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Herbal Supplement for Hot Flashes

If you're struggling with hot flashes, you may be looking for herbal relief for these troublesome menopausal symptoms. Traditional herbs such as black cohosh may help, but it's also important to be aware of current research that deals with the efficacy of hot flashes and herbal treatments.

  1. Herbs for Hot Flashes

    • Once a herb used by Native Americans for child labor and depression, many women look to black cohosh for relief from hot flashes. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine says black cohosh is also used to treat night sweats, vaginal dryness and other menopausal symptoms. Use the stems or roots of black cohosh to make a strong tea, or take the herb in capsules, pills or liquid extracts. Some multivitamins for older women contain black cohosh as well.

      The Chinese herbs dong quai and ginseng are often also marketed to provide relief from hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms. Proponents of dong quai say that it provides balance for the female hormonal system. Dong quai comes in a variety of forms, including capsules. Herb marketers also claim that ginseng may help with menopausal symptoms, although NCCAM doesn't recognize ginger as a treatment for menopausal symptoms. Ginseng is dried and made into capsules, tablets, extracts, creams and tea.

      The New York Times reports that the Indian herb red clover is also sometimes used to treat menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes. Proponents of red clover say that its high content of isoflavones could have an estrogenic effect on your body.

      Manufacturers and proponents of evening primrose oil claim it is helpful for menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes and problems sleeping. EPO contains gamma linolenic acid, which may influence prostaglandin production. Recommended dosage is two to eight capsules a day.

    Current Research

    • A long-term study on herbs and hot flashes found that only black cohosh helped to reduce hot flashes over a placebo. The study featured 10 clinical trials and tested five herbs and a herbal mixture. However, another study funded by NCCAM said that black cohosh failed to relieve menopausal symptoms when used by itself or as a combination. NCAAM does admit, though, that most studies dealing with black cohosh don't last longer than six months, so many long-term effects and benefits may not be fully known.

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