What Natural Herb Really Works Immediately for Hot Flashes?

Natural herbs that help reduce hot flashes often take time to reduce the intensity and frequency of the problem. These will not offer immediate relief, however. To make matters more complicated, herbs provide different levels of relief for each individual.

Cause of Hot Flashes

• Hot flashes are caused by a reduction in estrogen levels or a hormone imbalance. The change in hormone levels triggers a response in the hypothalamus, the gland that controls body temperature, appetite, sex hormones and sleep patterns.

Types of Herbs

• Women can find relief from both phytoestrogens and non-estrogenic herbs. Both types of treatment help hot flashes.

Phytoestrogens

• Phytoestrogens are plant estrogens and act in a similar fashion as estrogen replacement therapy. Herbs such as dong quai and black cohosh fall into this category.

Non-estrogenic Herbs

• According to "The People's Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies, " by Joe Graedon and Teresa Graedon, chaste tree berry is a non-estrogenic herb that can stimulate the endocrine system to normalize hormone levels.

Cold Water

• Most women can find immediate relief from hot flashes by using a cold water spritz. Cold water applied to the wrists and face and drinking cold water can greatly reduce hot flashes.

Other Herbs That Help Hot Flashes

• Other herbs that help hot flashes include ginseng, licorice root, evening primrose oil, red raspberry leaves, spearmint, sarsaparilla, damiana, motherwort and wild yams. Exercising more and reducing stress can also reduce hot flashes.