8 Natural Herbs for Dealing With Hot Flashes

 

Let’s Try Mother Nature’s Remedies for Hot Flashes First!

 

The past few decades have brought back the idea that natural is better. Too often, many synthetic drugs have been proven to cause more harm than good. Natural is often better and safer.

This is why we urge you to try natural herbs for dealing with hot flashes.

In a pill-popping society, herbs and natural remedies are sometimes frowned upon and discounted as old wives’ tales, not in line with modern medicine. Natural herbs for dealing with hot flashes.

We in Womaneze support anything that works for a woman suffering from the discomfort of perimenopause and menopause. Still, we suggest that you try natural remedies before you opt for a drug and particularly before considering hormone replacement therapies.

To help you find what works for you, below is a short summary of 8 natural herbs* that have been proven to work for many women, to help with hot flashes and night sweats, medically referred to as vasomotor symptoms.

Because different things help different women there is no one size fits all solution. You can try some of the below options and see if they help you.

 

1. Licorice Root

Natural Herbs for Dealing With Hot Flashes

A 2012 study concluded that women in menopause who took 330 milligrams (mg) of licorice extract for eight weeks three times daily reduced the frequency and severity of hot flashes.

This effect usually lasted for 2 weeks after the participants stopped using the supplement. The root of the licorice plant contains phytoestrogens. In the 1970s, scientists discovered that this compound can be very helpful for women in menopause because phytoestrogens imitate estrogen that the body produces and help it deal with menopause more easily.

Research has also shown that licorice boosts and supports the immune system and helps with chronic stress due to adrenal fatigue, often found in menopausal women. Adrenal fatigue happens because the adrenal glands are under more pressure in menopause. These are the glands responsible for the secretion of hormones that affect inflammation, digestion, and stress management. Keeping the adrenal glands healthy is important in menopause.

 

2. Valerian Root

Valerian root may also help reduce the intensity of hot flashes.

Several studies have shown that the use of Valerian root can be beneficial for managing menopausal issues.

In a 2013 study, women were given 225 mg of Valerian three times daily for 8 weeks. There was a reduction in the severity and the number of hot flashes.

The phytoestrogens in Valerian may also have an effect on serotonin levels and can improve sleep.

Natural Herbs for Dealing With Hot Flashes

3. Black Cohosh

Black cohosh is a herb that has been used by many cultures for centuries to relieve menopausal issues, especially hot flashes.

Several studies have been carried out, which involved daily dosages of 6.5 to 160 mg of black cohosh for up to 1 year to treat menopausal symptoms.

Black cohosh is not recommended for women with risk factors for certain conditions that are affected by estrogen, such as breast, ovarian, or uterine cancer and liver problems.

Women should speak with their doctor before using black cohosh.

 

4. Flaxseed (Ground)

Flaxseed has omega-3 fatty acids and lignans, which act as phytoestrogens. Results from studies have been mixed, but it may help symptoms in some women. It is also believed to help lower cholesterol. Avoid whole flaxseed because it is difficult to digest.

Ground flaxseed – but not flaxseed oil – is what may help with menopausal issues. One study showed that 40 grams per day may be similar to hormone therapy for improving mild problems of hot flashes and night sweats.

There is no set dose for flaxseed. In studies done for people with high cholesterol, 15 to 50 grams of flaxseed per day were used.

Flaxseed is being studied for many other conditions, ranging from cancer to diabetes to osteoporosis, but no definitive conclusions have been made yet.

Natural Herbs for Dealing With Hot Flashes

5. Sage (Salvia)

Sage is a commonly found herb in most of our kitchens but is also a folk remedy thought to help with hot flashes and night sweats. It is known to be highly anti-inflammatory and a very good antioxidant.

Salvia, the Latin name of this plant, means “to heal”. At one time or another, it has been recommended to treat almost every ailment known to humankind. One of the traditional uses has been for the relief of problems with the most common menopausal issues.

In a study done in Italy, sage was given to women in combination with alfalfa extracts. All of the participants in the study showed improvement and the majority even reported total relief of issues.

If taking diabetic medications, sage should be taken with the utmost care as it also lowers blood sugar, and could cause the blood sugar to go too low. It is recommended to monitor your blood sugar closely.

“In 2011, Swiss researchers discovered that women taking a daily tablet of fresh sage leaves experienced a reduction in hot flushes by 50% in four weeks. After continuing to take sage, hot flushes among the participants were reduced by 64% within eight weeks.”

If you choose to buy sage tablets, be sure to buy “thujone-free” ones.

Most opt to use fresh sage – just one tablespoon contains vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, fiber, and iron.

Another way to use sage is to enjoy some sage tea.

 

6. Ginseng

Ginseng has been used for over 2000 years as a potent anti-inflammatory herb for its brain function benefits and boosting the immune system. It has also been shown to help reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes and night sweats.

Recent studies have found that it can help lower the risk of cardiovascular disease in postmenopausal women.

A study done in 2010 showed that Red Ginseng (RG) can improve the sex life of menopausal women by heightening sexual arousal.

“A study done on 72 women demonstrated that Red Ginseng (RG) has beneficial effects on both menopausal issues and cardiovascular risk factors in postmenopausal women. RG has physiologically active components that are absent in raw white ginseng and is therefore superior to traditional ginseng.”

You can drink ginseng tea daily to get its benefits but can also take it as a capsule – 3 grams per day.

Taking ginseng as an herb can have interactions with numerous medications women take. These include heart, blood pressure, diabetes, and blood-thinning medications. Please consult your doctor before using it.

Natural Herbs for Dealing With Hot Flashes

7. Red Clover 

Many nutrients are found in red clover; they include calcium, chromium, magnesium, niacin, phosphorus, potassium, thiamine, and vitamin C. It is also a rich source of isoflavones (a substance that acts like estrogens).

Scientists have researched isoflavones, like those in red clover. They concluded that it may help alleviate menopausal issues, such as hot flashes and night sweats. Findings of the studies done on the benefits of red clover have been mixed. Several studies on the effects of red clover suggest that it can considerably reduce hot flashes in menopausal women.

Red clover is available in tablet form or as a fresh herb.

Always read the label and buy only from a trusted firm.

This herb can also help maintain bone density, lower triglyceride levels, and reduce skin aging by increasing collagen levels.

 

8. Evening Primrose Oil

Native Americans have used evening primrose for healing purposes for centuries.

In modern medicine, evening primrose extract from seeds in the form of a supplement is used to treat eczema, breast pain, and menopausal issues.

In a 2013 clinical trial, evening primrose oil was given to women in menopause for six weeks against a placebo to test if it improves hot flashes. Results showed that the hot flashes became less severe but did not help as much with the frequency or duration of hot flashes.

 

Supplements are not strictly monitored by a governing body or agency. This is why they can be of poor quality or contaminated. Be sure to research your brand choices. Only choose trusted brands.

*Please consult with your medical care provider before you take any of the suggested herbs, especially if you are suffering from non-menopausal medical conditions.

 

You can track your self-care activities through our Womaneze Hot Flash Help app, download, and enjoy!Natural Herbs for Dealing With Hot Flas