Authored by Malcolm Tatum in Alternative Health
Published on 12-04-2009
Women who deal with hot flashes during menopause or other situations where the body’s natural chemistry is thrown out of balance know that these flashes can be extremely intense and draining. While there are treatments that can help minimize the severity of these sudden bursts of heat, some women find that the side effects are more troubling than the hot flashes themselves. Fortunately, there are herbal remedies that can help.
Sarsaparilla has a long history of being an ideal herb to take during menopause. Known to help balance hormones in the body, this herb can help to ease the severity of the hot flashes, as well as possibly decrease the frequency. It is also possible to prepare a tea or tincture using this herb for use when a hot flash takes place. Using the tincture or tea allows the nutrients in the herb to get into the system quickly, bring much faster relief.
Another possibility is ginseng. This herb is known to help with blood circulation as well as provide a number of vitamins that are important to proper brain function. These qualities can help support the body during menopause by encouraging the production of neurotransmitters that reduce stress. In turn, this may make it easier to cope with hot flashes, as well as calm the nerves and minimize the chances for triggering another hot flash soon after.
Wild yam is considered to be an excellent herb for hot flashes, especially with menopausal women. There is some anecdotal evidence that this herb can help the body manufacture hormones that in turn ease both the frequency and intensity of the sudden flashes of heat. Not only can wild yam help with the hot flashes, but also ease some of the mood swings and sudden bouts of jitters that many women deal with during menopause.
Different sources of isoflavones are also helpful with hot flashes. Consuming soy products helps to boost the body’s supply, but one of the best sources is the herb known as red clover. Like several other herbs that are helpful with menopause, red clover can also help to regulate mood and ease some of the sudden nervousness and other common complaints that make menopause such a challenge for many women.
It is important to remember that herbs are more effective if you avoid certain foods that may be exacerbating your symptoms. For example, avoiding beverages with caffeine, such as coffee, black and orange pekoe tea, and various types of soft drinks is highly recommended. Dairy products may also make your situation worse. Go with green tea if you crave a hot drink, as this type of tea will help to soothe the nerves. As a dairy substitute, try enjoying soymilk as a way of avoiding milk fat while still increasing your intake of isoflavones.
Keep in mind that the herbs that help one woman may be completely ineffective with a different woman. In addition, attempting to use herbs along with prescription medication could lead to unpleasant interactions. Talk with your doctor before mixing herbal remedies with any medication, and discontinue use of herbs if you notice that they seem to cause you any type of distress. By paying attention to the signals that your body gives you, it is possible to find the right herbs that work for your body, and achieve some degree of respite from your hot flashes.
