Using Natural Herbs to Curb Hot Flashes
Posted on Mar 22, 2009 under Menopause | No Comment
For women suffering from hot flashes during menopause and perimenopause, finding a cure is often a long and ultimately frustrating process. But amid all of the synthetic treatments currently available on the market, none compare to natural herbal treatments that have been used for centuries by women in the know.
Hot flashes, which are noted by increased heat and flushing in the face, is common among women approaching menopausal age, and some are afflicted by severe symptoms. Finding relief in the form of natural herbs helps eliminate stress that accompanies the problem.
While hormone therapy is a popular treatment which is used by many women, others prefer the natural route, taking doses of Vitamin E and Vitamin B to aid in the easing of symptoms. But herbs play an important role in natural hot flash therapy.
Flaxseed, also perhaps more commonly known as linseed, is used in whole seed and oil form to help ease hot flash symptoms. While there is no hard or solid scientific evidence to back up the support of this claim, many women have used it successfully for years in the treatment of hot flashes.
Evening primrose oil is another herb commonly used to treat hot flashes during menopause. However, this botanical is sometimes accompanied by side effects such as diarrhea and nausea. It’s important to talk to your doctor before combining evening primrose with other medications, such as blood thinning drugs, because it could cause adverse reactions.
Soy products such as plant estrogen, which is found in isoflavones, contribute an estrogen-similar effect to the body to weaken hot flash symptoms. Many women concentrate on using soy-based food products to treat hot flashes, not soy supplements.
Another natural herbal remedy for hot flash symptoms during menopause and perimenopause is the use of black cohosh. As a short-term natural remedy, it works very effectively. But side effects can include an upset stomach, so it needs to be used carefully.
With so much controversy in the news about hormone replacement therapy, it is important that women find reliable and natural ingredients they can use to treat various symptoms associated with menopause.
The herbs mentioned in this article only serve as a small reminder of natural cures that you can find to treat a single symptom – hot flashes. There are dozens of other herbs that can help alleviate the other menopausal symptoms women have to endure over the years.
James Penn
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