Menopause is a transitional time with unpredictable hormone levels and uncomfortable symptoms. The changes that are common during menopause are caused by abrupt drops in estrogen levels. Many organs in the female body depend on the presence of estrogen, and when the level falls, symptoms are plentiful. Rather than resorting to conventional medicines that can include hormone replacement therapy; choose an herbal solution to treat and ease symptoms of menopause.
Sage
Hot flashes are a prevalent symptom during menopause. Treat hot flashes by making an herbal tea with everyday sage. Sage is a good choice for limiting the high level of sweating that is often part of hot flashes. While sage has a drying effect on hot flashes, conversely, it has a moisturizing effect on other parts of the body. Namely, sage helps to re-invigorate vaginal lubrication that may be lost during menopause. In this manner, sage can be considered somewhat of an anti-aging herb. Make sage tea by combining 2 tsp. of the dried herb with 1 cup of boiling water. Steep for 5 to 10 minutes, strain and drink. Drink one cup of tea three times a day. Sage is also available in tincture form. Add 3 to 15 drops of the tincture to 1 cup of water and take 3 times a day for relief of hot flashes.
Tincture Tonic
Make a custom herbal tincture tonic to treat various symptoms of menopause. This mixture can help to regulate menstrual cycles as well as relieving the occasional hot flash. You will need 4 oz. of black cohosh tincture, 2 oz. of partidgeberry tincture, 2 oz. of motherwort tincture, 1 oz. of chasteberry tincture and 1 oz. of wild yam tincture. Pour these tinctures into a small glass bowl, and mix together. Use a funnel to pour the mixture into a new bottle. Use a dosing syringe to accurately measure the dose, about 1/3 tbsp. or 5ml three times a day. Tinctures have a strong taste; to offset the taste, mix the tincture in an 8-oz. glass of water or juice.
Red Clover
Red clover has high levels of phytoestrogens. These plant-based components are not exact substitutes for the body's hormones, but they have very similar effects. Sometimes their mild properties are just enough to reverse bothersome menopause symptoms that result from too little estrogen. Red clover is also high in isoflavones, naturally occurring chemicals that are also found in soy foods. Look for red clover capsules with a dosage range of between 370 and 435mg. at health-food stores. Take two capsules three times daily or drink red clover tea throughout the day. Make one serving of red clover tea by mixing 1 to 2 tsp. of dried red clover with 1 cup of boiling water. Steep for 10 minutes, strain and drink. It is safe to drink as much of this tea as you want.
Black Cohosh
Black cohosh is widely used to treat a range of menstrual and menopausal symptoms. Like red clover, black cohosh contains phytoestrogens. Black cohosh lowers levels of LH or luteinizing hormone. This hormone is responsible for opening up blood vessels and sending waves of heat to the surface of the skin, also known as a hot flash. By lowering the levels of LH, black cohosh eases symptoms of hot flashes in menopausal women. Black cohosh in tincture form is most effective. Add 1/2 tsp. to 4 oz. of water and take two to four times a day for six weeks. Take a month off and repeat the cycle, if desired. Look for black cohosh in health-food stores.
Horsetail
The herb horsetail is thought to improve absorption of calcium in the bones. It can help to reverse bone loss that is associated with menopause. Look for horsetail in health-food or herbal stores and follow dosing instructions carefully.
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