How to Chill Hot Flashes With Herbs

Hot flashes not only make menopausal women hot--they can cause unpleasant feelings of anxiety and discomfort. Many women suffer greatly during the period of time when their hormones are changing, usually around age 50. If you do not want to take synthetic hormones in the form of hormone replacement therapy, herbs, vitamins, diet and exercise can help to chill out the menopausal heat and fortify your good health during this transition. Alternative remedies work differently for different women, so you might need to experiment a bit with the herbs and regimens listed. For some women, the simple addition of vitamin E supplements can make a world of difference in relieving their hot flashes. For others, some of the herbs listed here can add to their comfort. Have patience, which can be difficult during menopause, and you might find some relief.

Things You'll Need

• Vitamin E capsules
• Ginger root
• Vitex berries
• Black cohosh root
• Motherwort leaf
• Red raspberry leaf
• Kava kava root
• Valerian root
• Damiana leaf
• Dong quoi root
• Mexican wild yam
• Flax seed oil or evening primrose oil capsules

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Instructions

• 1

  Take vitamin E capsules every day. You can take 400 IU (international units) up to three times a day, but do not exceed 1200 IU daily.

• 2

  In addition to vitamin E, you might want to try taking capsules or making tea or tincture from some of the following herbs: ginger root, vitex berries, black cohosh root, motherwort leaf, red raspberry leaf, damiana leaf, dong quoi root, Mexican wild yam. Experiment a little based on what you can find in your natural foods store. Different combinations can have different effectiveness for various women.

• 3

  For tension, anxiety, and the insomnia that menopause can cause, try kava kava root or valerian root, especially at bedtime.

• 4

  Switch to a low fat, high fiber diet that includes flax seed oil and the omega-3 fatty acids that are found in cold-water fish such as salmon. Also eat plenty of black beans, red lentils and soybean products such as tofu and soymilk.

• 5

  Exercise at least four hours each week. Fresh air and deep breathing can also help.