Hot flashes are typically associated with menopause -- a natural stage in a woman's life when her menstrual period stops. Menopause typically occurs in a woman's late 40s or early 50s. In addition to hot flashes, menopause may be associated with symptoms of irregular periods, vaginal dryness and emotional changes. Herbal medicine may be helpful to alleviate menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes. Herbs can have strong effects on the body and can interact with certain medications, so before self-treating, consult with a botanically trained health care provider, such as a naturopathic physician, for an appropriate diagnosis and a safe and personalized treatment plan.
Black Cohosh
Black cohosh, also known as black snakeroot, bugbane, bugwort and squawroot, as well as by its Latin names Cimicifuga racemosa and Actaea racemosa, is member of the buttercup family. It's a tall, flowering plant found mostly in eastern North America. The root and rhizome have a history of medical use by Native Americans to relieve menstrual cramps and menopausal symptoms of irritability, emotional disturbances, sleep problems, and hot flashes. Dr. Sharol Tilner, a naturopathic physician and author of "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," states that black cohosh is antispasmotic, pain relieving and a peripheral vasodilator, meaning it relaxes the walls of blood vessels. Black cohosh affects hormones, by causing reactions similar to that of estrogen, and by suppressesing luteinizing hormone surges that are associated with hot flashes. Black cohosh may be taken as a tea, tincture, capsule or tablet.
Dong Quai
Dong quai, also known as Angelica sinensus, is a member of the Umbelliferae or parsley family. It's a fragrant plant with white flowers that grows in the mountainous regions of Japan, Korea and China. Dong quai root has been used medicinally for over 1,000 years in Eastern medicine systems, mostly to relieve ailments associated with the female reproductive tract. Dr. Tilgner reports that dong quai affects the uterine cells, and can be used for hot flashes as well as other menopausal symptoms. Dong quai is a warming female tonic so it's helpful for women who, aside from hot flash experiences, generally feel chilly. Dong quai is also helpful for women with heart disease, as well as uterine or ovarian masses or other pelvic region congestion. Dong quai may be taken as a tea, liquid extract or capsule.
Chaste Tree
Chaste tree berry, also known as Vitex agnus castus, is a member of the Verbenaceae or verbena family. Chaste tree is a large shrub with blue-violet flowers that's native to southern Europe, western Asia and the Mediterranean. Chaste tree berry is thought to alleviate various ailments of the female reproductive tract through its affects on the pituitary gland. Dr. Tilgner states that chaste tree is especially useful for headaches, dizziness, vaginal dryness and hot flashes associated with menopause. Chaste tree berry is available as a tea, tincture or capsule.
References
- Cleveland Clinic: Menopause
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Black Cohosh
- "Herbal Medicine from the Heart of the Earth;" Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Dong Quai
- Herbs 2000: Chaste Tree
