Herbal Remedy for Hot Flashes

A sudden rush of uncomfortable heat, spreading over a woman's body is a common complaint of women approaching menopause, and as many as 40 percent of premenopausal women have one or more episodes. A hot flash may occur any time of the day or night---even rousing a woman from a deep sleep; a condition known as night sweats. Although herbal remedies lack extensive Food and Drug Administration (FDA) testing, some women may experience a reduction in hot flashes symptoms when using them.

Cooling Herbs

• The idea of consuming "cool" foods to counteract the effects of a hot flash is popular in alternative medicine circles and according to the Association of Women for the Advancement of Research and Education (AWARE), some herbs fall into this category and may be beneficial when added to the diet. Elder, chickweed and violet may reduce the severity of hot flashes.

Dong quai

• In tests on animals, dong quai promoted the cyclical relaxation of the uterus and, alternately, uterine contractions. In addition, the herb may stabilize the blood vessels, decreasing the incidence or severity of hot flashes. However, if you are normally hot-blooded, dong quai may not offer any relief.

Black Cohosh

• Readily available in health food stores, black cohosh is a long-standing herbal remedy for hot flashes, dating back to early American Indian tribes. AWARE reports that black cohosh may be a successful remedy for hot flashes, but it advises women who are pregnant to consult their doctors before taking the herb.

Motherwort

• Another herb with the potential to ease the severity of hot flashes, motherwort, may also reduce menopause-related anxiety and insomnia. Taken in tincture form, a woman should use motherwort, at the rate of approximately 20 drops, up to six times per day, for three months for the best results.

Additional Herbal Remedies

• The chaste berry herb may reduce hot flashes, with noticeable results appearing after two months of use. However, women may use this herb for up to a year before it reaches its maximum benefit. Licorice root contains a mild steroid that may regulate excess estrogen in a woman's body, offering her some relief from hot flashes. In addition, thyme or basil essential oils, the highly concentrated essences of the herbs, may ease the problem.