Use these herbs to manage stress, balance hormones, and control mood swings. Try natural menopause relief first! Herbs for menopausal issues
1. Ashwagandha – Manage Stress & Brain Fog
This is an ancient herb used in Ayurvedic medicine for various health issues. In modern medical trials, it has been classified as an adaptogen, which means that when used, the body better manages stress.
It can also have other benefits for the brain and body by boosting brain function, which can alleviate brain fog issues in menopause.
This herb is best known for its properties in fighting anxiety and depression.
Ashwagandha is also said to:
- Lower blood sugar
- Lower cholesterol and triglycerides
- Improve muscle mass, enhance strength and reduce body fat
- Reduce inflammation
- Improve brain function and boost memory.
Studies have shown that Ashwagandha can lower cortisol levels. The stress hormone cortisol causes a rise in blood sugar and increased fat storage in the abdomen area.
In one study, chronically stressed women who were given Ashwagandha had their cortisol levels significantly lowered compared to those in the control group.
Several controlled studies showed that it can reduce symptoms in people with anxiety disorders. Those who took it for 6 weeks reported an 88% reduction in anxiety and insomnia, compared to 50% in the control group taking placebo (Placebo is a pill with no medicinal ingredients).
People with autoimmune diseases should avoid ashwagandha unless authorized by a healthcare provider. This includes people with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and type I diabetes.
The daily dose of the standardized root extract advised is 450–500-mg capsules – in one or two doses.
Thyroid disorders: Ashwagandha might increase thyroid hormone levels, so it should not be taken without consulting your physician.
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Herbs for menopausal issues
2. St. John’s Wort – Control Mood Swings
St. John’s wort is a known treatment for mild to moderate depression, but it can also improve mood swings for perimenopausal and menopausal women.
There is evidence that this herb combined with black cohosh not only improves mood and lessens the intensity of mood swings, but also helps with taming hot flashes.
St. John’s wort might cause interactions with some medications, so you need to consult with your doctor before taking it.
There is scientific evidence that this herb helps with mild depression and irritability, fatigue, and sleep problems.
Herbs for menopausal issues
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3. Maca – Regulate Hormones
The Maca plant is botanically related to broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower. All parts of the plant are edible, but its root is considered a superfood and has been used as medicine in the Peruvian culture for centuries.
The root is full of nutrients like copper, iron, potassium, manganese, vitamin C and B6 and is very high in protein and fiber.
These nutrients nourish and aid the pituitary and hypothalamus glands, considered the “master” glands of our bodies, balancing hormones like estrogen.
Maca is considered a natural aphrodisiac, so it can help women who have experienced lower libido in perimenopause and menopause.
Seventeen major studies on the effect of maca were reviewed by the Korean Institute of Oriental Medicine. The findings indicated that all of the studies showed that Maca alleviated menopausal symptoms. The adaptogens in this root aided the body to respond better to stress and restore balance.
The fact that Maca helps with balancing estrogen also means that it can help with migraines in perimenopause and menopause.
One of the significant benefits of Maca is that it prevents bone loss (osteoporosis), a serious concern for many women in menopause. A study in 2006 also showed that Maca can help balance blood sugar and reduce inflammation in the body.
You can take 1 teaspoon, or 3 grams, of maca powder daily for 6 to 12 weeks to see the benefits.
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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.
Remember:
- Some herbs have potential side effects.
- Herbs may interact with some medication you are taking. They could boost or cancel out the effect of other medications or could cause other problems.
- Some herbs can cause allergic reactions.
- If you decide to take herbs in the form of supplements, make sure that reliable and credible companies produce them.
Herbs for menopausal issues
Learn more on helpful herbs and supplements for menopausal issues in our blogs…
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