Herbal Menopausal Treatments

Menopause is a time of transition in a woman's life that involves unpredictable hormone fluctuations and symptoms as her body changes. Decreasing levels of the hormone estrogen causes most of the symptoms. A woman's normal body functions are dictated by estrogen. Without a normal level, she can suffer hot flashes, insomnia and mood swings. Even more serious is her increased risk for heart disease, osteoporosis and Alzheimer's disease. Herbal treatments for menopause work to normalize hormone levels and reduce symptoms. Herbs work slowly so give an herbal mixture at least three weeks to take effect.

Menopause Formula

• Add ½ to 1 tsp. of menopause formula in a little water and drink two to three times a day. Drink this tincture three to five days a week. To make menopause formula mix the tinctures in an 8-oz. bottle. Pour 2 oz. licorice, 2 oz. dandelion root, 1 oz. motherwort, 1 oz. false unicorn root and 1 oz. wild yam tincture in the bottle. Cover and shake well. Always take the lowest dose possible. Taper use as soon as the symptoms have subsided.

Basic Menopause Relief Formula

• Take ½ to 1 tsp. tincture mixture three times a day on an empty stomach. Making this formula requires a 16-oz. jar. Pour 2 oz. chasteberry, 1 oz. motherwort, 1 oz. false unicorn root, 1 oz. dang gui, 1 to 2 oz. sage, 1 oz. St. John's wort, 1 to 2 oz. black cohosh, ½ to 1 oz. licorice, ½ to 1 oz. black haw and ½ to 1 oz. alfalfa tinctures into the jar. Put the lid on and shake well. Store tincture in a dark place to protect the potency of the herbal tinctures. Take the formula straight or mixed in a little water.

Menopause Tea

• Drink onw large glass of menopause tea three times a day. When you create this tea mixture, use dried herbs and measure the ingredients by dry weight. Mix 3 oz. chasteberry, 2 oz. dong quai, 1 grated orange or lemon rind for flavor, 1 oz. Siberian ginseng or licorice, 2 oz. St. John's wort, 2 oz. horsetail and 3 oz. motherwort in a large airtight container. Add 1 oz. of menopause tea mixture to 2 pints boiling water. Cover and steep for 20 minutes. Strain the tea before drinking.

Herb Properties

• Chasteberry helps balance hormones. Motherwort is an anti-anxiety and antispasmodic herb. False unicorn offers hormonal and digestive benefits. Dong quai, licorice and alfalfa enhance estrogen activity. Black haw helps reduce hot flashes. Black cohosh helps the body's ability to use estrogen and relieves cramps. Sage decreases sweating, relieves hot flashes and improves digestion. St. John's wort eases pelvic problems and lifts depression.