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Are herbs for menopause symptoms the new, safer HRT alternatives? There are many women for whom traditional, chemical hormone therapy is not an option. Complementary approaches to menopause generally center around dietary changes, as some plants and foods are considered beneficial in maintaining levels of, or even replacing, certain hormones, lifting your spirits, and aiding digestion or memory function, among other things. Holistic practitioners also offer several therapies and techniques that will enhance your overall well-being, health and vitality.
Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga Racemose)
This herb is known as an all-round helper for women's problems, not just menopause symptoms. During menstruation it helps to ease menstrual pain and cramping. It is anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic and contains phytoestrogens, thus making it a true 'herbal HT'. It is therefore a good all-round choice. In addition, it helps to relieve arthritic pain and can assist in spasmodic conditions of the bowel, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).It's the root of the herb that is used.
Contraindications: Because of its estrogen effect, black cohosh should not be used with tamoxifen.
Chaste Tree Berry (Vitex agnus-costus)
A very well-known women's herb, chaste tree berry is a hormone balancer working on pituitary gland secretions. It has the ability to promote higher secretions of progesterone. It, too, can be used at any time in a woman's life cycle, and it is often chosen to relieve menstrual symptoms. It has a particular role to play in relieving adolescent acne (in both girls and boys), but at menopause it is a gentle hormone balancer that brings the female system into equilibrium whatever the menopause symptoms are
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Contraindications: Possible harmful interaction with bromocriptine.
Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis)
They say one billion Chinese women can't be wrong! This herb from the Chinese herbal repertoire has been described as the most popular herb on the planet. Like chaste tree berry it is thought to work on the pituitary gland as a hormone balancer but it is also known in Chinese medicine for its ability to 'move and nourish the blood'. It is a member of the umbelliferaceae - a large group of plants that also includes fennel and Sweet Cicely as well as the English variety Angelica archangelica, which is chiefly known as a digestive remedy but can be substituted for dong quai if necessary. Dong quai is good in the treatment of fibroids. It's the root of the herb that is used.
Contraindications: Dong quai should not be used alongside anticoagulants.
Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca)
This is a herb with a wide range of applications for women. It is known as an emmenagogue (promotes or brings on menstrual flow). It also protects the heart (note its Latin name, cardiaca), which it does partly by virtue of its cholesterol-lowering powers and its calming and relaxing properties. It is indicated wherever tension and anxiety are associated with menopause. The ariel parts of the plant are used. It combines particularly well with hawthorn for assisting with high blood pressure and protecting the heart.
Contraindications: Possible harmful interaction with antipsychotic drugs and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Lady's Mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris)
A very useful uterine astringent, lady's mantle can slow down and even stop profuse heavy bleeding and flooding. As some women approach menopause, periods begin to come more frequently and are heavier Sometimes they may get to the stage where there is no gap between one period and the next, and they are bleeding constantly. Lady's mantle might help. This herb, combined, for example, with dong quai and black cohosh, can rectify the situation quite quickly - although you should bear in mind that 'quickly' in terms of herbal medicine may mean a week or two. However; it has helped save some women from having a hysterectomy. Add cayenne if the bleeding is severe, and consider iron-rich herbs also, such as raspberry leaf and yellow dock root.
Contraindications: None known
Red Clover (Trifolium pretense)
Clover belongs to the same plant family as the pea, which is known for high content of phytoestrogens. Hence, like black cohosh, it is considered as a true herbal HT. Its other properties include the ability to cleanse and even thin the blood, as it contains coumarins, which have a mild anticoagulant effect. In fact, if you are taking a pharmaceutical anticoagulant, even large doses of aspirin, you should avoid this remedy. It is also known as an anti-cancer agent and appears in many herbal cancer formulas.
Contraindications: Because of its estrogen-promoting activity it is contraindicated in some forms of breast cancer and where tamoxifen is being taken. Also, because one of its pharmacological effects is to thin the blood, it should not be used-alongside anticoagulants.
A lot of these herbs for menopause are available as specialized health supplements for menopause, or you could visit a local herbalist who would be able to help you use individual herbs as necessary.
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