Best Herbs to Treat Menopausal Symptoms
Black Cohosh Ginkgo Biloba Dong Quai Ginseng Red Clover Soy Vitex Macafem
Black Cohosh
Black cohosh grows in the woods of eastern North America
Ginkgo Biloba
Traditionally used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years.
Dong Quai
Dong Quai is often referred to as "the female ginseng"
Ginseng
The Chinese word "rénshén" means "man root" in English
Red Clover
Originates from Asia, parts of Northern Africa, and Central Europe
Soy
Traditionally used in the Orient as a source of protein and medicine
Vitex
Vitex agnus-castus is also called chaste tree
Macafem
Originates from the Andean mountains of Perú

Best Herbs to Treat Menopausal Symptoms

If you’re a menopausal woman seeking treatment for your symptoms, it’s time to think outside the box. Beyond pharmaceutical options like HRT and bioidentical hormones are herbal remedies that have been used by women for thousands of years. But which herbs are the best bets to bring you menopausal relief? Read on to find out.

Choosing the Right Herb

The secret weapon of popular menopausal herbs is phytoestrogens, plant-based estrogens that mimic the effect of naturally-occurring estrogens when introduced into the female body. Phytoestrogens work to restore hormone imbalance by blocking estrogen when levels are high and replacing estrogen when levels are low to support the body’s natural processes.

Additionally, herbs for menopause contain essential vitamins, minerals, proteins and other nutrients that can help curb specific menopausal symptoms. Keep these herbs in mind to treat menopausal symptoms:

1. Dong quai

Dong quai raises estrogen levels and red ginseng stimulates the body.This herb’s main benefit is that it helps regulate diminishing estrogen levels which are often the cause of a host of uncomfortable symptoms in menopausal women. Reported benefits have included relief from hot flashes, night sweats, fatigue and vaginal dryness.

2. Red Ginseng

Ginseng supports the female body in two ways: through phytoestrogens and ginsenosides, compounds that increase stamina and energy levels in women. Thus the herb acts as a stimulant and can be used to treat fatigue, mood swings, low libido and vaginal dryness.

3. Black cohosh

Although the way black cohosh works in the body continues to be a mystery for researchers, this herb was traditionally used to treat female sexual problems in Native American women. Now, menopausal women champion black cohosh as a treatment for hot flashes, night sweats and mood swings.

4. Soy

Soy is good to treat osteoporosis and macafem nourishes and stimulates the endocrine system.Soy contains isoflavones that help promote bone density and prevent fractures and breaks, two things that are critical for aging women at risk for osteoporosis. The herb also contains estrogen-like compounds that treat general menopausal ailments.

5. Macafem

Macafem contains a special selection of Lepidium meyenii, an herb that encourages the body’s natural production of hormones by nourishing the endocrine system. It has been championed by women as a treatment for symptoms like moodiness, fatigue and low libido.

Recommendation:

While phytoestrogenic herbs are generally considered a safe and natural alternative to pharmaceutical options, they do carry their own side effects. Non-estrogenic herbs like Macafem, which encourage the body’s own hormone production, are thought to promote long-term health and well-being. Click here to read more about non-estrogenic herbs

Sources:

• University of Maryland Medical Center: Dong quai � http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/dong-quai-000238.htm

• Office of Dietary supplements: Black cohosh � http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/blackcohosh/

• University of Maryland Medical Center: Black cohosh � http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/black-cohosh-000226.htm

• University of Maryland Medical Center. �American ginseng.�http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/american-ginseng-000248.htm

• University of Maryland Medical Center: Soy � http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/soy-000326.htm

Main Sections
Macafem
Is an Andean plant regarded as one of the best treatments for menopause symptoms because of it boosts the endocrine system.
Dong Quai
Is an Asian plant that has been used for thousands of years to treat gynecological problems, blood disorders, and as a sedative.
Ginkgo Biloba
Is a popular and ancient Chinese herbal remedy used to improve circulation, mental performance, and menopause symptoms.
Ginseng
Is a root widely used by Chinese, Koreans and Native Americans as a preventative treatment and to increase vitality.
Soy
Is a healthy, low-fat source of protein and is used as treat menopause because of its high amount of phytoestrogens.
Red Clover
Is a variety of Clover with a high nutritional value and it's widely used as an immune-booster and menopause relief, but it has some side effects.
Black Cohosh
Is a phytoestrogenic herb from eastern North America and it is used as a supplement to treat several illnesses, including menopause symptoms.
Vitex
Used since roman times to help women with hormonal imbalances, but pregnant women should avoid it.
Which herb should women try? Today women are looking for relief from their menopause symptoms with herbs. Phytoestrogenic herbs and non-estrogenic herbs are good in relieving menopause symptoms, but recent studies show that non-estrogenic herbs have no side effects because they help the body to produce its own hormones instead of introducing hormones like the phytoestrogenic ones. Learn more about non-estrogenic herbs for menopause.
Best Herbs to Treat Menopausal Symptoms