The use of herbs for hot flashes has been around for centuries. Yet it seems like we still know very little about what they do or how they work. Part of the reason is that every woman’s body is different and what works for one woman may not work well for another. That being said, it’s still worth investigating which herbs for hot flashes may work for you.
A few of the more popular herbs for hot flashes are Black Cohosh, Chaste Tree Berry, and Ginsing. Out of the three, Black Cohosh is probably the most widely used when treating hot flashes. Chaste Tree Berry is a close second with Ginsing having hit and miss reviews.
So how exactly is Black Cohosh supposed to help? Black Cohosh is known to alleviate hot flashes, decrease night sweats, and even reduce mood swings. Talk about a miracle herb! It’s not known exactly how Black Cohosh helps curb menopausal symptoms. At first it was believed that the herb bound itself to the estrogen receptor. But further study has shown no such evidence. This is good news for women concerned with estrogen remedies or supplements. Black Cohosh has also been proven not to affect tissue in the uterine lining. Thus, using Black Cohosh herbs for hot flashes will not increase bleeding since the uterine lining is not affected.
Studies measuring the effectiveness of Black Cohosh for hot flashes have produced mixed results. However, one study did find that 86% of women who took Black Cohosh for six weeks had lessened hot flash symptoms. Using Black Cohosh herbs for hot flashes does not result in many side effects. However, gastric irritability is a possibility. Be sure to contact your doctor and discontinue use of any herb if you experience any discomfort.
The second most popular herb for hot flashes is Chaste Tree Berry. Many women already use this herb to help beat PMS. How Chaste Tree Berry works is that it has a progesterone-like effect on the body. It affects neurotransmitters such as dopamine and prolactin, which help regulate hormone levels. Chaste Tree Berry seems to help regulate heavy menstruation and reduce mood changes due to an imbalance of hormones. Not only can you utilize these herbs for hot flashes, but they are helpful in reducing headaches, anxiety and fatigue. Minimal side effects have been reported with the use of Chaste Tree Berry.
The use of Ginsing herbs for hot flashes has shown minimal success in actual studies. If it works for you, then by all means use it! There are few side effects with Ginsing, but if you’re experiencing insomnia, diarrhea, or rashes you should discontinue use.
It is evident that using herbs for hot flashes is helpful. More and more women are effectively using them all the time. Researchers continues to gather more and more encouraging results about the success of herbs to alleviate menopausal symptoms. The big benefit is that these herbs don’t have the problems and risks that have been associated with hormone replacement therapy. On top of that, they are inexpensive and easy to find.
Linda Bruton
http://www.articlesbase.com/careers-articles/do-herbs-for-hot-flashes-really-work-78690.html
What's the best thing for menopause symptoms, that you can buy over the counter?
There are so many things on the shelf loaded with vitamins and herbs. What really works? Does anyone have any experience with these. I’m over 40 and had a total hysterectomy at 37. I’m on the patch, but my GYN doesn’t want to raise it. I still get hot flashes, and I’d like to go natural. I also take a progesterone pill at night.
I’d stay on the patches until you reach 48-52 (average menopause age), then look at dropping them and going through the menopause at a more ‘normal’ age.
I have no personal experience, but will try and cobble together what my patients have said problem by problem.
1) hot flushes – natural oestrogens help them such as soya products. Also some try a herbal thing called black cohash, sage and thyme also seem to work. Medically we use a tablet called clonidine in the UK
2) vaginal dryness – no herbal product available in UK – unsure about elsewhere – can use lubricants or some women who have had hysterectomy quite like vaginal oestrogen cream
3) decreased libido – no known products helpful
4) bone density – this decreases when you are postmenopausal so get on a good calcium supplement to prevent premature osteoporosis (bone thinning)
I hope this helps, but personally i’d advise you to stay on patches until you are 48-52 ish
References :
I am a GP
Get enough calcium. A woman going through menopause needs 1000 mg to 1500 mg of calcium a day. Avoid excessive amounts of salt to reduce bloating associated with hormonal changes. More information and remedies at http://useinfo4.blogspot.com/
References :
I would like to suggest Menozac which is one of the best menopause symptom relief product on the market. Why?
First, because it is made to meet pharmaceutical standards. Second, it uses only the finest, most bio-available natural nutrients. Third, every production batch is tested in a lab to ensure its purity and potency.
Even some herbal experts also highly recommend using this type of herbal, safe and natural menopause treatment. By taking this natural alternative you will avoid the side effects and health risks, and help treat your symptoms naturally.
References :
http://8menopause.com
I just came across a great product that right now is offering 2 bottles of the product free. This product is designed to help balance your hormone levels and alleviate the signs of menopause, even if it was artifically induced due to hysterectomy.
References :
http://www.menozac.com/?aid=455954