Menopause and Herbal Remedies
Menopause is a difficult time for most women. The transition period into menopausal years can be just as difficult, and in some cases bring on more symptoms, which include vasomotor instability like hot flashes and night sweats. Of course there are different factors involved, such as lifestyle, heredity, and illnesses, among others. The good news is that these symptoms can be easily remedied.
Lifestyle modifications are a must for women who belong to groups at high risk of early menopause, especially those with higher body mass index and those who smoke. In most women, treatment of menopausal symptoms is not necessary as they are often mild and tolerable. However, sufferers of vasomotor symptoms often look for medications, such as hormone replacement therapy, selective estrogen receptor modulators, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.
Natural sources of isoflavones have also been observed to provide relief for menopause symptoms.
Menopause and The herbs That Help
Black Cohosh
Actea racemosa is a plant species that belong to the buttercup family. It has long been tied to the alleviation of premenstrual syndrome and menopausal symptoms, though laboratory studies are yet to be produced. Initial studies on black cohosh are promising. Many nutritional supplements that contain extracts of black cohosh are commercially touted to enhance mood and allay hot flashes. It has even reported to improve vaginal dryness.
Chasteberry
Vitex agnus-castus, also known as chaste tree or chasteberry in the vernacular, has been used to alleviate vasomotor symptoms in women since the ancient times. It contains organic compounds that participate in dopaminergic activities and normalize hormonal changes, such as flavonoids, alkaloids, diterpenoids, vitexin, casticin, and other steroidal hormone precursors. These organic compounds appear work synergistically.
Red Clover
Trifolium pratense is a clover species easily recognizable with its red flowers. Red clover isoflavones are thought to mimic endogenous estrogen in the female body, stabilizing hormone imbalances. There have been several small studies, which provided mixed results. Well designed, large scale studies are still needed to come to a reliable conclusion. That being said, its use in the treatment of premenstrual syndrome, menopause, and vasomotor symptoms is quite widespread.
Maca
Maca refers to Lepidium meyenii and Lepidium peruvianum. It is a root vegetable that belongs to the cabbage family. It slightly resembles turnip and radish in appearance. In addition to its culinary uses, it is historical valued for the enhancement of sexual desire. It is a good source of many vitamins and minerals, such as B vitamin, zinc, iron, magnesium, and calcium, all of which are absolutely necessary for women’s health.
Dong Quai
Angelica sinensis, commonly known as Chinese Angelica in English, is traditionally used in the treatment of vaginal disorders and other diseases of the female body. Dong quai, its name in Chinese, translates female ginseng, as it is the main tonic for women in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Its root contains organic compounds believed to balance female hormones, making it a viable treatment for menopausal symptoms.
Get yourself some menopause herbs today!
If you are experiencing menopausal symptoms, give one or a combination of the above listed herbs to help relieve symptoms naturally without hormone therapy.