Hot flashes occur in approximately 75 percent of women going through menopause, according to the Mayo Clinic. If the surges aren't too bothersome, you may choose not to do anything about them. Some women opt for prescription medications and hormone replacement therapy during perimenopause and menopause, while others prefer herbal remedies. No single herbal remedy works for everyone, so you may need to try different types before you find one you like. Before starting any treatment, including herbal, consult your doctor.
Black Cohosh
Project Aware claims that Native Americans used black cohosh for menopause symptoms and menstrual cramp relief. Black cohosh has an estrogenic effect after long-term use, which is the reason it may help with your menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes. It also increases digestive juices, aiding digestion.
Soy
The Women to Women website discusses the safety of using soy products to help reduce the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause, including hot flashes. Most people tolerate soy, so it's generally safe to try. The soybean is a legume packed with isoflavones, antioxidants, protein and omega-3s, all adding to its health benefits. The isoflavones can bind to estrogen receptors, lessening the effects of estrogen fluctuations that cause hot flashes.
Red Clover
Red clover contains phytoestrogens that bind to estrogen receptors, similar to soy products. These phytoestrogens help block or decrease cellular responses when you experience an imbalance of hormones. The University of Maryland Medical Center says that, although red clover contains healthy nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, chromium, niacin, potassium, thiamine, phosphorus and vitamin C, no scientific proof exists for it reducing symptoms of perimenopause and menopause, including hot flashes.
Licorice Root
Licorice root may help increase progesterone while decreasing estrogen, according to the Project Aware website. The site claims that the glycyrrhizin in licorice root aids in regulating the metabolism of estrogen and prevents it from getting too high or too low. Licorice root also helps boost the immune system and acts as an anti-inflammatory.
Wild Yam
Wild yam is promoted by some hormonal supplement manufacturers as being a natural remedy for menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats, with the claim that it has a natural progesterone that can be used internally or externally. According to the American Cancer Society, no scientific evidence proves wild yam actually helps reduce menopausal symptoms. If progesterone is one of the ingredients in wild yam cream compounds, the body can actually experience some harmful side effects, such as nausea, headache, dizziness, blurred vision and, in extreme cases, seizures.
