Herbal Remedies For Night Sweats

Night sweats or hot flashes are often a symptom of menopause and perimenopause; however, there are other causes of night sweats such as various illnesses and fevers. Menopausal night sweats are related to a change in a woman's hormone levels, especially estrogen. Several herbal remedies have been found to be helpful for treating night sweats and reducing their frequency. Many herbs can cause side effects, so speak to your health practitioner before starting new treatments.

Black Cohosh

Black cohosh is a commonly prescribed herb for use in the treatment of menopausal symptoms and may offer relief from your night sweats. Not only does black cohosh relieve hot flashes, it may also reduce some of your other unwanted menopausal symptoms such as anxiety, depression, headaches and vaginal dryness. If you decide to use this herb, it is very important to purchase a product that is high quality, says the Net Wellness website. Look for products that are approved by the German E Commission, the German agency that is equivalent to the Food and Drug Administration in the United States. Before using black cohosh, speak to your health practitioner for guidelines and recommendations.

Dong Quai

Dong quai is a Chinese herb used frequently to relieve menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes, says Joseph M. Kadans in "Modern Encyclopedia of Herbs." Dong quai comes in powdered capsules and liquid extract. There is not a lot of scientific research on the effects of Dong quai for menopause; however, anecdotal evidence from Chinese herbalists and patients indicate its efficacy in helping to reduce the intensity and number of hot flashes and night sweats.

Wild Mountain Yam

Wild mountain yam, also called Dioscorea, has been used for centuries by the Chinese to relieve hot flashes, night sweats and other menopausal symptoms, according to The Pacific College of Oriental Medicine. This herb is used in combination with other Chinese herbs in tonics to relieve symptoms of menopause and other conditions producing too much heat in the system, resulting in hot flashes. Diosorea is available in herbal and homeopathic form from your health food store. Speak to your herbalist about how to take this remedy and in what dose.

Ox Eye Daisy

Not all hot flashes are the result of changing hormones during menopause. Illnesses like bronchitis and tuberculosis can often produce hot flashes and night sweats during several of their phases. Traditionally, the Menominee Indians used Ox Eye Daisy as a tonic or an infusion to relieve inflammation and other symptoms, according to the Mississippi Valley Archaeology Center at the University of Wisconsin in La Crosse. The herb is still used today by herbalists to relieve bronchial inflammation and other similar ailments. The balsamic flavored flowers are boiled to extract their medicinal properties. After straining the flowers from the infusion, honey is added to create a sweet syrup to relieve coughs, night sweats and related symptoms.