Menopause is the time of life that marks the end of a woman's reproductive years. It occurs one year after your last menstrual period. Your body will go through numerous changes before this happens. Hormone levels will begin to shift. This can increase your risk for heart disease. Hot flashes, insomnia and depression can also be an issue during this time of life. Motherwort is an herb that can help ease you through this transition. It helps regulate hormone levels, improves mood and protects the vital organs. Consult your doctor before using motherwort. The information in this article is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Heart Disease
As you approach menopause, your estrogen levels will gradually drop. This increases your risk for developing heart disease. Some women will experience heart palpitations. In an article on the website Granny Goods, nutritionist Lori Trojan writes that motherwort offers protection from cardiovascular disease in a variety of ways. It relaxes the heart, protects its cells and reduces blood pressure. According to Trojan, this herb also helps prevent heart attacks by preventing blood clots from forming.
Hot Flashes
Motherwort can also help reduce hot flashes. According to MayoClinic.com, nearly 75 percent of all menopausal women will spontaneously break out into sweats due to the hormonal changes that occur during this time of life. Motherwort can offer relief from hot flashes by shortening their duration, severity and frequency, says Kathleen Eich, clinical herbalist and aromatherapist, of Madison, Wisconsin. She adds that motherwort also reduces the light-headedness and dizziness that sometimes occur during hot flashes.
Insomnia
The numerous changes you will experience as you face the end of your childbearing years can lead to many sleepless nights. In fact, sleep disturbances are common for women as they journey through menopause, according to the National Sleep Foundation. Motherwort, when taken in higher doses, can have a sedating effect on your body and may help you relax and fall asleep.
Depression
Menopause can be an emotionally challenging time for some women, says Eich. The fluctuating hormones, hot flashes, sleep disruptions and other discomforts during this time can cause anxiety, depression and mood swings. Lower doses of motherwort may help ease the emotional burdens of menopause by relaxing the nervous system, which helps reduce anxiety and increase energy. Motherwort also contains anti-spasmodic properties, which may relax the heart and other muscles, creating a sense of calm for the mind and body.
