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Herbs Which Help During Menopause

Menopause is a momentous time in a woman's life. It also brings discomfort and symptoms such as hot flashes and mood swings, which can interfere with the health and daily life. Many women have found relief from common menopause symptoms using herbal supplements.

  1. Herbs That Calm Hot Flashes

    • Evening primrose oil is an effective herb to use during menopause. It serves as a sedative and a diuretic, and it helps calm hot flashes. It's also important to the production of estrogen. Another herbal supplement with similar properties is black currant seed oil.
      Additionally, Dong quai and gotu kola are Asian herbs used to relieve hot flashes. Chamomile or valerian root, in either tea or extract form, can be consumed before bed to help you sleep if hot flashes are interrupting your nights.

    Herbs That Promote Estrogen Production

    • Besides evening primrose oil, other herbs that promote estrogen production are red clover, black cohosh, anise or fennel seed, licorice, raspberry, sage, sarsaparilla, squawvine and wild yam root. Some of these can be added to your diet if you prefer not to take herbal extracts.
      Siberian ginseng, often found in liquid supplement form, is another estrogen booster. It helps boost energy to combat depression and mood swings that occur when estrogen levels fluctuate.

    Herbs That Help Prevent Osteoporosis

    • During menopause, estrogen production decreases. Estrogen is needed for bone formation. It is important that women get enough calcium to prevent the onset of osteoporosis. Certain herbs can increase your calcium levels including amaranth, chickweed, nettle and the herbal greens dandelion, seaweed and watercress.

    Herbs That Promote Sexual Drive

    • Many women report a decrease in sexual pleasure and problems with vaginal dryness during menopause. Gotu kola and dong quai help relieve dryness and depression, both of which cause decreases in the sexual drive. The herb damiana is reported to help increase sexual pleasure as well.
      To help vaginal dryness, make a paste with aloe vera gel and slippery elm powder. This paste can be applied to the dry zone and left overnight. Aloe vera gel can be used prior to intercourse.

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