Herbal Remedies For Menopause

Menopause is quite often referred to as “the change” since with the onset of menopause, a lot of things change for the sufferer as well as family members. Hormonal changes can cause physical as well as emotional changes ranging from mood swings, to hot and cold flashes, and changes in sex drive or sudden weight gains. Many people go in for drastic remedies to ease these symptoms, like hormone replacement therapies. However, these could often result in grave problems such as breast and uterus cancers. On the contrary, herbal remedies for menopause may be worth a try since they are comparatively safer as they are natural. If you are nearing menopause or if you have reached this stage already, it is good to consult with your doctor before trying out herbal remedies. Consulting with your doctor will ensure that the herbs do not have a negative interaction with any other medications that you might be taking. Apart from that, you will be able to get the correct dosage that you will need to take, rather than to self-medicate yourself with the herbs. Read on to know the home remedies for menopause. 

 

Home Remedies For Menopause 

 

This herb is not ideal for use as a long-term solution and works just for six months. However, it is very effective to ease hot flashes and night sweats during this period of time.

 

St. Johns Wort 

St. John’s Wort is said to be very effective in treating depression in women who are going through menopause. However, it increases a person’s sensitivity to sunlight and it should not be taken along with anti-depression pills.

 

Evening Primrose 

The seeds of evening primrose contain gamma-linolenic acid and are great in treating excessive tenderness in the breasts, hot flashes, and bladder symptoms associated with menopause.

 

Soy 

Soy has a high estrogen content and is therefore a great aid in relieving symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes and night sweats. Ingestion of soy over long periods of time also makes the bones stronger and lowers cholesterol levels. While intake of soy is safe on the whole, too much of soy can be harmful for women who have had a genetic history of estrogen dependent breast cancer.

Peppermint, Thyme And Rosemary 

Peppermint, thyme, and rosemary are great in treating cold symptoms as well as in calming a person down during depressive episodes of menopause.

 

Wild And Mexican Yam 

Mexican yam and wild yam are said to ease menopausal symptoms. However, there is no scientific backing to this claim since yam does not contain estrogen or progesterone. Nevertheless, the presence of phytoestrogens in yam could be a reason why some people experience relief in symptoms.

 

Don Quai 

Don Quai is a Chinese herb and is used to reduce hot flashes. However, it can make a person’s skin more sensitive to sunlight as well as is known to contain toxic substances that cause excessive bleeding of wounds.

 

Valerian Root 

Valerian root is known to be a good sedative. However, there are side effects, which can be quite serious – delirium and heart problems!

 

Ginseng 

Ginseng is the most popular herb used by women going through menopause. It is said to be great to relieve stress and boost the immune system. However, it does not relive hot flashes, which are among the most common symptoms of menopausal women.