During the transition to menopause, intense changes occur in a woman's body. Hormone levels drop, brain chemistry is altered, body temperature is out of control and sexual desire decreases, among many other undesirable symptoms. Fortunately, nature itself provides the necessary help to restore hormonal health. Before resorting to surgical procedures or medications, which can worsen symptoms in the long term, there is the possibility of opting for a natural and safe treatment with these incredible 5 herbs to relieve menopause symptoms.
1. Maca (Lepidium meyenii)
Maca has been consumed for centuries by the Incas and the inhabitants of the Peruvian mountain range. This Andean tuber is abundant in vitamins, minerals and essential amino acids. It is excellent for treating many different symptoms of menopause because it nourishes the endocrine glands, promoting hormone production, which helps counteract the natural hormonal imbalance that occurs during the menopausal transition.
Additionally, research has shown that women who take 2,000 mg of maca daily experience fewer episodes of hot flashes and night sweats. Other studies verify its powerful ability to reduce anxiety, depression and increase libido, which can be interrupted during menopause.1,2
Using maca powder as the main ingredient, some herbal remedies for menopause can be prepared at home, such as Maca Infusion for Hot Flash Relief or a Maca Adrenal Tonic Tea.
2. Soy (Glycine max)
In Japan, where soy is widely consumed in the diet, only 7% of women experience hot flashes, compared to 75% of women in the United States.
Soy is a protein-rich legume from East Asia. This fantastic source of nutrients is a major crop in the United States, Brazil, Argentina, India, and China for good reason. During menopause, estrogen levels, which have sustained women's reproductive and sexual functions throughout their lives, suddenly begin to plummet. This can lead to extreme imbalances in terms of mood regulation and body temperature. Soy contains phytoestrogens with estrogen-like effects in the body, promoting hormonal balance that can quickly ease menopausal symptoms.3,4
An Estrogen Enhancing Soybean Syrup can help restore healthy levels of this key female hormone during the menopausal transition.
3. Black cohosh (Actaea racemosa)
Black cohosh is a North American herb that offers many benefits for treating menopausal symptoms. Black cohosh has been used by Native Americans to treat gynecological disorders for centuries, and today it is available as supplements and teas throughout the world to treat menopausal symptoms. Studies have found that black cohosh relieves menopause physical and psychological problems, such as hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, depression, and anxiety. This herb has been proven to be more effective in relieving hot flashes than antidepressants and much safer than hormone replacement therapy (HRT).5,6
A Black Cohosh and Flaxseed Tea for Estrogenic Balance can be effective in relieving the most common symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and night sweats.
4. Aguaje (Mauritia flexuosa)
This small fruit has been widely consumed for centuries in the Amazon region, where it grows naturally. Aguaje, also known as moriche palm, recently made its way into international markets and drew the attention of the scientific community due to its high levels of carotenoids and its phytoestrogen compounds, which have been shown to relieve symptoms related to hormonal imbalances that accompany the female reproductive life cycle.7,8
Adding aguaje powder to smoothies and drinks is a great way to reap the benefits of this tropical fruit and restore hormonal health.
5. Red clover (Trifolium pratense)
Red clover is native to Europe and Asia, and has been traditionally used to treat many health problems. However, today it is very popular for its phytoestrogenic properties. This herb is rich in isoflavones, which are compounds with estrogen-like effects in humans. Red clover extract has been shown to improve hair and skin health, as well as improve libido, mood, sleep, and energy during menopause and postmenopause.9
A Red Clover Tea for Reducing Hot Flashes can do wonders for adrenal health during menopause.
There is a lot of research and traditional uses behind these medicinal plants for menopause. They can be consumed in culinary forms, such as dietary supplements or teas, providing an easy and sustainable way to alleviate symptoms during this important transition in every woman's life.
Sources
- BCM Complementary Medicine and Therapies, Maca (L. meyenii) for improving sexual function: a systematic review
- Better Health, Soybeans
- Molecules, Herbal Products Used in Menopause and for Gynecological Disorders, 2021
- National Institutes of Health, Black Cohosh
- University of Delaware, Soy and Menopause
- University of Maryland Medical Center, Black Cohosh
Footnotes:
- Menopause. (2008). Beneficial effects of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) on psychological symptoms and measures of sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women are not related to estrogen or androgen content. Retrieved August 11, 2022 from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18784609/
- International Journal of Biomedical Science. (2006). Hormone-Balancing Effect of Pre-Gelatinized Organic Maca (Lepidium peruvianum Chacon): (II) Physiological and symptomatic responses of early-postmenopausal women to standardized doses of Maca in Double Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Multi-Centre Clinical Study. Retrieved August 11, 2022 from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23675005/
- Menopause. (2015). A cross-sectional study of equol producer status and self-reported vasomotor symptoms. Retrieved October 29, 2020 from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25380274/
- Journal of Women's Health. (2007). The Association between Soy Nut Consumption and Decreased Menopausal Symptoms. Retrieved August 11, 2022 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3229924/
- Journal of Clinical Oncology. (2001). Randomized trial of black cohosh for the treatment of hot flashes among women with a history of breast cancer. Retrieved August 11, 2022 from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11352967/
- Journal of Education and Health Promotion. (2018). A comparative study on the effect of “black cohosh” and “evening primrose oil” on menopausal hot flashes. Retrieved August 11, 2022 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5868221/
- Functional Foods in Health and Disease. (2020). Moriche Palm (Aguaje) Extract improves indefinite complaints in Japanese females: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial. Retrieved November 29, 2021 from https://www.ffhdj.com/index.php/ffhd/article/view/742
- Bioactive Compounds in Health and Disease. (2019). Hydroxypterocarpans with estrogenic activity in Aguaje, the fruit of Mauritia flexuosa (Peruvian moriche palm). Retrieved November 29, 2021 from https://ffhdj.com/index.php/BioactiveCompounds/article/view/585
- Iranian Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Research. (2012). The effects of red clover on quality of life in post-menopausal women. Retrieved August 11, 2022 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3590693/