A-Z Herbs for Healing Menopause Naturally

Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa)
Black cohosh is probably the most well known herb that is used during the menopause years. Some doctors are now suggesting it for their patients who want more natural relief from menopausal symptoms. Black Cohosh is a flowering plant that grows naturally in Eastern North America. It contains phytochemicals that are thought to relieve symptoms of menopause. Black Cohosh is believed to contain phytoestrogens, that bind to the estrogen receptors in your body.

The plant estrogens in Black Cohosh work very much like natural estrogen. It can help produce more lubrication in the vagina, and works to regulate body temperature.
Black cohosh is natural reliever of many menopause symptoms including night sweats, anxiety, and depression. Effects of black cohosh include the reduction of those horrible hot flashes that affect so many menopausal women. It does this by reducing the lutenizing hormone in your body, which is associated with extreme temperature fluctuations. In a recent study, 80% of women taking a black cohosh supplement experienced an improvement in their hot flashes, sweating, and heart palpitations.

Black Cohosh is available in supplement form by a variety of different commercial companies. It may be taken up to two times a day for six months, but should not be taken for a longer period of time. Side effects of black cohosh include headaches and mild stomach upset. More seriously, it has also been linked with an increase in liver enzymes. There have been some cases of liver inflammation due to overuse of black cohosh.

Chaste tree (Vitex agnus castus)
Chaste Tree, or sometimes referred by it’s Latin name, is a wonderful hormone balancer that is used to alleviate depression during the menopause years.

It works by stimulating and normalizing the pituitary gland, which regulates the balance of estrogen and progesterone in the body.

Damiana (Turnera diffuse)
Damiana is a pituitary regulator and antidepressant. It is also an aphrodisiac and is of benefit for sexual difficulties. It should not be taken too frequently, however, or it may irritate the lining of the urinary tract.

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)
Dandelion in any form is a superb strengthener for the liver, the control center for hot flashes. Dandelion improves digestion, especially of calcium, helps relieve headaches, and sees to it that the liver provides steady blood sugar supplies. Dandelion wine (from the blossoms) is the most elegant way to take this remedy, but the cooked leaves and vinegars (as well as the pickled parts) of the roots and/or leaves are also excellent nourishing digestives. The tincture, especially of the root, is considered the strongest medicine, but doesn’t contain bone-building nutrients, so is less ideal than the other forms.

Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis)
This herb is high in natural plant estrogens called phytosterols and helps to reduce the symptoms of estrogen deficiency.

Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)
This herb improves brain function, circulation, and oxygenation of all body cells. It is helpful for symptoms of fatigue, memory problems, and depression.

Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus, Panax quinquefolius)
Ginseng strengthens the adrenal glands, enhances immune function, increases energy, and normalizes blood pressure. It is useful for symptoms of both mental and physical fatigue. Avoid it if you have very high blood pressure (over 180/100). Siberian ginseng is more effective than the American variety.

Ginseng should not be taken with caffeine and other stimulants. It should not be taken for long periods of time.

Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
Licorice is a powerful adrenal stimulant and is a wonderful estrogenic herb. For this reason, it is a very useful herb during menopause. Care must be taken, however, not to take licorice too often, or it can deplete potassium and elevate blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure, use it with caution or avoid it entirely. Licorice makes a pleasant-tasting tea. It can also be added in small amounts to other herbal teas to improve their flavor.

Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca)
Motherwort is used by many menopausal women. A few drops of Motherwort tincture, will calm stressed emotions, relieve heart palpitations, and it reduces the severity of hot flashes. Motherwort helps to increase vaginal lubrication. The tea is violently bitter and disliked by most women.

Nettle (Urtica dioica)
A wonderful infusion, Nettle helps to strengthen the adrenals, helps to ease the increase anxiety during menopause and helps to prevent those awful night sweats. Nettle helps to build the blood. It helps protects bones and heart. Eating cooked nettle is another excellent way to gather its benefits.

Oatstraw (Avena sativa)
An infusion of oatstraw can strengthen the nerves. It is a wonderful calming herb that helps reduce emotion distress, promotes sound sleep. Oatstraw helps keeps the bones and heart strong, and can help strengthen a fading libido. While helping with menopause symptoms, it also is good in helping to lower cholesterol. Oats for breakfast is an excellent way to get the nourishment from this herb. Oatstraw baths can be exceptionally calming and soothing. Just make an infusion, strain, and pour into the tub.

Raspberry (Rubus idaeus)
Raspberry is an astringent and nutritive estrogenic herb. It has a direct action on the muscles of the uterus, helps to tone weakened uterine muscles, and relaxes uterine and intestinal spasms.

Red Clover (Tritolium pretense)
Red clover contains a plant estrogen called coumestrol that stimulates the ovaries. It is a good ‘alkalinizing’ herb that restores healthy body functions. Red clover is a specific for the herbal treatment of ovarian cysts.

Sage (Salvia officinalis)
This herb has many medicinal properties and is very useful during menopause for the treatment of hot flashes. Sage reduces excessive sweating and it contains plant estrogens. You will find sage particularly helpful in eliminating night sweats.

St. Johns Wort (Hypericum perforatum)
St. John’s Wort is a mild sedative that is specific for anxiety states. It may also be useful for combating depression.

Wild Yam (Dioscarea villosa)
Wild yam is a powerful estrogenic herb used by women around the world. It has a good anti- inflammatory action and gives relief from menopausal arthritis. It also has progestogenic properties, and may help to reduce heavy menstrual bleeding.

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