Ten Herbs to Treat Menopause

According to the National Institutes of Health, the use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to treat menopause brings with it an increased risk of breast cancer, heart disease, and stroke. As an alternative, many women have turned to herbs, with surprisingly positive results.

Menopause, during which the female body ceases having periods, is often characterized by hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, heart palpitations, and insomnia, among other symptoms. When doctors discovered that menopause symptoms are nearly non-existent in many Asian cultures, a new focus was placed on herbs in their diet. A number of studies have reinforced the notion that the use of herbs can aid with the symptoms of menopause, and a number of women swear by their effectiveness. There are a number of herbs available in health stores that may provide relief.

BLACK COHOSH (Black snakeroot, bugbane, bugwort)
An herb used for generations by Native Americans, black cohosh has shown effectiveness in relieving hot flashes and night sweats by regulating blood pressure. The National Institutes of Health says early studies into black cohosh are promising, but not fully proven. It should not be taken for more than six months at a time.

DONG QUAI (Chinese Angelica)
According to Epigee.org, a women's health web resource, dong quai is known as "female ginseng," and relives symptoms of hot flashes and vaginal dryness. The herb helps produce natural estrogen, and should be taken in doses of 400 to 600 mg daily in pill form.

GINSENG
One of the more popular herbs because it boosts energy, ginseng has also been shown to help with menopause induced mood swings and insomnia.

KAVA KAVA EXTRACT
The book Natural Alternatives to Prozac detailed a study in which extract from the herb kava kava was able to reduce anxiety, and to lesser extent, hot flashes in menopause sufferers. Kava is also shown to improve overall mood and general health.

LICORICE ROOT
The Treasury of Home Remedies recommends the herb licorice root, because it contains flavonoids and other compounds that prevent the breakdown of hormones, keeping menopause in check and easing depression caused by hormone imbalance.

LIFE ROOT (Squaw Weed, Golden Senecio)
Native Americans have used the herb life root for hundreds of years, which has a reputation for easing cramps and discomfort caused by menopause. According to Dr. David Hoffman, life root has the unique ability to help regulate the female reproductive system. Users should use only the dried, prepared life root, not the fresh herb. Some studies have raised concerns of toxicity if the herb is taken in large doses.

MACA ROOT
According to Epigee.org, maca root is a South American herb that helps the body keep hormones in balance. In doing so, it relieves hot flashes and vaginal dryness, and can also help restore the sex drive. 900 mg a day is recommended, with food or in herb tea.

MOTHERWORT (Leonurus cardiaca)
Herb specialist Dr. George Zofchak recommended the use of motherwort to decrease menopause symptoms of anxiety, heart palpitations, and vaginal dryness. While it is known as a gentle sedative, it should never be taken by pregnant women.

RED CLOVER (Cow clover, bee-bread)
Red clover contains the plant version of estrogen called phytoestrogens, and can relieve hot flashes and mood swings. It is also high in calcium, which prevents bone loss. The daily herb dosage is between 400 and 500 mg.

ST. JOHN'S WORT
Herbs for Health Magazine reports that St. John's Wort can be of benefit to cure mild depression and anxiety caused by menopause. The herb should be taken in small amounts, as side effects include skin irritation.

In all cases, anyone taking herbs for menopause should check for side effects and consult a herb specialist.

Sources:
National Institutes of Health Hormone Fact Sheet
National Institutes of Health: Black Cohosh Fact Sheet
Epigee.org
Michael Murray, Natural Alternatives to Prozac
Myra Cameron, Treasury of Home Remedies
Dr. David L. Hoffman, The Herbal Handbook
Dr. George Zofchak, The Practical Encyclopedia of Natural Healing (Mark Bricklin, Editor)
Herbs for Health Magazine