| When you buy an herbal menopause remedy, make | | | | ashwagandha plant is an important herb for |
| sure that they contain herbs with phytoestrogen | | | | Ayurvedic medicine because of its beneficial |
| properties. Otherwise, your remedy won't do much | | | | properties, including flavonoids and phytoestrogens |
| to relieve your hot flashes! Phytoestrogens are | | | | that can reduce inflammation, decrease stress, |
| naturally occurring substances in plants that can | | | | invigorate the body, and serve as an antioxidant. |
| influence the function of estrogen in the body. | | | | Ginseng - A trusted menopausal herb |
| Although they can alleviate some of the symptoms | | | | The perennial plant ginseng is one of the most |
| of menopause by affecting estrogen activity, | | | | popular herbal remedies for menopause, particularly |
| phytoestrogens are not "real" estrogens in the sense | | | | for hot flashes and palpitations. Although there have |
| that they are the same estrogens produced by our | | | | been few human studies on ginseng's impact on |
| bodies. Phytogestrogens bind to estrogen receptors | | | | menopause symptoms, animal investigations show |
| in the same way actual estrogens do, and can either | | | | that ginseng lowers body temperature by releasing |
| have pro-estrogenic or anti-estrogenic effects - | | | | the adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH). ACTH is |
| depending on how saturated the receptors are. In | | | | responsible for triggering the utilization of glucose and |
| bodies with low estrogen, as in menopause, empty | | | | fatty acids, which are important substances that help |
| estrogen receptors can accept phytoestrogens, | | | | the body cope with stressors. Increased levels of |
| which have a weak pro-estrogen effect and relieve | | | | ACTH were also found to counteract the skin |
| menopause symptoms. | | | | temperature rise that results from hot flashes. |
| Unlike synthetic estrogens, which get stored in fat | | | | Although ginseng is primarily a stimulant, it was also |
| and stay in our bodies for a long time, | | | | found to be helpful in dealing with menopause-induced |
| phytoestrogens only work on the precursors to | | | | insomnia. |
| estrogen. That way, you can enjoy the relief of an | | | | Dong Quai - Another menopause natural medicine for |
| estrogen boost without worrying about the serious | | | | hot flashes |
| health impacts of estrogen dominance that can be | | | | Often called the "female ginseng" for its benefits to |
| caused by hormone replacement therapy. Below are | | | | female reproductive health, dong quai is another |
| the five most effective phytoestrogens for | | | | important herbal remedy for menopause symptoms. |
| menopause relief. | | | | Aside from containing a high concentration of |
| Black Cohosh - A very effective menopause herbal | | | | phytoestrogens, dong quai also contains vitamins A, |
| treatment | | | | E, and B12. The herb also relieves hot flashes by |
| Black cohosh is from a tall flowering tree that grows | | | | dilating the blood vessels and increasing the blood |
| in North America. It is known to contain a | | | | flow. Clinical studies on dong quai show that |
| non-steroidal phytoestrogen called isoflavones, which | | | | menopausal women who take daily 400mg doses of |
| can regulate temperature, strengthen bones, and | | | | the herb experienced a 25% decrease in hot flashes. |
| provide vaginal lubrication. These effects are | | | | Dong quai is especially potent when used with black |
| observed when black cohosh reaches the | | | | cohosh. |
| hypothalamus, the region of the brain that regulates | | | | Red Clover - For all around menopause symptom |
| hormone production and body temperature. Many | | | | relief |
| women swear by black cohosh's ability to relieve the | | | | Last but certainly not the least is red clover, a plant |
| discomfort caused by hot flashes and night sweats. | | | | primarily grown for grazing purposes. Today, |
| Black cohosh can be taken daily for up to six months, | | | | however, red clover is an important cure-all for |
| but should not be used as a long-term remedy. Since | | | | uncomfortable menopause symptoms. Clinical trials on |
| the herb is known to increase the number of liver | | | | red clover supplementation show that it can reduce |
| enzymes, black cohosh should not be taken by those | | | | the frequency of hot flashes and the intensity of |
| with liver disorders. | | | | mood swings. Aside from alleviating the discomfort in |
| Ashwagandha - A treatment to correct the vata | | | | menopause, red clover can preserve the state of |
| According to India's ancient healing tradition | | | | your health. Its high calcium and magnesium content |
| Ayurveda, hot flashes, anxiety, and insomnia due to | | | | makes the herb a great protector against |
| menopause are caused by an excess in vata energy. | | | | osteoporosis and bone density loss. Red clover is also |
| Vata is the air and space energy that regulates | | | | thought to increase the amount of good cholesterol, |
| motion, breathing, blood circulation, and heartbeat. A | | | | or high density lipoprotein, reducing the risk of heart |
| balance in vata is characterized by vitality and | | | | disease. |
| creativity. An imbalance causes anxiety, fear, and | | | | Remember, herbal remedies can interact with |
| other physical symptoms. The Ayurvedic approach to | | | | prescription medication you might be taking now. |
| treating menopause involves correcting the vata | | | | Consult your doctor or a licensed herbalist before |
| imbalance with herbs like ashwagandha. The | | | | taking any supplements. |