Chinese Herbs & Menopause

Menopause is a time when a woman's hormones change and may become unbalanced for a period creating unwanted symptoms and discomfort. Various efforts have been made by conventional medicine to relieve symptoms; however, some women prefer to use natural substances instead of conventional medicines like HRT due to reports of possible side effects that may cause cancer. Chinese herbs can also cause side effects. If you choose herbal remedies, consult your health practitioner before starting new treatments.

Dong Quai

Dong quai is an ancient herb often used to relieve various symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes and night sweats. Anecdotal evidence exists from thousands of years of use by the Chinese supporting the effects of this well-known herb. Dong quai comes in both powdered and extract form and the extract is generally more potent. To avoid buying older herbs or herbs whose potency has been lost, purchase from stores specializing in Chinese herbal tonics. Consult your health practitioner to determine that this treatment is best for your particular condition.

Dioscorea

Both Eastern and Western herbalists use Dioscorea, or wild yam, to alleviate menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, mood changes and irritability. Dioscorea is often found in over-the-counter progesterone creams and similarly acts on the body as progesterone does. Taking dioscorea in herbal form should always be done under supervision to avoid side effects. This herb may produce depression and other strong mood changes in women whether used in herbal form or in medicinal progesterone creams. If you experience depression, suicidal thoughts or other unfamiliar emotional difficulties, stop taking the herb and contact your health practitioner for guidance.

Ginseng

This most ancient Chinese herb is often employed to help keep vaginal walls supple and healthy as a woman goes through menopause. Additionally, it may limit vaginal dryness, burning and itching. Ginseng may help raise your moods, overcome insomnia and depression, and lessen the incidence of hot flashes. Ginseng is available in most health food stores; however, to get the freshest herb with the highest potency and level of active ingredients, buy it from a store specializing in Chinese herbal tonics and remedies. Always check with your practitioner before starting to use ginseng to ascertain whether it is the best treatment for your condition.

Kuei-chih-fu-ling-wan (KBG)

Some women suffer from vaginal fibroids that generally disappear with the onset of menopause; however, for those cases that linger, Kuei-chih-fu-ling-wan, or KBG, may help reduce or eliminate fibroids. KBG is a mixture of Chinese herbs including cassia bark, herbaceous peony roots, herbaceous fungus, peach kernels, and the root bark of the peony plant, which are all known to be effective in the treatment of menopausal difficulties. In addition, KBG may offer relief from heavy perimenopausal bleeding and cramping. Consult a doctor of Oriental medicine or a Chinese herbal apothecary to purchase this herbal tonic. Check first with your health practitioner.