Holistic Remedies for Hot Flashes

Hot flashes are a common symptom of menopause, which is a biological process that ends the years of menstruation. Due to hormonal changes that occur throughout this change, symptoms such as mood shifts and hot flashes are common. While each woman may experience different menopause symptoms, hot flashes occur in three out of four women. While the reason for hot flashes isn't known, it is believed that the hormones released during menopause affect the hypothalamus area of the brain, which regulates body temperature.

Sarsaparilla Tea

• Sarsaparilla is grown naturally in the Tropical Americas, and its roots are commonly used for medicinal purposes. The active ingredient that affects sex hormones is the steroidal saponins which, when metabolized, works to control hormonal balances. For women, sarsaparilla is used as an estrogen reducer and is effective during menopause for its ability to control mood swings, skin disorders as well as hot flashes.

  To make as a tea, bring one cup of water to a rolling boil. Add one teaspoon of dried sarsaparilla to the water and allow the tea to steep for 15 minutes. Sweeten with agave nectar, if desired, and consume the tea three times per day to relieve hot flashes and other menopause symptoms.

Vitamin E

• According to the Medical Science Team at Tarbiat Modarres University, women who were given vitamin E softgels that contained 400 International Units (IU) of vitamin E on a daily basis showed a decrease in hot flash intensity and duration. Vitamin E contains fat soluble anti-oxidants that are able to treat any irregularities within the body.

  Consume 400 International Units (IU) two times per day with eight ounces of water. Always consult your physician if any other medications or serious health issues are present as excessive vitamin E can thin out the blood.

Exercise

• According to The Mayo Clinic, daily exercise will protect against other symptoms of menopause, such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. The Department of Gynecology at the University of South Florida suggests that by engaging in regular exercise, the brain produces more endorphins. These endorphins are responsible for a feeling of well-being, but if an excess amount of estrogen is in the body, the effects of these endorphins could be lessened. By increasing the amount of endorphins, which act as the body's thermostat, core temperatures will remain constant, and hot flashes will reduce in frequency and severity.

  Try 30 minutes of weight-bearing exercise, such as jogging or light aerobics, five days per week. Always consult your physician before beginning any exercise program to ensure its safety.