Menopause is defined as the point when a woman ceases to menstruate. It ranges for a period of about one year following the last menstrual cycle a woman experiences. During this time, the woman's hormonal balance changes, often triggering a variety of symptoms--from depression to hot flashes, irritability, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, an increase of abdominal fat and even thinning hair, according to the Mayo Clinic. A variety of natural herbs may help provide relief from these symptoms, many of which have been used by women for thousands of years.
Dong Quai
Dong quai is believed to help relieve annoying hot flashes as well as calm irritability, says Project Aware. The herb serves to open and stabilize blood vessels to allow better circulation and blood flow for those experiencing sporadic hot flashes, says Dr. Michael Murray. Take about 400mg to 600mg a day, suggests Epigee, either in pill or tablet form, or brewed from dong quai root into a tea.
Black Cohosh
Used for thousands of years by the Chinese and Native Americans, black cohosh is commonly known as the women's herb because it has been used to treat menstrual cramps and menopausal symptoms for generations. The herb helps relieve severity of hot flashes as well as ease depression, says Project Aware. For some, black cohosh also helps relieve vaginal dryness and atrophy. Women can take between 10 to 15 drops a day for several months, or taken with meals, with three to five drops placed on food. Women can also drink tea brewed with black cohosh, a common tea found in most grocery and natural food stores.
Red Clover
Red clover, also known as bee bread, grows throughout North America and the Eurasian continent. Containing a wealth of phytoestrogens, the herb helps elevate natural levels of estrogen in the female body, thereby reducing many menopausal symptoms such as bloating, hot flashes, night sweats and insomnia, Epigee says. Take about 400mg to 500mg of red clover on a daily basis.
Maca Root
Maca root is native to South America. It has been used by natives and the Latino people for centuries to treat menopausal symptoms, decreased libido and even memory loss, according to Epigee. The Maca root contains a variety of minerals and vitamins, and is used to help restore hormone balance and production. Women can take about 900mg of maca root in capsule form, generally divided into three doses at mealtime throughout the day.
