Menopause is a time of incredible hormonal change in women. The most prominent being the decrease of estrogen along with other reproductive hormones. During this profound transition many women experience a variety of intense, uncomfortable or generally bothersome symptoms. These can include hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, mood swings, irritability, weight gain and more. Hot flashes can be one of the most intrusive symptoms that women are looking to quell.
Many often look to herbal remedies as a safer choice for relief over medications and hormone replacement therapy as these can cause their own set of side effects and accompanying symptoms. These herbs have been shown to be effective in clinical trials and have a long history of traditional use.
Herbal Remedies for Hot Flashes
Black Cohosh: One of the most well-studied herbs for menopause symptoms, especially hot flashes. This herb helps to support fluctuating hormone levels, usually making hot flashes lessen in intensity and severity. In turn, this can help improve sleep as well.
Vitex (chasteberry/chaste tree): This herb is well known for helping to balance women’s hormones. Popular amongst menopausal women to help reduce overall menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes.
Dong Quai: Another traditional herb used during the menopausal years to help regulate hormones. Known to help reduce hot flashes. Not indicated for those who are on blood thinners as it can have a mild blood thinning effect and increase risk of bleeding.
Lemon Balm: This herb is helpful if mood and irritability are a concerning symptom during menopause. Lemon balm helps to lift the mood and is also cooling and helps to curb hot flashes.
These herbs can be taken individually or in combination. It is recommended to try one at a time and add in others as needed. Herbs should be given proper time to be rendered effective. Be patient and allow a good six weeks to see noticeable effect.
Menopause is a time of extraordinary change and transition, physically, mentally and emotionally. Many women are also facing big life changes around this time as children are growing and becoming independent and family and marriage are affected. Give yourself grace, patience, love, and all the self-care you can during this time.