Menopause, the end of menstruation, involves hormonal changes that can cause physical side effects. These symptoms can include night sweats, hot flashes and mood swings. Some women find relief by using various herbs, such as black cohosh, dong quai, ginseng and red clover. Herbal remedies should only be used under medical supervision.
Black Cohosh
Black cohosh, a member of the buttercup family, has been widely used by native Americans for menopausal symptoms, according to the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition." This herb contains a number of properties which affect these symptoms; however, the mechanism of its action is not understood. A theory suggests that black cohosh works on the pathway downstream from estrogen flow. Little is known about effects of other compounds in the herb, so potential risks still need to be considered.
Dong Quai
Dong quai is one of the most commonly prescribed Chinese herbs for female "problems," according to the "Journal of Women's Health." The herb was introduced to the Western world in 1899 to use for menstrual disorders. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that very few studies have been done on the use of dong quai in humans. Some tests have found that dong quai contains ingredients that may help reduce pain and relax uterine muscles. Some women have reported relief of hot flashes after taking the herb.
Ginseng
The American Academy of Family Physicians, AAFP, says that herbal remedies referred to as "ginseng" are derived from the roots of several plants. Panax or Asian ginseng is the most commonly used and researched. The AAFP reported on several studies concerning this herb. One study found improvements in psychological general well-being in 384 post-menopausal women after 16 weeks of taking ginseng. However, another study did not show any effect on mood disturbance in a trial group.
Red Clover
According to the "Journal of Women's Health," red clover's use for menopausal symptoms is fairly recent. Red clover and soy share similar but distinct properties. Most studies done on this herb show a minimal effect for relief of menopausal hot flashes, with three out of four clinical trials showing no significant difference than a placebo. This journal states that evidence supporting the use of red clover to relieve menopausal symptoms is disappointing.
References
- "Journal of Women's Health": Botanical and Dietary Supplements for Menopausal Symptoms: What Works, What Doesn't; Stacie Geller, et al; September 2005
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Dong Quai
- "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition": Menopause, Micronutrients, and Hormone Therapy; Judith Wylie-Rosett; May 2005
- The American Academy of Family Physicians: Panax Ginseng; David Kiefer, MD; October 2003
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Menopause
