MENOPAUSAL-RELATED PROBLEMS
BENEFICIAL HERBS
- A special extract of black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) is the most widely used and thoroughly studied natural alternative to hormone replacement therapy in menopause.
- Angelica (dong quai), licorice root, chaparral, and chasteberry are very useful in the treatment of hot flashes. Combining these herbs is thought to produce even a greater benefit. Caution: Do not use licorice on a daily basis for more than seven days in a row, and avoid it completely if you have high blood pressure.
- Red clover can help maintain cardiovascular health and estrogen levels and reduce hot flashes during menopause.
- Ginkgo biloba is useful in relieving both cold hands and feet and the forgetfulness that often accompany menopause.
- Motherwort is useful in the treatment of menopausal problems as a result of endocrine imbalance. Caution: This herb can increase menstrual flow, so women that have not ceased menses must be warned of this and may have to weigh the relative advantages and disadvantages.
- Amaranth (pigweed), chives, chickweed, dandelion root and greens, motherwort, nettle, seaweed such as Irish moss and kelp (brown algae), and watercress are rich in calcium and can help prevent osteoporosis. Caution: Motherwort can increase menstrual flow, so women that have not ceased menses must be warned.
- Chamomile, passion flower and valerian root have a calming effect and are effective sleep aids. Caution: Do not use chamomile on an ongoing basis, and avoid it completely if you are allergic to ragweed. Gotu kola relieves vaginal dryness, and depression.
- Siberian ginseng is a powerful tonic, which aids in relieving depression and fatigue, and enhances the action of estrogen. Ginseng also has an estrogen-like activity of its own. Caution: Do not use this herb if you have hypoglycemia, high blood pressure, or a heart disorder.
- Sarsaparilla contains progesterone and cortin to help achieve glandular balance
- Ho shoou wu is a Chinese herb used to treat the symptoms of early menopause
DIETARY RECOMMENDATIONS
- Eat plenty of beets (including the stems and leaves) which are an excellent remedy for headaches related to hot flashes, stress and tension.
- Switch to decaffeinated coffee
- Essential foods to include in your diet are garbanzo beans, nectarines, all peppers, sesame seeds, spring greens and soy foods.
NUTRIENT SUPPLEMENTATION
A well balanced diet is a more natural source of nutrients and it is best to get as much as possible from food. If you are not eating a varied mixture of the main food groups or foods high in a certain nutrient needed for your health situation then make up the remaining through vitamin and mineral supplementation.
- Multiple vitamin/mineral supplement
- B complex vitamin containing….
- Niacin: 50 milligrams
- Thiamin: 50 milligrams
- Vitamin B6: 30 milligrams
- Iron: 15 milligrams
- Vitamin C: 1,000 milligrams
- Vitamin E: 400-800 IU Caution: If you are taking anticoagulant drugs, you should not take E supplements
- Magnesium: 400 milligrams. Caution: If you have heart or kidney problems, you should always check with your doctor before taking magnesium supplements
- Boron: 2 milligrams
- Calcium: 1,200 milligrams in the form of calcium citrate. Caution: Do not take calcium supplementation without your doctors approval if you have heart or kidney problems
- Chromium: 100 micrograms three times daily
In some cases, herbal products can interact negatively with other medications. Such interactions can be dangerous. Herbal remedies are not regulated and their quality is not controlled. Moreover, while there is an abundant supply of information circulating about herbs, not much of it has been scientifically proven. Consult your physician. Informing your doctor and pharmacist of what herbal products you are using is just as important as letting them know what drugs you are taking. Your physician and the pharmacist on duty at your pharmacy can assist you in deciding which herbs
are safe.