Natural Menopause Relief Herbs

Menopause, while a natural progression, can create disharmony within the body. Natural menopause relief focuses on introducing herbs into the body that will promote homeostasis and gently increase the body's natural production of estrogen without the harmful side effects often seen in hormone-replacement therapy.

Evening Primrose

• The seeds from evening primrose, a beautiful small flower that blooms at night then withers away, are used to make evening primrose oil (EPO). The oil from this herb is rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid, which is thought to improve overall well-being. EPO is also a phytoestrogen, possibly promoting the product of estrogen in menopausal women, a hormone that is markedly reduced during menopause. Take up to 1,200 milligrams of evening primrose oil daily standardized to 20 percent GLA. For breast pain or cramping in the lower abdomen, gently puncture one EPO gel capsule and one vitamin E gel capsule, mix the two ingredients together, then apply the solution to affected areas or thin areas of skin, such as the inner wrist.

Red Clover

• With regular use, red clover can be a potent---and more practical---addition to any natural menopause-relief regimen. Red clover is abundant in all four isoflavones recognized to have estrogenic effects on the body, unlike the widely used soy bean. Ounce for ounce, red clover contains at least 10 times the amount of isoflavones than is found in soy. Red clover has been shown to promote and stabilize hormone activity within the body in a short period of time. When using red clover for natural menopause relief, take one or two capsules of the standardized extract two or three times daily. Red-clover tea can also be made by steeping one to two teaspoons of the organic, dried herb leaves in six to eight ounces of water for 10 minutes. Drink the tea throughout the day as needed for menopause-symptom relief.

Ginseng

• Ginseng is helpful in relieving moodiness, decreased mental clarity and fatigue associated with menopause. The herb may also have an estrogenic effect on the body, although it is better used as an adaptive compound, capable of promoting hormonal harmony within the body. Ginseng can give varying levels of energy depending on the variety of the herbs used. Ginseng capsules can be taken on an empty stomach two or three times per day, or as directed on the supplement's package. A quick and easy way to make ginseng tea is to add two ginseng capsules to a cup of six or eight ounces of boiling water. Ginger root may be added for flavor and fatigue relief.