Menopause, sometimes called the change of life, occurs when a woman's period stops and she can no longer get pregnant. Mood swings, fuzzy thinking, insomnia, vaginal dryness and hot flashes are all potential symptoms. Some women turn to hormone replacement therapy to combat such symptoms; others search for relief with herbal remedies. Several herbs can help with hot flashes and other menopause symptoms.
Black Cohosh
Black cohosh is an effective natural remedy for hot flashes, according to "Menopause Without Medicine," by Linda Ojeda. This herb is a source of phytoestrogens, advises womenshealth.gov. Though black cohosh is often used to treat menopause symptoms including hot flashes, vaginal dryness and night sweats, research studies on this herb produce mixed results as to whether it's actually effective, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM).
Sarsaparilla
Sarsaparilla helps with hot flashes and also boosts low thyroid function, Lark advises. It can help women who are experiencing lack of sexual desire due to inadequate testosterone production, as it stimulates production of this hormone, advises "Prescription for Herbal Healing," by Phyllis A. Balch. The Latin name for this herb is Smilax. In a 2009 study published in the journal Menopause, lead author B.J. Doyle confirmed sarsaparilla's role in influencing some menopausal symptoms but noted that more study on this herb is needed.
Ginko Biloba
Ginko biloba can help women combat the fatigue and depression they may experience during menopause. Ginger can be effective for this purpose as well. These herbs strengthen a woman's cardiovascular system and boost immunity, according to Lark. NCCAM notes that more study on ginko biloba's many purported uses is needed.
Valerian
Valerian root is another source of phytoestrogens. It helps combat the insomnia, anxiety and irritability that comes along with menopause for some women, according to "Dr. Susan Lark's The Menopause Self Help Book" by Susan M. Lark. Valerian calms the central nervous system. It's also traditionally used to induce sleep. NCCAM notes that research on valerian as a sleep aid is promising but that more study is needed to confirm these results. According to Lark, chamomile and peppermint teas also can calm people with menopausal insomnia, anxiety and irritability.
