A decrease in estrogen levels during menopause can cause symptoms including hot flashes, insomnia, irritability and depression. Many women suffering from menopausal symptoms are reluctant to resort to hormone replacement therapy due to concerns about increased cancer risk, and are turning to alternative herbal therapies to find relief.
Medicinal Herbal Remedies for Menopause
Here are some medicinal herbs that act to ease menopausal symptoms. They have healing properties that balance hormones, calm nerves, relax muscles and relieve pain.
- Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa)- Black cohosh regulates hormone levels, and is an effective remedy for hot flashes and other menopause symptoms including vaginal dryness and depression.
- Black haw (Viburnum prunifolium)- Black haw has specific therapeutic properties for the female reproductive system, and is frequently used for a wide range of menstrual difficulties. It is an anti-spasmodic and relieves cramps, lowers blood pressure, relaxes the muscles of the uterus, and has relaxing, sedative properties. The related herb, Cramp bark (Viburnum opulis) has similar actions.
- Chaste tree berry (Vitex agnus-castus)- Another hormone regulator, Vitex affects progesterone levels by acting on the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. it is useful for dizziness, vaginal dryness, depression, and hot flashes.
- Dong quai (Angelica sinensis)- One of the best known herbs for women's health, dong quai is used to relieve many menopausal complaints. It strengthens the uterus, eases cramps, regulates hormones, lowers blood pressure, and relieves pain.
- False unicorn root (Chamaelirium luteum)- A tonic for the uterus, False unicorn root normalizes hormones and alleviates many problems of the reproductive system, including delayed or painful menstruation and ovarian pain.
- Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)- Regulates estrogen metabolism by decreasing or increasing estrogen levels as needed, and is also useful for PMS. Licorice root has many healing properties and is used for respiratory infections, ulcers, and insomnia.
- Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca)- As implied by its name, Motherwort has been traditionally used for all aspects of women's reproductive health. It regulates hormones and stimulates the muscles in the uterus, bringing on delayed menstruation and relieving cramps. It is effective against hot flashes, aids in insomnia and anxiety, and also strengthens the heart and lowers blood pressure.
- Nettle (Urtica urens)- While touching fresh nettle causes a painful sting, cooking or drying the leaves deactivates the stinging properties. Nettles may be steamed or boiled and eaten as a vegetable (potherb), or dried and made into a healing tea. They contain high amounts of vitamins, iron, calcium and other nutrients, and are a tonic for the whole body. Nettles alleviate many of the symptoms of PMS and menopause.
- Wild Yam (Discoria villosa)- Wild yam contains hormone precursors, has anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties, and is useful for menstrual dysfunction, cramps, and ovarian and uterine pain.
Contraindications: Black cohosh and Motherwort should be avoided in the case of menstrual flooding. Licorice increases blood pressure and should not be used by individuals with hypertension.
Sources:
Project AWARE Remedies for Menopausal Symptoms
HealthyNet Herbal Medicine Materica Medica
ROK101
Terrie Schultz - Terrie Schultz holds a BS in Biochemistry and an MA in Cell and Molecular Biology. She worked for many years in the biomedical field in ...
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