Menopause marks the permanent cessation of menstruation and the ability to conceive a child, according to the Mayo Clinic. A number of uncomfortable symptoms can occur during this period of a woman's life. Some of the more common signs of menopause include hot flashes, inconsistent periods, insomnia, and vaginal dryness. Certain herbs may help relieve some of your distressing symptoms.
Black Cohosh
Black cohosh is popular in both the U.S. and Europe to treat menopausal symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic. Native Americans used black cohosh root more than 200 years ago to relieve the symptoms of menopause and other female maladies such as menstrual cramps.
A Turkish study involving 120 women found black cohosh more effectively treated the various symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes, vaginal dryness and anxiety than the antidepressant fluxetine (Prozac). The findings of the study were published in March, 2007 in the journal "Advances in Therapy."
Dong Quai
Dong quai root has been consumed for thousands of years in China, Japan and Korea as a medicine, tonic and spice. Some women claim dong quai has helped relieve hot flashes associated with menopause. The University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, says so far researchers have failed to pinpoint whether dong quai mimics the effects of estrogen or if it blocks estrogen in the body. The UMMC says additional studies are needed.
Flaxseed
Flaxseed was used in ancient Egypt for medicinal and dietary purposes, according to the UMMC. Flaxseed has been used traditionally to relieve constipation due to its high fiber content. The UMMC says flaxseed may help relieve your vaginal dryness, hot flashes and mood swings. It also may promote bone health and lower your risk of developing osteoporosis after menopause. Osteoporosis makes your bones more vulnerable to breakage and fracture.
Kava
Kava may diminish feeling of anxiety that can be associated with menopause but it doesn't appear to improve hot flashes, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, or NCCAM. Kava belongs to the pepper family and is native to the South Pacific. The Food and Drug Administration has issued a warning that kava has been linked to liver disease.
Asian Gingseng
Asian ginseng, also known as Panax or Korean ginseng, is a herb that has been studied for numerous conditions. However, only a handful of studies have looked into its useful to treat menopausal symptoms, according to the UMMC. One Japanese study found Asian ginseng may relieve menopause-related depression, fatigue and sleep disturbances. The findings were published in December, 1999 in the "International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics."
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