Ever notice how some foods just feel soothing — like your whole body takes a soft exhale the moment they arrive on your plate?
There’s a reason for that.
And her name is apigenin.
Most women have never heard of her, yet apigenin is one of the most powerful, naturally calming plant compounds for women in every stage of life — especially during those years when stress feels relentless, sleep becomes patchy, and your nervous system is running on fumes.
Today, I want to show you why this humble flavonoid matters so much… and how you can weave it into your meals with hardly any effort.
Why Apigenin Matters for Women
Research has been quietly building on apigenin, and I’m thrilled it’s finally starting to get attention. Because for women — especially high-functioning, multi-tasking, overstretched women — it’s a game changer. Here’s what apigenin helps with:
1. It nourishes a stressed nervous system.
Apigenin naturally supports your GABA receptors — the calming “slow down, it’s safe” receptors that help your body shift out of survival mode.
This means:
- less emotional reactivity
- more emotional steadiness
- reduced physical tension
- better quality sleep
- and a calmer, more resilient baseline
It’s a beautiful, gentle way to support your nervous system without knocking you out or numbing you.
2. It supports hormone balance
Apigenin assists oestrogen detoxification through the liver, helping your body process hormones more efficiently.
This can make a huge difference for women experiencing:
- PMS
- perimenopausal mood swings
- breast tenderness
- fluid retention
- irregular cycles
- stubborn belly weight
It’s not a magic bullet, but it absolutely supports the pathways that keep hormones flowing smoothly.
3. It’s a potent anti-inflammatory ally
Chronic stress, disrupted gut health, and hormonal shifts can all trigger inflammation — something many women don’t realise is driving their fatigue, skin issues, aches, and brain fog. Apigenin helps soothe that internal fire, giving your body space to repair.
Where to Find Apigenin in Everyday Foods
Here’s the beautiful thing: apigenin hides in some of the simplest, most accessible ingredients.
You don’t need expensive powders or unusual supplements — you just need to know where to look.
Top food sources include:
- Parsley (the queen of apigenin!)
- Chamomile tea
- Celery + celery leaves
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Marjoram
- Citrus peel
And because I know you’re already imagining your next meal, here are some simple ways to incorporate it.
Easy Ways to Add Apigenin Into Your Meals
1. Add parsley generously
This is not a garnish — it’s medicine.
Toss a handful through salads, sprinkle it over roasted veggies, mix it into soups, or blend it into pesto.
2. Make chamomile your nighttime ritual
A warm chamomile tea after dinner gently signals your nervous system to unwind.
Even better? Add a squeeze of lemon — hello citrus peel.
3. Cook with the “nervous system herb trio”
Oregano, thyme, and marjoram add depth, flavour, and apigenin to nearly any meal:
- roasted vegetables
- chicken or fish dishes
- slow-cooked meals
- soups and stews
4. Keep celery in your weekly rotation
Add it to smoothies, dips, salads, or enjoy it with hummus for a simple, nourishing snack.
5. Make a citrus zest habit
Grate lemon zest over your meals — it’s the simplest nervous-system support you’ll ever sprinkle.
6. Make a cleansing juice
Add celery, parlsey or lime to your juice. This is my favourite way to include apigenin into my day.
Why This Matters So Much Now — Especially for Your Gut & Nervous System
Your nervous system and your gut are in constant conversation. When one becomes overwhelmed, the other follows.
So when a woman tells me she feels:
- wired and tired
- reactive
- overwhelmed
- bloated
- constipated
- inflamed
- or like her body never quite “switches off”…
…I know her gut–nerve axis needs support. Apigenin is one of those quiet, beautiful tools that helps both sides of the equation:
✨ It calms the nervous system.
✨ It soothes inflammation in the gut.
✨ It supports repair.
✨ It reduces the internal “noise.”
This is why apigenin-rich foods — and the herbs that contain them — play such an important role in my January Gut & Nerve Reset Program.
Women who join me often tell me they wish someone had taught them these simple, foundational tools years ago. Tools that help them feel grounded again… clearer again… themselves again.
Take this as your gentle reminder that support is already within reach.
Over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing simple, food-based tools and nervous-system practices you can start now, so January doesn’t feel like a restart, but a continuation of healing.
Apigenin-rich foods are a beautiful first step:
✨ calming,
✨ anti-inflammatory,
✨ gut-supportive,
✨ and deeply nourishing.
Small choices add up quickly.
Stay tuned—your calm doesn’t have to wait for next year. It can begin now.
Teressa Todd
Naturopath | Biochemist
Ready to kick start Gut Health? Book a Call!
This is how gut microbes can influence weight!
Probiotics can help you gain weight or lose weight by interacting with our genetics, food and metabolism.
And yes, I did say lose or gain weight……..
Firstly, let me explain that the trillions of microbes in the gut need to be varied, meaning that there should be a large variety of species. There are many different species (or breeds) of microbes, and they all have their place in aiding health — the more variety and balance, the better health results.
Back to the weight loss or weight gain issue….
Do you eat yogurt and berries for breakfast? Thinking that it’s helping you lose weight?
Well, Lactobacillus acidophilus (like the species found in yoghurt) has been connected to weight gain.
I am not saying throw your yoghurt and berries in the bin. Instead, I am suggesting looking at the overall picture. If Lactobacillus acidophilus is the predominant micro-organism of the gut, then weight gain can result.
It is about the variety of species of gut microbes. Imagine if we only have trained german shepherd guard dogs in the world. It may be a safe world, but I am sure that other breeds may be more suitable as a family pet.
While Lactobacillus acidophilus is associated with weight gain, other Lactobacillus species correlate with weight loss.
Species like Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus gasseri, and Bifidobacteria animalis have been found to support weight loss.
Want to lose weight?
Look at your gut flora to support your goal.
Tests can be performed to identify the predominant species of the gut, and specific species can be utilised to support weight changes.
Want more information about your gut health?
Or want to look at all the factors contributing to weight gain, I’d love to be able to help.
