Hot flashes, migraines, mood swings, insomnia–menopause is no walk in the park. During menopause progesterone and estrogen levels start to decrease, causing major changes in your body. This may mean relief from some estrogen-related problems such as cramps and menstrual headaches, but menopause also brings with it a number of new problems, such as hot flashes, night sweats, irritability, vaginal dryness and trouble sleeping. If you’re suffering from any of these less-than-desirable symptoms, try these herbal remedies for menopause relief.
Vitex: Vitex, also known as chasteberry, increases progesterone levels, which can relieve menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, dizziness and vaginal dryness. This herb encourages the ovaries to act normally. Take 40 drops of a Vitex tincture daily in water or juice.
Black cohosh balances hormone levels, relieving menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, headaches and depression. Photo By zen/Courtesy Flickr.
Blackcohosh: Black cohosh regulates estrogen levels and balances overall hormone production. This herb was historically used in traditional Native American medicine and today is regularly prescribed in Europe to treat menopause symptoms. Black cohosh can relieve hot flashes, night sweats, headaches and menopause-related depression. Take 80 milligrams of black cohosh extract, 10 to 60 drops of black cohosh tincture or one cup of black cohosh tea twice a day.
Ginseng: The variations of this herb can boost energy and relieve stress and fatigue. Ginseng can also relax the nervous system and have a cooling effect on the body. Take 600 to 1,200 milligrams daily.
Dongquai: The root of this plant has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries. Dong quai can relieve hot flashes and vaginal dryness. Drink one cup of tea a day or take one to three droppers-full of dong quai tincture twice a day.
Passion flower, skull cap and valerian: These herbs are helpful for treating stress, irritability and insomnia related to menopause.
