Natural remedies for menopause

Did you know that around 50% of menopausal women turn to herbal remedies for their menopause symptoms? Alongside a mediterranean diet, regular exercise and restorative sleep, medicinal herbs offer a great way to relieve menopause symptoms either on their own or alongside HRT. Read on to find out more. 

The benefits of red clover for perimenopause

Scientists first became interested in the uses of Red Clover for hormone balance in the 1940’s, following reports from Australian sheep farmers that it may be affecting the fertility of their animals. Since then it’s been found that Red Clover contains high amounts of isoflavones, a type of phyto-oestrogen. Phyto-oestrogens are present in certain plants, and they have a balancing effect on oestrogen levels in the body, which is really useful in peri-menopause! The isoflavones in Red Clover have been subject to a number of studies which have found them beneficial for:

• Hot flushes
• Palpitations
• Depression
• Vaginal Dryness
• Hair and skin
• Fatigue
• Libido
• High cholesterol

How does maca help perimenopause?

Maca is a highly nutritious root vegetable from south America, and recently it’s been nicknamed “Nature’s Viagra”! Interestingly, Maca root helps to increase testosterone levels in men but not in women. Although it has proven benefits for peri-menopausal women, it appears to change how we create our own hormones. This study found that it helped reduce weight, blood pressure, ‘bad’ cholesterol, and increased iron levels in peri-menopausal women.

Many women notice that their hot flushes, vaginal dryness and libido improve when they take Maca. It’s also an adaptogenic herb, so it helps the body to cope with chronic stress, which is key for hormone balance during peri-menopause.

What effect does ashwagandha have on perimenopause?

Ashwagandha, or Withania is from the same family of plants as potatoes and tomatoes. It comes from India and it’s an essential herb in our menopause toolkit! It’s primarily used as an adaptogen, helping the body out of its stress response, and aiding restful sleep when you’re ‘tired and wired’. Unlike most adaptogens though, it’s relaxing rather than stimulating, so it’s perfect if you’re suffering from burnout. This study found that peri-menopausal women taking Ashwagandha noticed that their hot flushes, fatigue, urinary and mood symptoms improved. It also found that levels of oestrogen increased, which may help to explain how it works.

How does sage help with perimenopause?

Sage is traditionally a very feminine herb, and legend said that if Sage grew well in the garden, the lady of the house was in charge! It has a long history of use for hot flushes and night sweats, and nowadays it’s also used to treat brain fog. This study backs its traditional use, concluding that it changes the way in which the brain works. We’ve known for some time that Sage is a potent source of phyto-oestrogens, which also helps to explain its protective effects on brain and bone, as well as its ability to relieve menopause symptoms.

Shop natural remedies for menopause

All of these herbs can be found in our new esmé nutritional supplements for menopause. Visit our Natural remedies for Menopause to find out how esmé could help you manage your menopause more naturally.

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Hannah Charman BSc MNIMH is a Consultant Medical Herbalist

www.physichealth.uk