Herbs for Menopause

As more baby boomers enter their forties and fifties the quest for herbs for menopause becomes more widespread. This generation is one that is deeply interested in herbs and health and they won't give up youth without a fight. While prescription therapies were great for our mothers, we want something that is easy to get, down to earth, and works. We want to be able to take charge of our own health. Herbs fill that bill.

By using herbs and herbal supplements you can specifically address your issues and treat your symptoms. Many companies have herbal mixtures that are created to work together to relieve a wide variety of symptoms. This work better than single remedies for some people. Plan on trying a remedy for at least a month before deciding it is not for you. Often herbs take longer to work than do standard prescriptions.

There are numerous symptoms of menopause. Some of the most common are:

• Hot flashes, flushes, night sweats and/or cold flashes
• Irregular heart beat

• Irritability

• Aching of body

• Bloating

• Trouble sleeping through the night

• Period changes; shorter, lighter, or heavier periods, flooding, shorter cycles, longer cycles

• Loss of libido

• Dizziness, vertigo

• Mood swings

• Dry vagina

• Fatigue
• Anxiety,feeling ill at ease

• Feelings of apprehension, dread

• Tears

• Increase in facial hair

• Difficulty concentrating

• Memory lapses

• Incontinence, especially upon sneezing, laughing

• Itchy skin

• Breast tenderness

• Headaches change

• Gastrointestinal distress,

• Depression

• Increase in allergies

• Increased tension in muscles

• Weight gain

• Hair loss or thinning

• Dizziness, vertigo

• Tingling in hands and feet

• Gum problems

There are many herbs that can be taken for menopause symptoms. If one doesn't work for you, don't be afraid to try another one. Remember that nutritional supplements, exercise and healthy eating habits will help, too.

• Damiana: Damiana enhances lagging libido. It increases not only desire, but the ability to feel pleasure as well. Guys, this is probably not going to turn the wife into an adolescent fantasy so don't go dumping it into her tea. It helps to balance female hormones, controls hot flashes and relieves anxiety. Many women use it to help with menopausal depression, headaches, and exhaustion, as well as dizziness and vertigo.
• Saw Palmetto: Saw Palmetto is a diuretic that helps with urinary incontinence, fluid retention, and prolapse. This herb helps with dryness, and helps to tone muscles in the pelvic region. It will also help with a chronic urinary tract infection.
• Calcium: Calcium is important, and herbs that contain calcium are an important supplement. Some of these are:Chickweed Dandelion Nettle Watercress. Calcium helps the bones stay strong during menopause and is an excellent pain reliever.
• Chamomile: Chamomile is good for calming the nerves and makes a very relaxing tea.
• Valerian:Valerian relaxes the body and helps to promote a sound sleep. Sleep disturbances are a normal part of menopause.
• Gotu Kola -Gotu Kola relieves hot flashes and vaginal dryness associated with menopause. Dong Quai- Works in a similar way to Gotu Kola.
• St John's Wort: St John's Wort relieves depression and anxiety.
• Sage: Sage reduces excess sweating that can be a part of menopause.
• Ginseng: Ginseng helps to balance estrogen levels.
• Black Cohosh: Black Cohosh helps with hot flashes. It may also help to reduce cholesterol and high blood pressure.
• False Unicorn: False Unicorn regulates estrogen. It is very good for the ovarian cysts that can show up in this time of life. Licorice: 1 tsp of the tincture taken twice a day can greatly reduce hot flashes.
• Raspberry: Red Raspberry has a direct action on the muscles of the uterus and vagina. It helps strengthen and tone the muscles and can actually assist in correcting prolapse of the uterus or vagina.
• Wild yam: Wild Yam is used world wide. It helps with many symptoms of menopause but it really helpful when there is heavy menstrual bleeding associated with changing hormones.
• Magnesium: Magnesium is not a herb but is helps to relax the body, balance out the nerves, and promote a restful sleep.

Keeping a positive outlook is one thing you can do to help get through menopause with the least amount of discomfort. Remind yourself that it is a normal cycle of life.

By using herbs for menopause you can strengthen your body and cut down on the symptoms without having to use chemicals and synthetics. Always talk to your healthcare provider before taking or changing medicines, especially if you have high blood pressure or are on a prescription therapy of some sort.

The emotions and symptoms caused by menopause aren't so different from those brought about by adolescence! Take up a new hobby, learn a new craft, or read a book you have always wanted to read. This is a new season and it comes with a freedom you have not had before!

By maintaining that positive attitude you may find that many of your symptoms go away, or at least are less bothersome. Eat healthy and exercise regularly and you may find you are at the best you have ever been.