Certain plants and natural supplements may be helpful in treating your menopause symptoms. According to the National Institute on Aging, menopause is the time of your last period and is a normal part of life. Common signs and symptoms associated with menopause include changes in your period, hot flashes, sleeping difficulties and changes in your feelings about sex. Before taking plants and natural supplements to help treat your menopause symptoms, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
Black Cohosh
Black cohosh, also known as Cimicifuga racemosa, is a plant and natural supplement that may be helpful in treating your menopause symptoms. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, black cohosh, a member of the buttercup family, may improve both physical and psychological symptoms associated with menopause, including anxiety, hot flashes, night sweats and vaginal dryness. Black cohosh is a flowering plant that grows in the forests of eastern North America. The root of the black cohosh plant is used for medicinal purposes and has a spicy, sharp, bitter and acrid taste. Ed Smith, an herbalist and author of the book "Therapeutic Herb Manual," states that black cohosh is an antispasmodic and anti-rheumatic with isoflavones that bind to your estrogen receptors and possess mild estrogen-like activity. Smith notes that black cohosh is used to help treat menopause symptoms.
Chaste Tree Berry
Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," states that chaste tree berry is a female reproductive tract regulator that has been used to help treat premenstrual syndrome, endometriosis, menstrual cramps, premenstrual acne and menopause with hot flashes. Chaste tree berry, notes Tilgner, increases your levels of luteinizing hormone while inhibiting the release of follicle-stimulating hormone. According to Smith, chaste tree berry may be helpful in treating menopause-related depression and hypochondria. Chaste tree, also known as Vitex agnus-castus, is a fruit-bearing plant native to the Mediterranean region. Chaste tree belongs to the verbena family, has a pungent taste and possesses drying tendencies. Practitioners of herbal medicine use the fruit of the plant to help treat many health problems, including menopause-related symptoms.
Dong Quai
Dong quai, a member of the parsley family, is a perennial plant that grows at high altitudes in Japan, China and Korea. Dong quai, also known as Angelica sinensis, has a pungent, bitter and sweet taste; possesses stimulating, moistening and warming tendencies; and thrives in cold, damp conditions. The root of the plant is used to help treat many health problems, including menopause symptoms. According to Dr. William A. Mitchell Jr., a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Plant Medicine in Practice," dong quai is a diuretic and phytoestrogen used to treat menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes. Mitchell notes that dong quai may also be useful as a hormone replacement therapy. Tilgner states that dong quai is a warming female tonic, circulatory stimulant and anti-inflammatory that helps regulate and normalize menstruation and your menstrual cycle.
References
- National Institute on Aging: Menopause
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Black Cohosh
- "Therapeutic Herb Manual"; Ed Smith; 2007
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
- "Plant Medicine in Practice"; William A. Mitchell Jr., N.D.; 2003
