Herbs High in Phytoestrogen

According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, people who consume a high amount of phytoestrogens may "have lower rates of occurrence of several cancers including breast, prostate and colon cancer." Herbs such as black cohosh, dong quai and red clover contain phytoestrogens, or plant-derived estrogens. These plant hormones may help relieve some symptoms of menopause; however, The National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicines warns that while the herbs may be prescribed for menopausal women, certain women, such as those with active cancer, may need to avoid them. More research is necessary to understand the relationship between phytoestrogens and the human body.

Black Cohosh

• Native Americans have been using a member of the buttercup family, black cohosh, to relieve menstrual cramps and symptoms of menopause for hundreds of years. This herb grows in eastern North America. The University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) states " black cohosh contains isoferulic acids, substances with anti-inflammatory effects, and phytoestrogens which relieve symptoms such as hot flashes, irritability, mood swings, and sleep disturbances." Black cohosh has been approved in Germany for premenstrual and menopausal symptoms and is widely used all over Europe.

Red Clover

• Red clover contains isoflavones, plant-based chemicals that produce estrogen-like effects in the body. Red clover grows wild in meadows throughout Europe and Asia and has been naturalized to grow in North America. According to UMMC, isoflavones have potential to treat of a number of menopause symptoms and diseases such as hot flashes, cardiovascular issues, and osteoporosis. More research is needed to understand the side effects of phytoestrogens, isoflavones and estrogen, especially with the high level of estrogen and other hormones in our food supply and environment.

Dong Quai

• Dong quai has been used for more than a thousand years as a spice, tonic, and medicine in China, Korea, and Japan. It is still used often in traditional Chinese medicine, where the root is combined with other herbs. UMMC reports dong quai is used "to treat women's reproductive problems, such as dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), and to improve circulation." Dong quai is also referred to as the female ginseng because of the high phytoestrogen content. This herb is used in alternative and natural medicine to relieve menstrual cramps, irregular menstrual cycles, infrequent periods, PMS, and menopausal symptoms.