5 Herbs for Menopause! [Infografic]

Menopause definitely has its ups and downs! Some women go through it painlessly, while for others every day is a test. Can nature show us the way to relieve symptoms? Which herbs could help us in this subversive period of our lives?

Black cohosh

Also known as cimicifuga, Black cohosh appears through research to be able to reduce both the frequency and intensity of hot flashes over an eight-week period (1). Overall, it appeared to have a positive effect on women’s quality of life and is considered one of the most effective herbs for menopause!

Evening Primrose oil  

Although there are divergent opinions about the efficacy of evening primrose oil on menopausal symptoms, there are many women who found their salvation in it! Many of them report that symptoms such as irritability, depression, and swelling have decreased (2).

The evening primrose oil is rich in gamma linoleic acid (GLA), an essential fatty acid involved in the production of prostaglandins (hormone-like substances). It is believed that by increasing prostaglandins, evening primrose oil can help control hormonal changes (3).

Wild Yam

Wild Yam, also known as Mexican Yam, is a plant rich in diosgenin, often used in laboratories to produce steroids such as estrogen and DHEA. Many experts often regard wild yam as a “natural alternative” to estrogen therapy and use it in cases such as premenstrual syndrome, vaginal dryness and in order to increase energy and libido (4). Special attention is needed to the dose of wild yam or DHEA, which should be determined by a specialist who is well aware of your medical history.

Wild Yam seems to have estrogenic action, but it does not turn into estrogen in the body. Laboratory process is required to do this (4). After all, most types of wild yam cannot be consumed because of their bitter taste.

Agnus castus

Vitex agnus castus, also known as Chasteberry, is another herb for women! It balances female hormones, leading many women to notice improvement in menopause symptoms, such as night sweats, mood swings and sleep problems (5).

Indeed, in a comparative study between two groups of women, the former took 40 drops per day of Vitex agnus castus, while the other took placebo formula. Significant difference was noticed especially after the 4th week in the frequency of hot flashes in the first group (6).

Sage

As a particularly herbal anti-perspiration, sage has been used in menopause for years. Now, modern research is coming to verify its efficacy in hot flashes from the first month of use(7)!

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Sources

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5868221/
2. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/263027.php
3. https://www.verywellhealth.com/evening-primrose-and-menopause-90067
4. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-970/wild-yam
5. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vitex#insect-bites
6. http://www.sciencedomain.org/index.php?/abstract/101