'Menopause - No Sweat' - The Natural Treatment of Menopause.
This articles describes menopause symptoms and their treatment by Herbal Medicine.
BALANCING HERBS.
The ultimate aim is to get through this change of life as easily as possible by encouraging the body to accept and function normally at the new hormone levels.
In very early menopause, Agnus Castus (Vitex Agnus Castus or Chaste Tree) can be used to support the pituitary gland in stimulating the production of progesterone while reducing that of oestrogen to achieve a balance between these two hormones.
Another effective herb to help the body adjust to these new levels is Dong quai, (Angelica Sinensis). It is the best tonic herb for women, supporting and toning the reproductive system. It is an herb known as an adaptogen, which means it helps to adjust bodily functions to normal.
HOT FLUSHES.
Sage, (Salvia officianalis), is the herb most commonly advised for hot flushes and night sweats. The Chinese herb Zizyphus, (Zizyphus spinosa) is very effective in reducing hot flushes and has calming and sedative properties,and so also helps with insomnia which normally goes hand in hand with hot flushes and night sweats. You will not find this readily available over the counter so you will need to see a practitioner to get a preparation of Zizyphus.
INSOMNIA.
This is often due to the flushes so once these are reduced sleep patterns should return to normal. However a cup of Chamomile tea or Lemon Balm tea as an evening drink instead of anything with caffeine in it, will help the body to relax and fall into a natural sleep. You can usually find these in tea form in a good health shop.
PALPITATIONS.
The herb for palpitations associated with hormone imbalance is Motherwort (Leonorus Cardiaca). It is a nerve and heart sedative and has calming properties and is a good herb when someone needs to be "cared for".
LETHARGY/ DEPRESSION.
St. John's Wort (Hypericum Perforatum) is a wonderful nervous system supporting and tonic herb. The only problem with it is that it also improves liver function. If you are taking any orthodox medicine this could lead to an increased rate of breakdown and excretion of these medicines rendering them less effective than they should be. So the message here is don't take St. John's Wort if you are on any orthodox medicines.
SLUGGISH DIGESTION.
Either, Dandelion root (Taraxacum Officianalis) or Milk thistle (Carduus Marianus) are the preferred herbs for the digestive system. They are both liver and digestive system cleansers and both improve digestive function by stimulating the production of digestive enzymes.
LOSS OF SEX DRIVE AND VAGINAL DRYNESS.
Rose is not called the flower of love without good reason. For loss of sex drive, buy some good quality rose oil (preferably Rosa Damascena) and put a few drops into a bath before bedtime. Rose oil is expensive but has calming and uplifting properties as well as being an aphrodisiac.
Treat vaginal dryness with a tincture of Marshmallow Root (Althea Officianalis). Marshmallow contains a mucilaginous substance which encourages lubrication of all mucous membranes around the body. Again I do not think you will get this over the counter so you will have to visit an Herbalist to get the tincture.
A typical menopause mixture would contain:-
Dong Quai, Sage, Motherwort and Milk thistle. The proportions of the herbs to each other in the mixture would depend on each individual person's symptoms and severity. Treatment can typically last 4-6 months.
Please remember Herbal Medicine is only safe medicine if it is administered by a qualified practitioner. The information in this article is for your interest only and is not intended to encourage or enable you to self medicate.
If you buy a ready made preparation of Herbal Medicine over the counter, please follow the instructions on the packaging.
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