Closely associated with menopause and the years immediately preceding the end of a woman's reproductive ability, hot flashes may be only slightly annoying or they may be temporarily debilitating. The Mayo Clinic lists the symptoms as a feeling of heat in the upper part of the body, flushing, increased heart rate, sweating and chills as the hot flash ends. Although less common, you may also experience dizziness, weakness and fatigue. Medications are available to treat hot flashes and night sweats, but you may choose herbal therapy as well. Consult your doctor before starting an herbal program to discuss any potential drug, diet or lifestyle interactions.
Isoflavones
Unlike synthetic hormone replacement therapy (HRT), isoflavones, natural estrogen-like substances found in plants, are generally safe, reports the Mayo Clinic. Asian women who consume isoflavone-rich soy products have fewer complaints of hot flashes. Soy is also available in supplement form.
Red clover, wild yam, licorice root and kudzu provide isoflavones, and you may consume them in capsules, as a tincture or as a tea. These herbal products are available at health food stores. The Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine reports that dosages may vary due to the quality or the concentration of the product. Consult an herbalist to determine the best dosage for your needs.
Black Cohosh
Singled out by the Mayo Clinic as a popular alternative to hormone replacement therapy, black cohosh is available as a tea, in supplement form, as a tincture or as an extract. In addition, black cohosh is available in commercial herbal mixtures to treat hot flashes and menstrual disorders. Short-term use of black cohosh, of up to six months, may help reduce hot flashes. Use this herb under the direction of a doctor of naturopathy or a qualified herbalist.
Additional Herbs
Additional herbs may reduce or eliminate hot flashes in some women. Not everyone experiences the same results from a specific herb, so you may want to try one herb at a time to find the best one for your symptoms.
Herbs with the potential to reduce or eliminate hot flashes include chasteberry, violet, sage, motherwort, ginseng, fennel and chickweed.
References
- "Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine, Volume 2"; Jacqueline L. Longe; 2005
- Mayo Clinic: Hot Flash Symptoms
- Mayo Clinic: Black Cohosh
