What Are the Most Common Herbs Used to Treat Menopause?
For too long now, herbs have been perceived with disdain by modern medicine, looked down upon as though they are worthless. But herbs have always kept their dignity, refusing to be belittled or riled by arrogant scientists and now modern medicine is actually clamoring to use herbs in their concoctions. Some of the most common herbs used are estrogenic herbs like Black Cohosh, Red Clover, Ginkgo Biloba, Dong Quai, Ginseng, Soy and Vitex. Read on to learn more the different types of herbs.
Estrogenic herbs are herbs that contain plant compounds called phytoestrogens. Phytoestrogens are similar to estrogen at a molecular levels and which may be able to replicate the effect estrogen has on a living organism. Of course, this means that estrogenic herbs are of great use for women suffering from menopause as they can help to redress the hormonal imbalances that can happen at this time of a woman’s life.
Estrogenic Herbs
Black Cohosh – Can grow up to eight feet tall, has anti-inflamatory properties so can be used to treat aching joints during menopause. May also help combat hot flashes, mood swings and depression.
Red Clover – A perennial clover plant from Asia, parts of Northern Africa, and Central Europe. Can be used to help fight back against night sweats and hot flashes.
Ginkgo Biloba – Oval shaped fruit of the tall Ginkgo tree. An ancient species with a rich history of being used to treat medical complaints. Can treat menopause symptoms like loss of libido and mood swings.
Dong Quai – Also known as the ‘female herb’ becuase of its efficacy at treating menopause symptoms. Has many healing properties and can be used as an analgesic, an anti-inflammatory, an antispasmodic, a blood tonic, a diuretic, a emmenagogue and a sedative.
Ginseng – A stalwart of traditional Chinese medicine. Latin name literally means cure all. Can be used to treat fatigue, anxiety, stress, loss of concentration and memory lapses.
Soy – Often grown in an upright position to save space. FOund in many common foods such as dairy replacements and soy breads. Can help to treat various PMS symptoms like vaginal dryness and mood swings.
Vitex – A tall purple flowering plant. Can be taken in a number of different ways including as a cider, a tincture, a juice, tablets or an elixir. Proven to help combat breast pain and loss of libido.
Unfortunately, consuming estrogen herbs can be dangerous and promote growth of breast cancer cells and cause nausea and skin rashes. However, menopause symptoms can also be treated with non-estrogenic herbs, which can also help to redress hormone imbalances but without any of the nasty side effects..
Click on the following link to learn more about non-estrogenic herbs.
