You begin to feel warmth spreading up from your chest to your face. Your skin turns red and flushed, and you start perspiring. Your heartbeat speeds up, as the warmth gives way to a feeling of intense heat. You're having a hot flash, one of the symptoms of menopause. Hot flashes can happen any time of the day or night, when they are sometimes called night sweats. If you want or need to avoid hormone replacement therapy, there are some herbs that can provide relief. Check with your doctor before using herbal remedies, however, to make sure they are safe for you.
Black Cohosh
Often recommended to relieve hot flashes, black cohosh is a Native American remedy for menstrual problems. There are a number of contraindications to using black cohosh, including menstrual flooding and certain types of heart disease, so check with your physician before using black cohosh. According to the Mayo Clinic, black cohosh has a good safety record but little hard evidence to prove its effectiveness.
Chasteberry
Chasteberry, also called vitex, may help hot flashes by regulating hormone fluctuations believed to be responsible for many of menopause's most frustrating symptoms. It can take two to three months to see an improvement when using chasteberry, so the herb should be used for one year for best results. In addition to lessening hot flashes, this herb can also help keep bones strong.
Chickweed
Chickweed tincture can help relieve both the frequency and severity of hot flashes, according to Power Surge, a website offering support for women in menopause. Try 25 to 40 drops of the tincture, once or twice daily.
Dong Quai
Dong quai is a herb often listed as a remedy for hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms, although herbalist Susun Weed writes that it may not be effective for persons who tend to feel hot most of the time. This herb may also have a calming effect. Dong quai can be purchased individually or found in a number of combination menopause remedies.
Ginseng
Panax ginseng, also called Korean or American ginseng, can relieve hot flashes in some women. Ginseng should not be used, however, by women who have high blood pressure, asthma or emphysema.
Motherwort
Ten to 15 drops of motherwort tincture washed down with a drink of water may relieve night sweats, according to Project AWARE. It may be wise to keep motherwort tincture and water by the beside for night sweats. For hot flashes, Power-Surge.com recommends a dosage of 25 to 40 drops of tincture, every four hours. Project AWARE recommends 15 to 25 drops up to six times daily. Motherwort tincture may also help relieve insomnia and anxiety associated with menopause.
Sage
Sage is another herb recommended to relieve hot flashes and night sweats. You can use a tincture of sage or drink sage tea if you wish to try this remedy.
