Herbal remedies for menopause: top 5 phytoestrogens

When shopping for an herbal remedy for menopause, make sure it contains herbs with phytoestrogenic properties. Otherwise, your remedy won’t do much to ease your hot flashes! Phytoestrogens are natural substances in plants that can influence the function of estrogen in the body. Although they can alleviate some of the symptoms of menopause by affecting the activity of estrogens, phytoestrogens are not “real” estrogens in the sense that they are the same estrogens produced by our bodies. Phytogestrogens bind to estrogen receptors in the same way as real estrogens, and can have proestrogenic or anti-estrogenic effects, depending on how saturated the receptors are. In bodies with low estrogen levels, such as in menopause, empty estrogen receptors can accept phytoestrogens, which have a weak pro-estrogen effect 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 estrogen precursors. That way, you can enjoy the relief of an estrogen surge without worrying about the serious health impacts 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 provide vaginal lubrication. These effects are seen when black cohosh reaches the hypothalamus, the region of the brain that regulates hormone production and body temperature. Many women rely on black cohosh’s ability to ease 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. Since the herb is known to increase the amount of liver enzymes, people with liver disorders should not take black cohosh.

Ashwagandha: a treatment to correct vata

According to the ancient Ayurveda healing tradition of India, hot flashes, anxiety, and insomnia due to menopause are caused by excess vata energy. Vata is the energy of air and space that regulates movement, breathing, blood circulation, and the 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 the vata imbalance with herbs like ashwagandha. The ashwagandha plant is an important herb for Ayurvedic medicine due to its beneficial properties, which include flavonoids and phytoestrogens that can reduce inflammation, decrease stress, invigorate the body, and serve as an antioxidant.

Ginseng: a reliable menopausal herb

The perennial ginseng is one of the most popular herbal remedies for menopause, especially for hot flashes and palpitations. Although there have been few human studies on the impact of ginseng on menopausal symptoms, research in animals shows 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 cope with stressors. Elevated ACTH levels were also found to counteract the rise in skin temperature that results from hot flashes. Although ginseng is primarily a stimulant, it was also found to be helpful in treating menopause-induced insomnia.

Dong Quai: Another Natural Menopause Medicine for Hot Flashes

Often called “female ginseng” for its benefits for female reproductive health, dong quai is another important herbal remedy for menopausal symptoms. In addition to containing a high concentration of phytoestrogens, Dong quai also contains 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 taking daily doses of 400 mg of the herb experienced a 25% decrease in hot flashes. Dong quai is especially potent when used with black cohosh.

Red clover: to relieve symptoms of menopause

Last but certainly not least is red clover, a plant that is grown primarily for grazing. Today, however, red clover is a major panacea for the uncomfortable symptoms of menopause. Clinical trials on red clover supplementation show that it can reduce the frequency of hot flashes and the intensity of mood swings. In addition to alleviating the discomfort in menopause, red clover can preserve the state of your health. Its high calcium and magnesium content makes the herb a great protector against osteoporosis and loss of bone density. Red clover is also believed to increase the amount of good cholesterol or high-density lipoprotein, which reduces the risk of heart disease.

Remember, herbal remedies can interact with prescription drugs you might be taking right now. Consult your doctor or a licensed herbalist before taking any supplements.

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