Little Known Herbs That Treat Menopause
With controversy surrounding the risks associated with hormone replacement therapy, many women are turning to natural remedies to cure their symptoms. Black cohosh and ginseng have become popular choices for menopause treatment, but there are myriad other herbs available that may produce similar results. Read on to learn more about four little known herbs that treat menopause.
How Are Herbs Used to Treat Menopause?
Most herbs that are used to treat menopause contain phytoestrogens, plant-based compounds that mimic the effects of estrogen in the female body. Thus herbal supplements help to restore hormone imbalance by taking the place of estrogen when levels are too low or too high. Although little research has been done on the variety of herbs available to treat menopause, they are generally considered to be safer alternatives to their pharmaceutical counterparts. Try these herbs to cure your menopause ailments:
1.) Chasteberry (Vitex Agnus Castus)
Grown in warm regions of the Mediterranean, chasteberry helps to correct hormone imbalance by increasing the number of progesterone hormones in the body. Thus it is often used as an herbal supplement for women experiencing the symptoms of progesterone deficiency: loss of libido, mood swings, night sweats and hot flashes.
2.) Evening Primrose Oil
The omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids found in this North American botanical provide numerous health benefits for women. EPO is thought to reduce breast tenderness, arthritis, nausea and respiratory functions.
3.) Dong quai
Dong quai, an herb native to Japan, Korea and China, is a mild sedative and stress reliever. It is used to treat mood related menopause symptoms like mood swings, depression and anxiety. It may also be used to treat physical symptoms like hot flashes and vaginal dryness, although more research needs to be undertaken to support this claim.
4.) Red clover
When estrogen levels increase, oil production slows. Red clover, which is found in the soils of Asia, Northern Africa and Central Europe, helps to treat hormonal imbalance through its phytoestrogenic compounds. For this reason, red clover may be useful in treating conditions related to hormonal imbalances such as acne. Red clover oils also have mild inflammatory properties which, if used in tincture form, may treat dry skin caused by eczema.
Recommendation:
You should always consult with a doctor before introducing any herbal supplement into your daily lifestyle. While herbal supplements are generally considered a safe and natural alternative to HRT or bioidentical hormones, each comes with its own side effects. Click here to read more about herbs for menopause.
