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RISING WOMEN EXPERT
ADVICE... Menopause Mother Earth’s Natural Path
Menopause is a natural life stage in a woman’s life that
profoundly effects how we feel physically and emotionally. And although every woman
experiences this period of her life uniquely, its challenges are similar in varying
degrees. Common reactions include hot flashes, irritability, vaginal dryness, urinary
problems and muscle and joint aches, to name a few. And due to the decreasing estrogen
levels, other health concerns including osteoporosis and heart disease are common.
Menopause can be a period in our lives that is celebrated as opposed to
feared. Following are some natural herbs that may help this transition become a more
pleasant experience.
•Ginger - taken in the form of tea or even candy
has wonderful healing qualities for the relief of blood congestion in all areas of the
body. For tea, grate fresh ginger in two cups of hot water. To relieve stress, place a
ginger compress directly over the pelvic area.
•Cayenne - has similar effects as ginger but is
stronger. It is commonly used for treatment for hot flashes and normal perspiration.
According to the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada, an excellent tonic
includes l/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar, l/2 teaspoon raw honey, and up to l/2 tsp of
cayenne in a cup of herbal tea.
•Chamomile - has a relaxing effect on the nervous
and digestive systems. For relief from stress, anxiety, and tension, a cup of Chamomile
tea is fantastic. Adding a few tea bags to a hot bath is also a wonderful, soothing
experience.
•Peppermint - is another popular remedy that can
be taken in the form of a tea, compress or in your bath. It has been know to aid digestion
and relieve pain and cramps. Peppermint is exhilarating both physically and emotionally.
•Chaste Berry/Vitex - is especially beneficial
with menopausal problems and other hormonal imbalances, if used over a long period of
time. It can help regulate and normalize hormone production, estrogen/progesterone
balance, and it stimulates the pituitary gland. It is recognized as one of the most useful
herbs for women issues, including cramps and P.M.S.
•Ginseng Root - is a wonderful herb for helping
general exhaustion and weakness. It acts as an anti-depressant and decreases stress.
Ginseng Root is a primary ‘adaptogenic’ herb, meaning it has the ability take a
nonspecific action on the body, supporting all the major systems, such as the nervous
system, hormonal system, and immune system, as well as regulating functions (such as the
blood sugar); if they are too high, an adaptogen will lower it and vice verse(1).
•Dong Quai - commonly known as the
‘female’ ginseng, is another herb profoundly beneficial to women. In comparison
to Ginseng, it is much gentler on our system. Know for it’s building and
strengthening qualities, it can be used to treat almost every gynecological imbalance. It
too has a relaxing effect on the entire body.
•Black Cohosh - is the most popular herbal
supplement in Europe for women experiencing menopausal symptoms because it provides
‘isoflavones’ and other constituents that help support a woman’s health
during this phase of her life. Taken internally, it eases menopausal distress, P.M.S.,
nerve spasms and night sweats. It is also recognized for promoting normal hormone
activity.(2)
•Licorice Root - is another herb highly
recognized for it’s effects on specific women’s health issues. As menopause
represents the end of menstruation, Licorice Root is ideal for it’s estrogenic
properties as it can be used to balance and regulate hormone production. It is also
effective as treatment for thinning/drying vaginal walls.
•Raspberry Leaf - is an excellent herbal
supplement to use for over all health, as it has a high concentration of vitamins and
minerals, especially calcium and iron. During menopause it is important that you are
receive the proper amounts of vitamin and minerals for your body.
These herbs are available in a variety of ways including capsules,
extracts, tonics, and dry. Not all products on the market are of the same quality, and
herbal usage is not something to be taken lightly or prescribed on your own. It is
recommended that you consult a professional, such as a herbalist, Naturopath, or Blood
Analysts for detailed information on the products available and dosages that are right for
you. And, as a last note, do what is feels right for you. This is your body; your life ,
your choices!
References: 1 www.motherearthworks.com
, 2 www.iherb.com , www.viable-herbal.com , www.herbs.org , Society of Obstetricians and
Gynaecologists of Canada |
