The term menopause refers to your last period, but actually it is a series of symptoms that gradually unfold during your 40s and 50s to signal your body's transition into the next phase of life. Some of these symptoms include night sweats, which often interrupt sleep and can be clammily uncomfortable. Alternative therapies using herbal compounds may lessen the heat and perspiration of night sweats. The effectiveness of herbal treatments have not been definitively proven by scientists, so always check with a doctor before beginning any herbal therapies.
Astragalus
A mainstay of traditional Chinese medicine, astragalus--Latin name, Astragalus membranaceus--is thought to strengthen the body against certain diseases. It is also reputed to protect the body against physical, mental and emotional stress. The stress-reducing and anti-inflammatory properties of astragalus are what herbalists define as possibly being effective for night sweats. Drug interactions can occur with astragalus, specifically if you are taking immune-suppressing medication or corticosteroids.
Soy
Soy supplements and soy-based foods might take night sweats down a few notches on the heat scale. Soy contains plant-based estrogens, called phytoestrogens, and these compounds may replenish levels of the hormone diminished by menopause. The trick is determining how much soy to add to your daily regimen. Just because soy's phytoestrogens come from plants does not mean it is completely risk free. Large doses of phytoestrogens may boost abnormal cell growth in the uterine lining and stimulate the growth of breast cancer cells. Talk to a medical professional about whether soy supplements are right for you.
Other Herbal Supplements
Other herbs that may help with night sweats include black cohosh, chasteberry, ginseng, Mexican wild yam, red clover and motherwort. This menopause symptom often interferes with a good night's rest, so natural sleep aids, such as valerian and melatonin, can aid in achieving uninterrupted slumber. Before taking any herb or natural supplement, do your research to guard against negative interactions with prescription and over-the-counter medication, as well as with other herbs and supplements.
Cooking With Cooling Herbs
The cure for night sweats may be in your kitchen cabinets. Cooking with herbs considered cooling might result in sweatless slumber. Try sage, fennel, mint and lemongrass in your favorite dishes and avoid herbs and spices that turn up the heat, such as ginger, cayenne pepper, curry powder and dried chili mixtures. Oats and flaxseed have been known to help ease menopausal symptoms such as night sweats and hot flashes, so you may want to add cooling herbs to these foods.
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