Natural menopause remedies have been used for thousands of years to help ease the common symptoms of menopause, which is a normal progression of the reproductive system in the life of a woman. The word menopause means “to cease monthly”.
Herbal Remedies
Menopause can present a complex group of symptoms, and long before modern medicine, women used herbs and plants to treat these symptoms. The goal of natural menopause remedies is to reduce these symptoms so that women can continue a good quality of life as they pass through this stage of their lives. In the past, women had specific herbal remedies for menopause made from local plants, but today herbal remedies are available from many sources.
Black Cohosh has been used for hundreds of years in Europe and by Native American tribes for easing hot flashes, night sweats and heart palpitations. (Note: Black Cohosh should never be taken by lactating or pregnant women.)
Red Clover contains large quantities of flavonoids, which are biological modifiers, and helps the body modify its response to the hormonal changes during menopause.
Evening Primrose has been proven to help the cardiovascular system by treating the heart palpitations, hypertension, and increased cholesterol levels that often occurs during and after menopause. It may also provide relief from the menopausal dry skin.
St. John’s Wort is widely used to treat the insomnia and anxiety often experienced during menopause. It also treats the edginess, mood swings and may help relieve tension and provide a good nights sleep. (Note: If an individual is taking any type of antidepressant consultation with a licensed physician is in order before using St. John‘s Wort.)
Chamomile is another herb which is effective against insomnia and anxiety. See Benefits of Chamomile.
Skullcap is a mild natural pain reliever that has none of the side effects of many prescription painkillers, and may relieve the nagging headaches that many women experience.
Valerian is an herbal sedative. Combined with Skullcap it is used to treat the bloating and water retention often experienced during menopause.
Fenugreek has been used to lessen the severity of hot flashes and mood swings brought on by estrogen dominance. See Fenugreek Benefits.
Blackberry, Black Raspberry and Ginger are effective herbs to use for the nausea often attributed to menopause.
Other Natural Menopause Remedies
In addition to herbal remedies, dietary changes, vitamins and exercise are all natural menopause remedies.
Dietary Change - Symptoms such as weight gain, hair loss and arthritis can be treated by the addition of foods containing phytoestrogens such as isoflavonoid-rich legumes and lignan-rich whole grains, flaxseed and fruits.
Vitamins - Vitamins D, E, C, Selenium and Beta Carotene prevent or treat hot flashes, dry skin and the fluctuating hormones of pre- and post-menopausal women.
Exercise - Walking, yoga and Pilates will help strengthen the muscles and connecting tissues and is heart healthy.
It is important to understand that herbal remedies like prescription drugs affect everyone differently. Allergies to herbal remedies are as common as allergies to prescription drugs. Consult your primary care physician before adding herbal remedies or an extreme vitamin or exercise program to your daily routine. Menopause is a normal stage of life and should be a peaceful transition provided the common symptoms can be controlled.
Disclaimer: Always consult your medical professional before trying any homemade treatment. This site is designed for informational purposes only and is not rendering medical advice or professional services.
Menopause can present a complex group of symptoms, and long before modern medicine, women used herbs and plants to treat these symptoms. The goal of natural menopause remedies is to reduce these symptoms so that women can continue a good quality of life as they pass through this stage of their lives. In the past, women had specific herbal remedies for menopause made from local plants, but today herbal remedies are available from many sources.