Herbs for Hot Flashes

Herbs offer a useful alternative for treating hot flashes, often with fewer side effects than traditional therapies. Some of the most beneficial herbs to use for treating hot flashes are dong quai, chasteberry, black cohosh and licorice. These herbs are available in tincture form, teas and supplements for ease of use and convenience. You will find them at many local health food stores.

Dong Quai

• Dong quai has a long tradition of helping with menopausal problems like hot flashes. It also may be helpful in dealing with mental and emotional stress. Dong quai has a reputation for having phytoestrogenic qualities, and is often referred to as the female ginseng, because of its ability to raise energy levels and improve a sense of well being. Dong quai may also have the ability to strengthen blood vessels, thereby lessening the effects of hot flashes.

  Dong quai is processed into capsules, tablets and tinctures. A standard dosage is considered 4.5 grams per day. Do not take more than the recommended dose without consulting a qualified herbalist.

Chasteberry

• Chasteberry is often referred to as vitex and may have the distinction of being able to influence the function of the pituitary gland. This in turn, helps with the regulating of hot flashes and dizziness that may accompany menopause. Chasteberry may be able to lower estrogen levels and increase progesterone levels, and for this reason, it helps regulate mood patterns in menopausal women. A standard dose for chasteberry is 20 to 75 drops of the tincture taken up to four times a day. As with all herbal preparations, it may take months for chasteberry to reach its full effectiveness. Note: Chasteberry may cause a rash in certain individuals and should not be taken when pregnant or nursing.

Black Cohosh

• The herb black cohosh was originally used by American Indians and later used by American settlers; it is believed to ease menstrual cramps along with symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes. According to the University of Gottingen in Germany, a study that involved 110 women concluded that black cohosh can stop hot flashes before they even start. It can help relieve not only hot flashes but depression and vaginal atrophy as well.

  Black cohosh has the ability to lower luteinizing hormone levels, giving it a strong estrogenic effect, which helps regulate estrogen levels and reduce the incidence of hot flashes.

  A standard dose of black cohosh is 1/2 to 1 milliliter of tincture two to four times a day for relief of hot flashes. Add the tincture to eight ounces of water or tea and take for six weeks. Take a month off, then repeat the process.

Licorice Root

• Licorice has been used for many years to treat common symptoms of menopause including hot flashes. It is thought to reduce estrogen levels while raising progesterone levels and, similarly to black cohosh, has estrogenic qualities. A standard dose for licorice is 1/4 teaspoon of solid extract once or twice a day. Use caution when taking if you have high blood pressure, because licorice my exacerbate the problem.