Menopause is the time when periods and ovulation cease, but the symptoms may begin one, two, or three years before this happens. Many authorities assure us that there is no reason why women should suffer from unpleasant menopausal symptoms, but the depressing fact is that many, many women have an unhappy and uncomfortable time.
If your life is being ruined or dominated by mood swings,depression, hot flashes, sweating, anxiety, insomnia, loss of libido, and dryness of the skin, mucous, and vagina, we hope that these herbs will help you in gaining some relief. It is important to seek the advice of a medical professional before starting a course of the herbs mentioned below. Black cohosh ( cimicifuga racemosa)– Its Latin name is Actaea Racemosa, is also known as: black snakeroot, bugbane, bugwort, rattleroot, rattletop, rattleweed, and macrotys. A miracle herb for women;” calms nervous system; promotes menstruation; relieves cramps; soothes local pain; safe sedative; good for headaches; too much, too soon causes emotional upheaval; relieves or prevents spasms; contains natural estrogen; prevents hot flashes; contracts uterus; expels mucous; stimulates liver, kidney, spleen, and lymphatic system – keeps the system working; equalizes circulation. There are a host of herbal products, including black cohosh tablets, black cohosh pills and black cohosh extract in its natural form, which can be made into black cohosh tea.
Angelica sylvestris, medicinal plant
Dong Quai (Angelica Sinensis)– This “female herb” or herb for menopause has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine because its phytoestrogenic properties can stabilize female hormone levels, easing a great deal of menopausal and menstrual symptoms. This herb strengthens circulation; antibiotic for several “bugs;” encourages proper balance of female hormones; cleanses and purifies the blood; relieves tinnitis, blurred vision, and palpitations; enhances use of vitamin E; calms nerves; use as a post-partum tonic to build blood and regulate menses; bowel lubricant. Because of its apparent estrogenic properties, Dong quai is known to alleviate a plethora of menopausal symptoms. With hormonal imbalance, women can experience mood swings, hot flashes and night sweats, among other symptoms. Dong quai has the ability to regulate hormone imbalance because it contains phytoestrogens (a component that mimics or acts as an antagonist to estrogen).
Ginkgo Biloba -Ginkgo biloba boosts blood flow to the brain and improves concentration and cognitive function, which is important for menopausal women who often suffer from memory lapses. Ginkgo benefits menopausal women in two ways:Firstly, Ginkgo reduces the number of free radicals (damaging particles) in the body which improves blood flow to the brain and can ease some of the symptoms of menopause, such as memory lapses. Secondly Ginkgo biloba works together with the body is by raising estrogen levels. Because Ginkgo contains phytoestrogens (vegetable substances with a similar chemical structure to estrogen) it raises hormone levels by replacing human hormones with plant substitutes. Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) can slow down the aging process and could help alleviate the symptoms of osteoporosis.
Ginseng (Panax ginseng)– One of the main reasons ginseng is so popular is because it is a phytoestrogenic herb which means it contains human-like hormones that can help women suffering from the effects of hormone imbalance. Ginseng substitutes human hormones with phytoestrogenic ones, and this increases estrogen levels in the body.It works with the body via the compound ginsenosides. Ginsenosides are known to increase stamina and energy levels in humans, due to them being an adaptogen. Ginseng is sometimes prescribed to treat mental well-being because it is considered a “normalizer” and “energizer”. It is also a proven reliever of fatigue, nervousness, and stress.
Red Clover (Trifolium Pratense)– Its health benefits are plentiful, but there are side effects too. It contains a high content of the compound isoflavones which benefits mammals in particular. Isoflavones act as phyto-estrogens in the bodies of mammals and can replace human hormones with those of plants. Menopause symptoms occur as a result of lowered and weak levels of estrogen in the body. The body’s struggle to cope with these altered hormone levels is what drives most of the symptoms behind menopause. Common symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, and loss of libido. Red clovers’ estrogen-like properties are what make it so effective in treating menopause symptoms. Taking red clover can boost menopausal women´s cardiovascular health. Its estrogen-like properties also strengthen the arteries, which allow the heart to pump blood with less strain.
False unicorn root (Chamaelirium luteum)– This herb is a valuable tonic to the reproductive system. It improves the secretory responses and cyclical functions of the ovary and appears to have an adaptogenic action on that organ. The steroidal saponins, precursors of the oestrogens, may account in part for this herb’s reputation as an ovarian and uterine tonic. The herb is said to stimulate ovarian hormones and may be helpful in cases of early menopause after hysterectomy or to restart the system after years of contraception. It is also said to relieve vaginal dryness, hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings and depression, as well as other symptoms related to menopause. Further supporting women’s health, False Unicorn Root is said to relieve many “female problems,” including menstrual difficulties (irregular periods and mood swings), vaginal discharge, prolapsed uterus, endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease and threatened miscarriage (this last application is no longer recommended without consulting a physician). False Unicorn Root supplies rare trace minerals including sulfur, copper, cadmium and cobalt. As a diuretic its properties also promote urine flow, further supporting the urinary tract. It has a longtime use kidney and liver disease, especially in diseases due to poor action of the liver and not to weakness of the heart or circulation. It is also thought to be a good remedy for albumin-aria.
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)– Liquorice contains numerous active compounds and over 40 flavinoids have been identified. Those with potential benefits for women in menopause are Saponins and Phytoestrogens. The primary Saponin is glycyrrhizin which increases the activity of cortisol (by inhibiting the cortisol metabolism in the kidney). This can cause mild adrenal stimulation which may be helpful for Adrenal Fatigue. This will also help with mood swings and menopausal depression due to its activity on specific neurotransmitters. To alleviate adrenal fatigue, licorice root is often combined with ginseng and other herbs.
Liferoot (Senecio Bursas)– The liferoot is a uterine tonic that has plant estrogens. It eliminates hot flashes as it gives emotional and vascular stability. Life Root may be reliably applied in any case where uterine stimulation is necessary. It is applied in any case of menopausal symptoms. Additionally, the herb is used to promote and support sufficient menstruation. As a douche the herb is applied for leucorrhoea. It is thought to be effective in cases of debility, and diseases, such as tuberculosis.
Sarsaparilla (smilax officinalis)– Sarsaparilla has a progesterogenic action, making it beneficial in premenstrual problems, and debility and depression associated with menopause. In Mexico, the root is still frequently consumed for its reputed tonic and aphrodisiac properties. Native Amazonian peoples take sarsaparilla to improve virility and to treat menopausal problems. It іѕ rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin B complex, Vitamin C,Vitamin D, as well as iron, manganese, sodium, silicon, sulfur, copper, zinc and iodine.Sarsaparilla аlѕο contains amino acids.
Chaste tree berry.- There are three studies being conducted simultaneously to see if the Chaste Tree Berry is useful in treating hot flushes during menopause. It is suggested that the main effect of this herb is on different neurotransmitters and hormones which results in lowering of estrogen level and increase in progesterone. These functions are performed by the herb indirectly. This herb can be useful to treat PMS in women and even treat menopausal stress as long as the individual doesn’t have a past that includes cancer and cancer medication.
NOTE: No matter how fit you are medically, you should remember that these herbs are drugs that have the potential to react with other substances in the human body and result in various symptoms, all of which might not be pleasant. Therefore, before consuming any of these natural drugs, it makes a great deal of sense to seek a thorough medical checkup with your doctor before embarking on your own program of herbal treatments and remedies for the worst adverse side effects of the menopause.
Menopause and its symptoms have a lot to do with the kind of lifestyle the woman follows. During this time it is important to pay attention to alcohol consumption levels, smoking habit, eating habits andexercise routine that are followed on a regular basis.
It is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle while going through menopause as habits such as smoking and excessive drinking can aggravate the symptoms.
