Natural Therapies That Work
Menopause is a natural part of life. It happens when a woman’s ovaries stop making enough estrogen (female hormones) and progesterone (another female hormone). A lot of women experience symptoms, like hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, sleeping problems, and vaginal dryness. This can lead to other conditions like osteoporosis or depression.
But there are treatments for these symptoms! Natural therapies may be the best way to manage your menopausal symptoms. They work by balancing your hormones and supporting your body without side effects. Here are some natural remedies to keep in mind when going through menopause:
Natural Therapies and Herbs
Some herbs and natural remedies to keep in mind for menopause are:
- Dong Quai: May be helpful for hot flashes and vaginal dryness. Take 50 – 100 mg three times a day of standardized extract.
- Chasteberry: Used to treat PMS, but may also help reduce menopause symptoms such as depression and irritability. Take 20 – 40 mg per day of standardized extract.
- Ginkgo biloba: Used to improve circulation, including blood flow to the brain and extremities. Take 40 – 80 mg three times a day of standardized extract.
- Red clover: Traditionally used for hot flashes, although there is little scientific evidence to support its use. Take 25 – 80 mg per day of standardized isoflavones.
Chinese Medicine
Chinese medicine has a long history of treating menopause. The following are some common Chinese natural medicines that help treat menopausal symptoms.
Radix Angelicae Sinensis
It is the dried root of Angelica Sinensis (Oliv.) Diels or other species of genus Angelica. Its main function is to invigorate blood circulation and remove blood stasis, which is obviously beneficial for alleviating the many symptoms caused by blood stasis in menopause, such as irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhea, and so on.
Cortex Moutan Radicis
The dried root bark of Moutan Cortex (Paeonia suffruticosa Andr.), a plant that belongs to Paeoniaceae. This medicine can help nourish the liver, activate the blood, and remove stagnation, which makes it an excellent choice for regulating the menstrual cycle, relieving pain, and easing swelling and bruising caused by blood stasis in women with menopause.
Rhizoma Cyperi
It is the dried rhizome of Cyperus rotundus L., a perennial herb that belongs to the sedge family (Cyperaceae). Rhizoma Cyperi is often used together with Radix Angelicae Sinensis in clinical practice.
Siberian Ginseng
Siberian Ginseng is native to China, Korea, and eastern Russia. It has been used for thousands of years as a tonic in Chinese medicine. Siberian ginseng has been used to treat fatigue and weakness, lack of appetite, sleep problems, stress, and many other conditions. Some people use this herb for improving thinking ability, athletic performance, and work efficiency; reducing the effects of aging; increasing resistance to infection; improving stamina and reducing blood pressure during exercise; promoting faster recovery after surgery; stimulating the immune system; and protecting against radiation damage.
Menopause can be a challenging time for many women. If you are experiencing menopause symptoms, it is important to assess the severity and try different treatments to find one that works for you. Although there is no cure for menopause, many different therapies can help you manage symptoms and make this difficult time easier.