Herbs for Menopause, Herbal Remedies for Menopause Relief

Herbs for Menopause, Herbal Remedies for Menopause Relief

Menopause is the shutting down of child bearing capabilities of the woman, and as women go through menopause, their bodies do not produce sufficient amounts of the female hormones (estrogen and progesterone)

Many women have to undergo uncomfortable menopausal symptoms; some of them have used orthodox drugs all to no avail. But many herbal remedies have been known to relieve menopausal symptoms.

Here are some of the alternative (herbs) remedies for menopause:-

-Evening primrose: This plant can be used to treat hot flashes, breast pain and bladder symptoms because this plant seeds contain gamma-linolenic acid, which have been proven by medical experts as the best fatty acid suitable for human beings.

-Peppermint, thyme and rosemary: these herbs can be used for treating cold symptoms; it can be consumed by brewing them into tea and enjoying it with a spoonful of honey.

-St. Johns wort: it is found in to be very effective in treating depression in women (but not cases of severe depression). It cannot be used with anti-depression pills. It may also increase sensitivity of the skin to sunlight.

-Ginseng: this is the most popular herb used by women who are experiencing menopause. Although there are many types of ginseng – e.g. white and red, Siberian, American etc. they are all used for increasing/boosting the immune system functions and for relieving stress. The constant use of ginseng can help women improve their feeling of well-being. However, studies have shown that ginseng does not relieve hot flashes, which is a common occurrence with menopausal women.

-Don quai: this is a Chinese herb that is used to reduce hot flashes, but Don quai is also known to contain toxic substances that can thin the blood, which can cause excessive bleeding (if its user sustains a cut) and it can make the skin sensitive to sunlight.

-Wild and Mexican yam: Some people have claimed that wild and Mexican yam creams have helped them relieve menopausal symptoms but there are no studies or published reports that have backed up their claim. Although wild and Mexican yam contain certain hormones, but these hormones do not contain estrogen or progesterone.

-Valerian root: this herb has been used as a sedative but it is known to have side effects. The constant use of this herb has been known to cause heart problems and delirium!

-Soy: soy is a plant that contains estrogens. Soy beans are great for relieving menopausal symptoms such as night sweats and hot flashes. If soy beans are taken over long periods, it makes the bones stronger and it is good for managing cholesterol. Soy beans is quite safe when taken in dietary amounts, but too much consumption of soy beans can be risky for women who have a history of estrogen dependent breast cancer; because huge amounts of soy and isoflavone supplements could interact with estrogen which in turn is quite harmful to its user.

-Black cohosh: this herb is only helpful for short periods, it is very effective for treating hot flashes and night sweats for up to six months (or less). This herb will no longer work after six months of use.

You may be interested in reading Menopause Pain Relief and Herbs for Menopause. Also visit Irregular Menstruation Treatment