8. Hawthorn
It is important that you focus on your whole being when you address menopause. All women experience a higher risk of heart attack once they undergo menopause. The herb hawthorn protects your heart. It is calming and well tolerated. Do not use hawthorn if you take digoxin. Consult with your health care provider if you are taking any medications that affect your heart prior to using this balancing herb.
9. Nettle
This wild herb is packed with vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that will make menopause easier. The herb enhances vitality and strengthens your whole body. Many women who are undergoing menopause suffer from urinary infections and incontinence. Nettle reduces inflammation, tones the perineal muscles, and relieves vaginal dryness.
The herb will also help to protect your heart, which is important because you lose the protective benefits that estrogen provided before menopause. Nettle helps to balance hormone levels. It enhances the strength of your bones.
10. Vitex
Also known as chasteberry or chaste tree, vitex relieves peri-menopausal symptoms. Vitex reduces hot flashes and vaginal dryness. It combines well with black cohosh and dong qui. Do not use vitex if you are taking hormone replacement drugs.
11. Dong Qui
This ancient herb relieves menopausal discomforts. It can help to protect your heart and prevent strokes. It is one of the most popular herbs worldwide that is used to support women’s health. Do not use dong qui if you have uterine fibroids, or if you are taking blood thinners. Dong qui is always combined with other herbs, such as black cohosh or vitex.
12. Motherwort
This underused herb relieves anxiety and palpitations, which may occur during menopause. Motherwort has diverse actions which makes it an ideal herb to employ. It relieves vaginal discomfort and spasms. Motherwort lessens back and pelvic pain. This herb has few side effects and is safe for most adults.
13. Aloe
If you experience vaginal dryness, try using aloe gel as a lubricating agent. Do a skin test by applying a small amount of the gel to your forearm. Leave it unwashed overnight. If you do not experience irritation, you may safely use it in your vagina.
14. Dandelion
The leaves promote fluid and electrolyte balance. They are very nourishing. Dandelion greens, along with nettle tops, are among the best sources of high quality plant based calcium. You need to make sure that you get adequate amounts of calcium, as your risk of developing osteoporosis increases during and after menopause. Chickweed and seaweeds, such as dulse, kelp, and wakame are good sources of easily absorbable calcium too.
15. Soy
This may be consumed as an herb or as a food. Soy may help to reduce hot flashes. It can protect your heart and lower your chances of contracting certain forms of cancer. Multiple research studies have revealed that Japanese women have much lower incidences of hot flashes than women in western nations. The researchers attributed the lower rates of hot flashes to the Japanese women’s high consumption of soy. Studies indicate that soy may reduce hot flashes by almost sixty percent and night sweats by over forty percent.
Check with a health care provider if you are considering using soy. Some experts do not recommend its use for women who have had breast or gynecological cancers or have an elevated risk of developing these and other forms of cancer.
Using herbs for menopause can play an important role in making a smooth transition. They not only relieve symptoms, but will enhance your life.
