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Menopause Natural Remedy
If you try searching the internet for a herbal remedy for menopause symptoms, you will come across a lot of information. Women have used a natural remedy to treat ailments for thousands of years. However, in recent times much of the knowledge of our ancestors has been lost.
The use of chaste berry for the relief of menstrual cramps and hot flashes was recorded in Homers Iliad 2600 years ago. Echinacea was the most prescribed drug in the US until the development of penicillin and antibiotics. Until recently it had been completely forgotten. This is slowly being redressed and proper scientific studies are confirming what many knew centuries ago. In Germany the equivalent department to the FDA commission E have tested over 300 different herbs and found over two thirds to provide effective relief from symptoms and to be safe. Before trying any herbal remedy it is important that you discuss it with your doctor.
Many herbs have been found to have mild sedative effects and are useful if you suffer from sleep problems. One of these, valerian root, is the plant from which valium was originally derived. Hops have been used for centuries in Europe inside pillows to aid sleep. The most popular of all sleep enhancing herbs is chamomile. A cup of chamomile tea before going to bed can help aid a good night’s sleep. In Central America and Mexico passion flower has been sold as a sedative for quite a long time. If you are suffering from insomnia it could be useful to check out some of the herbs mentioned above, as you may find that they will work for you.
One of the major symptoms of menopause is hot flashes. These are caused by a lack of estrogen triggering part of the brain into believing that your body is overheating. Your body then pumps blood to the surface of the skin in an attempt to cool your body down, resulting in a hot flash. There are a number of herbs that are well known to help treat these symptoms. Some of these work by increasing the amount of estrogen or estrogen receptors in the body others work by increasing the oxygen in the blood or by cooling the body.
Of these herbs, Black Cohosh is probably the most well known. For over 100 years up to the late 1920’s it was a recognized drug in the United States. Recently there has been speculation about the use of Dong Quai to help control hot flashes. So far the tests have mainly been conducted in China, and although good results are reported you may want to wait for the results of more tests before buying large quantities. One further set of herbs which have been found to be useful for treating hot flashes are herbs that were traditionally used to treat fevers such as chickweed and Violet. These work by cooling the body and relieving the hot flash.
Herbal remedies for menopause can work. They can be a safe, effective alternative to riskier and more invasive treatments such as hormone replacement therapy. Research your options, and choose what works for you that has the least amount of risk.
Menopause Information Center
