For some women, the symptoms of menopause are not very noticeable, but for other women, those same symptoms have the effect of interrupting daily life to the point where they need some kind of relief. The hot flashes, insomnia, forgetfulness and moodiness can be helped with herbal food supplements. These herbs were found by past generations and cultures to help with the change of life.
Step 1
Write down each medicine and supplement you take. Include medications prescribed by your doctors, over-the-counter (OTC) medicines and herbal supplements. Medications like Coumadin, warfarin, blood pressure medications and aspirin can interact negatively with some herbs.
Step 2
Talk to your doctor. Find out if she is open to your use of herbal remedies to help handle your menopause symptoms. She'll want to know what medications, OTC drugs and supplements you're currently taking before she decides.
Step 3
Gather your menopause remedies. Buy one small bottle each of black cohosh, ginkgo biloba, Saint John's wort, ginseng and wild yam. Carefully read the dosage instructions on each bottle.
Step 4
Begin taking the supplements. Start with the lowest recommended dosage of tablets or tinctures, which are liquid formulas of the herbs.
Step 5
Heed warnings. Do not take black cohosh if you take blood pressure medication or if you're sensitive to aspirin or salicylates, according to Menopause Insight. Don't take the ginkgo biloba if you're using warfarin, Coumadin or aspirin. If you're experiencing symptoms of depression, take a low dose of Saint John's wort, but talk to your doctor first to make sure you're not taking anything that could interact badly with the Saint John's wort.
Tips and Warnings
- As you begin taking herbal supplements, try to buy them from a health food store. Take care of your general health with sufficient sleep every night, eating nutritious foods and limiting your intake of alcohol.
- This article is not intended as medical advice. For any questions you may have, please consult with your physician. These supplements are not drugs, meaning they are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, but they are potent herbs and should be treated as drugs.
Things You'll Need
- List of prescription medications
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