Black cohosh, red clover and wild yam are herbal supplements that reduce menopause symptoms. Hormonal changes in a woman's body during menopause can lead to sweating, anxiety, sudden heat and facial flushing that accompany hot flashes. These plant herbs react like natural estrogen, working to regulate body temperature, hormones and hot flashes, according to Epigee Health and Fitness. As with any herbal supplements, consult with your physician or other health professional before taking any of these to help with your hot flashes.
Black Cohosh
Black cohosh is a perennial from the buttercup family. This herb, also known as snakeroot, bugwort and bugbane, is extracted and combined with ethanol and isopropyl alcohol, describes the National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. The tablets contain 20 mg of root extract. A 2002 study conducted by J.S. Jacobson of Columbia University provided 40 mg of black cohosh to 85 women cancer survivors for two months. The study was designed to determine the effects of black cohosh on menopausal symptoms. The participants reported hot flashes, excessive sweating, palpitations and poor sleep. The study found that half of the participants noted a decrease in hot flashes and excessive sweating with black cohosh use. This herb is often combined with other symptom-relief products found in health food stores and pharmacies. Ask your doctor if she believes black cohosh is a safe supplement for you to try.
Red Clover
Red clover is a medicinal herb whose uses include relieving skin inflammation and hot flash reduction. Red clover contains isoflavones, plant-based chemicals that produce natural estrogen in your body, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. This herbal supplement is sold as a tea, a tincture and in extract, powder and tablet form. Red clover is distributed in doses of 28 mg to 160 mg, depending on the method of ingestion. It is important to note that although red clover is recommended for skin flushing, there are no studies to verify the efficacy of this herbal remedy for hot flashes. Isoflavone supplements often include red clover for its nutrient values of potassium and calcium, and its potential to reduce sweating and flushing symptoms. Red clover may also be affective in lowering LDL cholesterol according to continued research, describes the Medical Center website. Ask your physician before adding red clover to your treatment regimen.
Wild Yam
Wild Yam is a natural estrogen derivative. The active ingredient is diosgenin, which can be chemically converted to progesterone. This herb is used to treat menstrual cramps and hot flash symptoms of menopause, however there are no studies to verify the efficacy of wild yam root. The plant is dried to make tea and root extracts for tinctures, tablets, powders and creams, and is often combined with black cohosh. Dosage is dependent upon the method of ingestion; however, the wild yam cream contains 12 percent root extract. Wild yam, alone, does not contain progesterone, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Before you take wild yam, check with your doctor to be sure it is safe for you.
