How to Treat Menopausal Symptoms with Herbal Remedies

Insomnia is one symptom of menopause that herbal remedies are used to treat.

Menopause causes an array of symptoms that can disrupt a woman's daily life. Night sweats, hot flashes, weight gain, bloating, intestinal troubles, mood swings, anxiety, depression, irritability and breast tenderness are symptoms associated with menopause. Fortunately, there are several herbal remedies available that may relieve many of these symptoms. Here are some of the most common herbal remedies used to treat menopausal symptoms.

Instructions

1. 

   Black cohosh is thought to relieve bloating caused by menopause.

   Take black cohosh to help relieve depression, anxiety, hot flashes, night sweats, bloating and diarrhea caused by menopause. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, black cohosh is the most studied herbal remedy for menopause, and has been used in Europe for more than 40 years for menopausal symptoms. The recommended dose is 40 to 80 milligrams per day in tablet or capsule form. Women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or who have a history of breast cancer should not use black cohosh.

2. 

   Soy isoflavones may help relieve many menopause symptoms.

   Take soy isoflavones. These come from the soybean and contain a plant-based form of estrogen. Taking 50 to 150 milligrams of soy isoflavones tablets or capsules per day may relieve symptoms of bloating, irritability, hot flashes, night sweats, breast swelling and irritability. Women with a history of breast cancer should consult their doctor before trying soy isoflavones.

3. 

   Evening primrose oil capsules are used to treat some menopausal symptoms.

   Try evening primrose oil. It contains gamma-linolenic acid, an essential fatty acid used to treat breast swelling, irritability and inflammation and assist in balancing hormones. Mark Stengler, ND, author of "The Natural Physician's Healing Therapies," suggests taking 500 to 1,500 milligrams of evening primrose oil each day in capsule form as well as taking omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E supplements to receive the most benefit.

4. 

   St. John's wort may relieve anxiety and depression caused by menopause.

   Take St. John's wort alone or in addition to black cohosh. St. John's wort is commonly known for treating depression, but can also be effective in treating anxiety and insomnia. It is safe to take St. John's wort and black cohosh together to treat a variety of menopausal symptoms. The recommended dose is 300 milligrams per day. St. John's wort generally has few to no side effects; however, people taking a prescription medication for depression should not take this herbal remedy.

5. 

   Passion flower is used to treat insomnia and anxiety caused by menopause.

   Use passion flower to relieve symptoms of depression, insomnia, anxiety and irritability. Passion flower has been used since the 17th century as a sleep aid and muscle relaxer, and to calm irritability. The high concentration of flavonoids in the plant is considered its active ingredient. The recommended dose is 500 milligrams a day in capsule form, and should be taken at night because it causes sleepiness. Passion flower is generally safe, but should not be taken by people who are on a prescription sleep aid, blood-thinning medication or an antidepressant.

Tips & Warnings

• It is generally safe to take more than one herbal remedy for menopausal symptoms at one time, but it is recommended to try one first and then add others as needed.

• Check with your doctor before trying any herbal remedy if you are already taking prescription medication or have any type of chronic illness.

• Never take more than the recommended dose of any herbal remedy.

References

• University of Maryland Medical Center: Black Cohosh; Steven D. Ehrlich NMD, Reviewer; December 2009
• "The Natural Physician's Healing Therapies": Mark Stengler, ND; 2010