Herbal Tea For Hot Flashes

While most people associate hot flashes with menopause, women can suffer from hot flashes even in premenopausal stages. The intensity of the hot flashes vary, as as does their duration, according to the website Power-surge.com. While a fluctuation in the levels of estrogen is often cited as the reason for a hot flash, studies are still being done to determine their exact cause.

Types

According to Power-surge.com, suggests a variety of stimuli, including internal and external, that can trigger hot flashes. Stimuli include spicy food, hot drinks, alcohol, caffeine, stress, hot weather, tobacco and sugar.

Herbal Teas

According to Holisticonline.com, herbal teas can help combat the symptoms of menopause, including hot flushes. Licorice in particular helps control levels of estrogen and makes a palatable tea. The recommended dosage is one or two cups per day. Sage helps control hot flashes and excessive sweating, both symptoms of menopause, and it contains plant estrogen to help the body balance its own levels of estrogen. Sage leaves can be boiled to make tea, which should be consumed three or four times a day, according to the website Amazing Green Tea. The website cites studies that show mixed results concerning the benefits of green tea in easing hot flashes.

Benefits

Herbal teas have been used for generations to treat illnesses and medical complaints and are easy to brew as leaves, roots or even flowers, according to Health.learninginfo.org. Most of them are caffeine-free and low in calories and come in organic and nonorganic versions. Some brews are created by mixing two or more herbs to create an infusion to treat a specific ailment.

Warnings

Herbal teas should always be consumed with caution because they can have an adverse affect on your health. Licorice, for example, is an estrogenic herb, but it can also deplete potassium and elevate blood pressure, according to Holisticonline.com If you are pregnant or suffer from conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure or heart disease, seek medical advice before consuming any herbal infusion. According to Americanpregnancy.org, one major concern with drinking herbal teas is the lack on data on how these herbs affect the fetus in pregnant women.

Other Ways to Minimize Hot Flashes

According to Marcy Holmes, nurse practitioner and certified menopause clinician, you need to understand that holistic treatments take time to work, but are a long-term solution. You can effectively control hot flashes by understanding your triggers and staying away from them. Nourish your body with healthful foods such as whole grains, essential fatty acids, soy, lean protein, and plenty of fruit and vegetables. Also, be active. Research shows exercise can calm hot flashes by reducing stress and anxiety.