Before the emergence of “modern medicine”, Shamen and Tribal Medicine Men used herbal supplements for menopause symptom relief for uncounted generations. Herbal therapy worked then, and still works very well for many women today.
In some cases, using herbal supplements for menopause has actually eliminated the need for hormone replacement therapy. They are that effective!
Menopause begins a time when your body’s estrogen and progesterone production begins to fall. Loss of these two essential hormones can unleash a host of unpleasant symptoms such as hot flashes, irritability, night sweats, and depression.
Modern Medicine dictates that you fight these symptoms with hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Your doctor will prescribe an estrogen replacement pill to help ease the shock of estrogen loss to your body. Sometimes a progesterone supplement is also used, but, as we discussed in Progestrone Cream Benefits, these supplements are sometimes (most times?) ineffective as the progesterone is lab-made rather than natural, and your body can tell the difference.
Of course, no herbal supplement can replace the estrogen and progesterone lost to menopause, but there are some that have been proven to lessen the severity of menopausal symptoms:
- Dong Quai => is a herb that is native to the far east, mainly Japan & China. The root of the plant contains a high concentration of phytoestrogens, which have been shown to lessen menstrual irregularities. Over time, dong quai can reduce vaginal dryness, flushing and night sweats, and weakness in your bladder.
- Wild Yam => is native to the eastern U.S. and has been used for generations by Native Americans to combat symptoms of menopause. The extract that is available today contains a high concentration of isoflavones, shown to reduce symptoms of menopause, reduce blood clotting, and help maintain bone density.
- Red Clover => is also rich in isoflavones. Over time, red clover is said to reduce hot flashes and night sweats, restore sexual desire, and moderate mood swings.
- Black Cohosh (aka: Squawroot) => is the most popular (and some say the most effective) herbal supplement for menopause. This terrific herb contains powerful compounds in it’s roots that can actually memic the effects of estrogen. This makes it great therapy for both pre and post menopausel women. It lessens PMS symptoms as well as menopausel symptoms such as cramps, hot flashes, and mood swings. Black Cohosh is so effective, some medical professionals now advise women just entering menopause to take the supplement rather than start hormone replacement therapy right away.
Other herbal supplements have been shown to have some benefits to women in menopause, but those listed here have been proven to be the most effective for the largest number of women.
But…Which one to take?
There is no right answer. Every woman is different, so the therapy you choose will have to be the one most effective for you!
For me, Squawroot was sent from heaven, but other women in my family have had better luck with others from the list. Some even found using a combination of supplements the best route to relief.
You’re going to have to experiment a bit, but discovering the best herbal supplements for menopause can help you regain everything Mother Nature has taken away.
