Hot flashes are a very uncomfortable menopause symptom. While not every woman will experience hot flashes when going through menopause, according to the Mayo Clinic, at least 3 out of 4 women usually do. Instead of taking HRT (hormone replacement therapy drugs) that can have negative side effects, many women are opting for natural alternatives for the treatment of menopausal symptoms.
Dong Quai
According to the Association of Women for the Advancement of Research and Education (AWARE), Dong quai (also known as "Angelica Sinensis") is reported to not only alleviate hot flashes, but it can also relieve the stress and emotional upset that is associated with menopause. Dong quai is available at natural health food stores and pharmacies, and can be purchased in pill form, powder, root slices, liquid extract, tincture, topical ointment and dried leaf form. The National Institutes of Health states that there is no set recommended intake amount of Dong quai.
Black Cohosh
Black cohosh is an herb that was discovered by Native Americans centuries ago to treat menopause-related symptoms, including hot flashes. The University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) reports that black cohosh is more effective in treating hot flashes and menopausal symptoms than one of the leading antidepressants, Prozac, which is prescribed to treat menopausal symptoms. Black cohosh is available in tablets or capsules, liquid extract and dried root to be used as tea. The recommended intake for adults is between 40 to 80 mg daily. UMMC reports that when prepared as tea, black cohosh is not as effective in treating hot flashes, and that it should not be used by women who are on medication for breast cancer therapy, as it can interfere with their treatment.
Chasteberry
AWARE states that Chasteberry is an herb that affects the function of the pituitary gland, and is effective in treating menopausal hot flashes, as well as dizziness. It is available as a tea or in tablet form. While it is not known to have negative side effects, it can affect hormone levels, so the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine recommends that if you are on medication for any type of hormone treatment, you should not use Chasteberry.
