Trans Resources: Honoring Unique Needs
Herbal Care for Trans and Non-Binary Folks: Honoring Unique Needs
Trans and non-binary folks have specific needs that deserve recognition, respect, and individualized care. Whenever we approach the world through the narrow lens that “man” and “woman” are biologically fixed categories, the experiences of trans, gender-expansive, and non-binary people are diminished or erased. Holistic health, including herbal support, can and should be a place where inclusivity and affirmation are the foundation.
For many trans folks, navigating health systems is not only about addressing physical needs, but also about seeking safety, validation, and culturally competent care. Herbs, when offered with respect and awareness, can support the whole person, body, mind, and spirit, through transition, medical interventions, and the daily stresses of living in a world that often misunderstands or invalidates gender diversity.
Why Herbal Support Matters
Herbal medicine is rooted in listening, adapting, and honoring individual experience. Unlike rigid categories, plants meet us where we are, offering nourishment, balance, and resilience. For trans folks, herbs may be called upon to:
Support the nervous system during times of stress, anxiety, or dysphoria
Strengthen the liver, especially if undergoing hormone therapy
Balance digestion and absorption, which are often impacted by stress and medications
Encourage rest and better sleep
Offer grounding during periods of transition and change
Building an Inclusive Herbal Practice
Affirming herbal care means:
Using inclusive intake forms that ask about pronouns and chosen names
Recognizing that each person’s path—whether medical, surgical, herbal, or none of the above—is valid
Educating ourselves about the physiological impacts of hormone therapies, surgeries, and binding/tucking practices so we can offer informed herbal support
Creating a space where trans folks can talk openly about their health without fear of judgment
Resources for Deeper Study
There are practitioners and writers leading the way in trans-affirming herbal and holistic health. A few resources include:
Medical Therapy for Trans Men by Larken Bunce — A nuanced exploration of how herbs can support those undergoing testosterone therapy.
Table of Research on Trans Health — A growing body of evidence to help practitioners and allies better understand medical and herbal considerations for trans folks.
Holistic Health for Transgender & Gender Variant Folks by Dori Midnight — A compassionate guide to herbal allies and holistic practices for gender-diverse communities.
These works highlight not only the physiological aspects of trans health but also the emotional and spiritual layers that are so often overlooked in mainstream care.
A Call to Practitioners
Herbalists, nutritionists, bodyworkers, and all holistic practitioners have an opportunity and a responsibility to create healing spaces where trans and non-binary folks feel seen and honored. This begins with education, humility, and a willingness to dismantle our own biases. It continues with the daily practice of affirming care: listening deeply, offering herbs with awareness of medical contexts, and remembering that every body is a unique and sacred expression of life.
