Herbs for Menopause Symptoms Provide Safe and Effective Relief

Is is safe to use herbs for menopause? Women who are going through menopause or perimenopause, also known as the 'change of life,' often had no idea how miserable this experience can be until it is upon them. You may change from a perfectly rational, cheerful and upbeat person into an irrational, anxious, nervous bundle of nerves. And that's just the beginning.

This scenario often doesn't end here. Heart palpitations are often a reported menopause symptom which serves to increase your anxiety levels, irritability and headaches. Perhaps the worst of all is the episodes of profuse perspiration associated with the infamous hot flashes or hot flushes. You may become depressed and although not every woman experiences all of these symptoms, just a few are enough to drive you crazy.

Now that we know that hormone replacement therapy is not a good idea (because of the Women's Health Initiative report linking HRT to cancer and strokes), what do you do? Fortunately, there are a number of herbs for menopause that provide safe and effective menopause relief.

Many of these herbs have been used for centuries, as a specific for menopausal symptom relief, in a variety of cultures around the world. Here are some of the best.

Black Cohosh is one of the best single herbs for menopause symptoms. Native Americans used this plant extensively for many female complaints and specifically for menopausal symptoms. This plant has a component which is a precursor for estrogen – your body uses this estrogen precursor to produce just the amounts of estrogen your body needs. Black Cohosh is also an excellent remedy for hot flashes, anxiety and depression. In addition to combating rheumatic conditions, it relieves muscle cramps and attendant pain. Some studies suggest it may also help manage blood pressure and reduce cholesterol.

If hot flashes are a problem, you'll want some Red Clover flowers in your cupboard. Brew a cup of red clover tea and drink 3 or 4 cups each day. Incidentally, red clover is also a treatment for ovarian cysts.

The dried fruits of the Agnus Castus tree is another one of the excellent herbs for menopause. Its main virtue lies in its hormone balancing qualities, which helps relieve depressive conditions, especially in menopause.

Angelica, also known in Traditional Chinese medicine as Dong Quai, is another of the hormone balancing herbs for menopause. Angelica contains goodly quantities of natural plant estrogens, treating symptoms of reduced levels of estrogen.

Sage, the common culinary herb, may be drunk as a tea to reduce sweating and hot flashes. Drink 3 or 4 cups daily. Use this herb liberally in your foods as well. If you're bothered by the dreaded night sweats, sage is especially helpful in bringing you relief.

St. John's Wort, or Hypericum has a mild sedative effect which proves useful if you're feeling anxious and may also help with depression.

This list of herbs for menopause is not exhaustive. Consult a qualified herbalist or naturopathic doctor for specific doses and choices that are right for you.

Information in this article is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice.

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