Herbal Menopause Remedies - The 5 Best Phytoestrogens

Herbal Menopause Remedies - The 5 Best Phytoestrogens

When purchasing an herbal menopause remedy, make sure it contains herbs with phytoestrogen properties. Otherwise, your remedy won't do much to relieve your hot flashes! Phytoestrogens are naturally occurring substances in plants that can affect the function of estrogen in the body. Although they may relieve some of the symptoms of menopause by influencing estrogen activity, phytoestrogens are not “true” estrogens in the sense that they are the same estrogens produced by our bodies. Phytogestrogens bind to estrogen receptors in the same way as actual estrogens and can have either proestrogenic or antiestrogenic effects - depending on how saturated the receptors are. In bodies with low estrogen levels, such as those in menopause, empty estrogen receptors can absorb phytoestrogens, which have weak estrogenic effects and relieve menopausal symptoms.

Unlike synthetic estrogens, which are stored in fat and remain in our body for a long time, phytoestrogens only act on the precursors of estrogen. This allows you to enjoy the relief of an estrogen surge without having to worry about the serious health effects of estrogen dominance that can be caused by hormone replacement therapy. Below are the five most effective phytoestrogens for menopause relief.

Black Cohosh – A very effective herbal treatment for menopause

Black cohosh comes from a tall flowering tree that grows in North America. It is known to contain a non-steroidal phytoestrogen called isoflavones, which can regulate temperature, strengthen bones and lubricate the vagina. These effects are observed when black cohosh reaches the hypothalamus, the region of the brain that regulates hormone production and body temperature. Many women swear by black cohosh's ability to relieve the discomfort caused by hot flashes and night sweats. Black cohosh can be taken daily for up to six months, but should not be used as a long-term remedy. Because the herb is known to increase the number of liver enzymes, black cohosh should not be taken by those with liver disease.

Ashwagandha – A treatment to correct Vata

According to India's ancient healing tradition Ayurveda, hot flashes, anxiety and insomnia due to menopause are caused by an excess of vata energy. Vata is the air and space energy that regulates movement, breathing, blood circulation and heartbeat. A balance in Vata is characterized by vitality and creativity. An imbalance causes anxiety, fear and other physical symptoms. The Ayurvedic approach to treating menopause involves correcting vata imbalance with herbs such as ashwagandha. The ashwagandha plant is an important herb for Ayurvedic medicine due to its beneficial properties, including flavonoids and phytoestrogens, which can reduce inflammation, relieve stress, invigorate the body, and serve as an antioxidant.

Ginseng – A trusted herb during menopause

The perennial plant ginseng is one of the most popular herbal remedies for menopause, especially for hot flashes and heart palpitations. Although few human studies have been conducted on the effects of ginseng on menopausal symptoms, animal studies show that ginseng lowers body temperature by releasing adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH). ACTH is responsible for triggering the use of glucose and fatty acids, which are important substances that help the body deal with stressors. Increased ACTH levels have also been found to counteract the increase in skin temperature that results from hot flashes. Although ginseng is primarily a stimulant, it has also been found to be helpful in treating insomnia caused by menopause.

Dong Quai – Another natural menopausal medicine for hot flashes

Often referred to as “female ginseng” for its benefits on women’s reproductive health, Dong Quai is another important herbal remedy for menopausal symptoms. Dong Quai not only contains a high concentration of phytoestrogens, but also vitamins A, E and B12. The herb also relieves hot flashes by dilating blood vessels and increasing blood flow. Clinical studies on dong quai show that menopausal women who took 400 mg of the herb daily experienced a 25% decrease in hot flashes. Dong quai is particularly effective with black cohosh.

Red Clover – Used to relieve menopausal symptoms

Last but not least, red clover is a plant grown primarily for pasture purposes. Today, however, red clover is an important panacea for unpleasant menopausal symptoms. Clinical studies of red clover supplementation show that it can reduce the frequency of hot flashes and the intensity of mood swings. Red clover not only relieves the symptoms of menopause, but can also maintain your health. Its high calcium and magnesium content makes the herb an excellent protection against osteoporosis and bone density loss. Red clover is also believed to increase the amount of good cholesterol, or high-density lipoprotein, and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Keep in mind that herbal remedies can interact with prescription medications you may be taking. Consult your doctor or a licensed herbalist before taking any supplements.