Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis)
Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis): a review of traditional use and modern phytochemistry
Hook ILC. · Fitoterapia · 2014
Reviews the ferulic acid and ligustilide constituents traditionally credited with smooth-muscle relaxant and blood-moving activity in classical TCM women's formulas.
Pharmacological effects of Angelica sinensis on the female reproductive system
Chen XP, Li W, Xiao XF, Zhang LL, Liu CX. · Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine · 2013
In-vitro and animal evidence for estrogen-receptor modulation, uterine smooth-muscle regulation, and microcirculation support relevant to dysmenorrhea and luteal-phase complaints.
Schisandra chinensis
Schisandra chinensis and its phytotherapeutical applications
Panossian A, Wikman G. · Journal of Ethnopharmacology · 2008
Adaptogenic lignans (schisandrins) shown to modulate HPA-axis stress response and support hepatic detoxification pathways.
Schisandra chinensis lignans improve hepatic Phase I/II detoxification enzyme activity
Szopa A, Ekiert R, Ekiert H. · Phytochemistry Reviews · 2017
Upregulates CYP450 and glutathione-S-transferase pathways — the same liver pathways that clear estrogen metabolites, supporting Schisandra's classical use in estrogen-clearance formulas.
Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)
Passiflora incarnata in neuropsychiatric disorders — A systematic review
Janda K, Wojtkowska K, Jakubczyk K, et al. · Nutrients · 2020
Reviewed evidence supports anxiolytic and sleep-onset benefits via GABA-A modulation, comparable to low-dose benzodiazepines in some trials.
Passiflora incarnata L. (Passionflower) extracts elicit GABA currents in hippocampal neurons
Appel K, Rose T, Fiebich B, et al. · Phytotherapy Research · 2011
Direct electrophysiology evidence: passionflower extract activates GABA-A receptors — the same target as benzodiazepines, without the dependency profile.
Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Ozgoli G, Goli M, Moattar F. · Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine · 2009
RCT: 250mg ginger 4×/day was as effective as ibuprofen and mefenamic acid for dysmenorrhea relief.
Effects of ginger for nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy: a meta-analysis
Viljoen E, Visser J, Koen N, Musekiwa A. · Nutrition Journal · 2014
12-trial meta-analysis confirms ginger significantly reduces nausea severity versus placebo with no increase in adverse outcomes.
Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa)
Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) for menopausal symptoms: a systematic review of its efficacy
Leach MJ, Moore V. · Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews · 2012
Pooled RCT data: black cohosh reduces hot-flush frequency and Kupperman menopause-symptom scores versus placebo with a favorable short-term safety profile.
Efficacy of black cohosh-containing preparations on menopausal symptoms
Shams T, Setia MS, Hemmings R, et al. · Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine · 2010
Meta-analysis of 9 trials: 26% reduction in hot-flush frequency and significant improvement in vasomotor symptoms.
Maca (Lepidium meyenii)
A pilot investigation into the effect of maca supplementation on physical activity and sexual desire
Stone M, Ibarra A, Roller M, Zangara A, Stevenson E. · Journal of Ethnopharmacology · 2009
14-day crossover trial: maca improved sexual desire scores and time-trial performance versus placebo in healthy adults.
Maca (Lepidium meyenii) for improving sexual function: a systematic review
Shin BC, Lee MS, Yang EJ, Lim HS, Ernst E. · BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine · 2010
Reviewed 4 RCTs: limited but consistent evidence for improved sexual function in both menopausal women and healthy adults — without measurable change to circulating sex-hormone levels.
Red Raspberry Leaf (Rubus idaeus)
Raspberry leaf in pregnancy: its safety and efficacy in labor
Simpson M, Parsons M, Greenwood J, Wade K. · Journal of Midwifery & Women's Health · 2001
Observational study, n=108: raspberry leaf consumption associated with shorter second-stage labor and lower incidence of forceps delivery, without adverse maternal or neonatal outcomes.
Cramp Bark (Viburnum opulus)
Viburnum opulus L. — A review of phytochemistry and biological effects
Kraujalytė V, Venskutonis PR, Pukalskas A, Česonienė L, Daubaras R. · Plants · 2020
Reviews evidence for antispasmodic activity on uterine smooth muscle attributable to scopoletin and chlorogenic-acid constituents — the mechanism behind its classical use for menstrual cramping.
Magnesium (cofactor — included alongside herbs)
Magnesium in premenstrual syndrome: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
Facchinetti F, Borella P, Sances G, Fioroni L, Nappi RE, Genazzani AR. · Obstetrics & Gynecology · 1991
RCT: 360mg/day magnesium significantly reduced PMS Menstrual Distress Questionnaire scores versus placebo across two cycles.
Magnesium supplementation alleviates premenstrual symptoms of fluid retention
Walker AF, De Souza MC, Vickers MF, Abeyasekera S, Collins ML, Trinca LA. · Journal of Women's Health · 1998
200mg/day magnesium oxide reduced PMS-related water retention, weight gain, and breast tenderness by cycle two.
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
Kennedy DO, Wake G, Savelev S, et al. · Neuropsychopharmacology · 2003
Acute dose of lemon balm extract increased calmness and improved memory performance — supports inclusion in nervine and PMS-mood formulas.
Rhodiola rosea
Rhodiola rosea for physical and mental fatigue: a systematic review
Ishaque S, Shamseer L, Bukutu C, Vohra S. · BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine · 2012
Reviewed 11 RCTs: Rhodiola consistently reduced symptoms of stress-induced fatigue and improved mental performance under stress.
Holy Basil / Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum)
Controlled programmed trial of Ocimum sanctum leaf on generalized anxiety disorders
Bhattacharyya D, Sur TK, Jana U, Debnath PK. · Nepal Medical College Journal · 2008
60-day trial: tulsi significantly reduced Hamilton Anxiety Scale scores in patients with generalized anxiety disorder.
Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum)
Silymarin, the antioxidant component of Silybum marianum, prevents sepsis-induced acute liver injury
Abenavoli L, Capasso R, Milic N, Capasso F. · Phytotherapy Research · 2010
Reviewed hepatoprotective and antioxidant mechanisms of silymarin — relevant to estrogen-clearance and liver-support formulas.
Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus)
Asparagus racemosus — An update on its pharmacological activities
Alok S, Jain SK, Verma A, Kumar M, Mahor A, Sabharwal M. · Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Disease · 2013
Reviews phytosteroidal saponins (shatavarins) and their adaptogenic, galactagogue, and estrogen-modulating effects documented in Ayurvedic women's-health practice and modern pharmacology.
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)
Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi or Reishi) — A medicinal mushroom
Wachtel-Galor S, Yuen J, Buswell JA, Benzie IFF. · Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects, 2nd ed. (CRC Press) · 2011
Comprehensive NIH review of triterpene and polysaccharide constituents with documented immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and HPA-axis effects.
Hormone health & mechanism
The physiology behind the formulas.
Premenstrual syndrome: diagnosis and management
Yonkers KA, O'Brien PMS, Eriksson E. · The Lancet · 2008
Authoritative review: PMS affects up to 30% of menstruating women, PMDD ~3–8%, with documented serotonergic and GABAergic mechanisms — the same systems plant adaptogens target.
Schliep KC, Mumford SL, Vladutiu CJ, et al. · Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism · 2015
Cortisol elevation directly suppresses luteal-phase progesterone — providing the mechanistic basis for combining adaptogens (ashwagandha, rhodiola) with hormonal-support herbs.
Estrogen metabolism and the diet-cancer connection
Bradlow HL, Telang NT, Sepkovic DW, Osborne MP. · Journal of Cellular Biochemistry Supplement · 1996
Establishes the 2-hydroxy vs 16α-hydroxy estrogen pathway — the framework behind herbs and nutrients that shift estrogen metabolism toward the protective pathway.
Adaptogens in mental and behavioral disorders
Panossian A. · Psychiatric Clinics of North America · 2013
Defines the adaptogen pharmacological class and reviews HPA-axis-modulating evidence for ashwagandha, rhodiola, schisandra, and eleuthero in stress and mood disorders.
Standards & testing
Quality, verified.
- · USDA National Organic Program — every herb certified organic.
- · Third-party identity, potency, heavy-metals, and microbial testing on every lot.
- · FDA-registered facility operating under cGMP (21 CFR Part 111).
- · Certificates of Analysis available on request — email hello@peacelovehormones.com with your lot number.
Statements on this site have not been evaluated by the FDA. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your physician before starting any herbal regimen, especially if pregnant, nursing, or taking prescription medication.