Authored by Malcolm Tatum in Alternative Health
Published on 11-27-2009
Menopause is something that every woman must deal with eventually. For some women, this time of life is extremely difficult, with the symptoms being extremely severe. Even women who report relatively minor symptoms of menopause are often uncomfortable and find it hard to keep up with the daily routine without some type of help. Fortunately, there are several herbs that can help ease the pain and discomfort associated with menopause, and make it easier to get back to the business of living.
One of the herbs for menopause that many herbalists and alternative medical practitioners recommend is black cohosh. This herb helps to act in a manner that is similar to injections of estrogen, in that the herb can help to reduce the cramping action that takes place in the uterus. Some women also report that taking black cohosh several times a day helps to ease the severity and frequency of hot flashes, a manifestation of menopause that is often one of the most distressing symptoms of all. As a bonus, black cohosh can also help with temperament and may also help lower bad cholesterol levels in the body.
Damiana is another herb that is widely believed to be helpful with menopause. Taken as either a capsule or brewed into a tea, this herb can help to minimize the depression and anxiety that many women experience during this time of life. The properties of the herb can also have a soothing effect on the pituitary gland. Some women report that damiana also helps them to enjoy sexual intimacy more, as well as boosting their sex drive in general.
One of the changes that take place in the body during menopause is that the function of the liver is affected. This is due to the hormonal imbalance that is part of menopause. Dandelion can help to ease the stress on the liver, as well as help soothe the digestive system. The herb can be consumed in capsule form, but can also be made into an effective tea and tincture for use when and as needed.
Dong quai is a natural plant that is known to have high levels of phytosterols, a natural source of plant estrogens. Consumption of dong quai can help to correct estrogen imbalances, and thus help make the symptoms of menopause easier to deal with. Available in capsules, many herbalists recommend using the roots of this plant to make a tincture that can be taken once or twice each day.
Ginseng is another option that helps many women deal with the fatigue and changes in blood pressure that come along with menopause. The herb aids the function of the immune system in general, while also helping the body utilize the nutrients taken in each day to better advantage, which in turn leads to a restoration of energy levels that may be flagging. Along with enhancing physical energy, ginseng can also have a positive impact on mood, allowing the woman to feel less stressed.
There are other herbs that help with specific symptoms associated with menopause. Sarsaparilla can help increase energy and libido, while red clover can have a calming affect on any pain originating in the ovaries. Raspberry helps to ease spasms in the uterus and intestines, while wild yam is helpful with the joint stiffness some women experience with menopause. Before starting any regimen of herbs for treatment of menopausal symptoms, talk with a qualified herbalist. Some herbs can have an adverse reaction with any nuclear medication your doctor has prescribed, causing your symptoms to worsen rather than to ease off.
