Natural Relief for Menopause

Menopause signals the end of a woman's reproductive years. Although menopause is the proverbial end of one phase in life, it can be argued that early menopause is a phase in and of itself. The transition into menopause can be uncomfortable due to hot flashes, physical changes, fatigue or a sense of overall physical unease. These undesirable symptoms can be effectively alleviated by consuming gentle herbs such as chamomile, chasteberry and motherwort.

Chamomile

• This relaxing little herb is noted for its ability to calm the nerves and induce a sense of deep relaxation. Chamomile's soothing effect is especially beneficial to menopausal women because the fluctuating levels of hormones can cause nervousness, tension, anxiety, chronic fatigue and reduced mental clarity. Chamomile is also rich in flavonoids, which are compounds that act as antioxidants.

  Isoflavonoids are compounds that also have antioxidant and estrogenic properties. Soy is the most popular source of isoflavonoids, although the herb red clover has a much higher concentration of isoflavonoids. Red clover combined with chamomile tea is a safe and very effective way to balance hormone production.

  Chamomile tea can be purchased at health food stores, although preparing it at home may help ensure its potency. To make chamomile tea, add two teaspoons of organic, dried chamomile flowers to six to eight ounces of boiling water. Allow the flowers to steep for 15 minutes, and drink the tea up to three times per day, preferably before bed.

Chasteberry

• Many menopausal women report a marked decrease in libido caused, in part, by fluctuation in the secretion of the hormone estrogen. Although chasteberry was once thought to lower libido, studies have shown that this herb stabilizes hormones, lowering or elevating libido for a harmonic balance. Regularly consuming chasteberry can greatly reduce menopausal discomforts such as vaginal dryness, hot flashes, anxiety and hormone instability. The effects of chasteberry are subtle, mandating that the herb be taken for several months for best results. Chasteberry can be purchased in pill form at most health food or herbal stores. Chasteberry tea can also be prepared at home by pouring six ounces of boiling water over one teaspoon of organic berries. Allow the tea to steep for 10 minutes, then drink. Chasteberry tea can be consumed three times per day. In some individuals, chasteberry tea may cause mild skin rashes.

Motherwort

• Motherwort, often used in Chinese herbal medicine, reduces the occurrence and severity of hot flashes and gently relaxes the entire body. The relaxing effect of motherwort is what makes it particularly useful in relieving cramping discomfort in the smooth muscle tissue. Motherwort also has diuretic properties, which will help lessen edema and water retention. Motherwort is easiest to consume in capsule form because of the herb's bitter taste. Most nutrition stores carry it, although the products often combine motherwort with other herbs and extracts.

  Motherwort can also be combined with the herb black cohosh for additional relief from fluid retention, hot flashes and muscle spasms. Take one to two 500-milligram capsules of black cohosh extract per day along with motherwort tea. Motherwort tea can be made by steeping a teaspoon of organic, dried herb in six ounces of boiling water for 10 minutes. Drink the tea two to three times per day for best results.