Hot Flash Relief with Herbs

Hot Flash Discomfort

Hot Flash Relief with Herbs

by Nierika

We are now in the middle of summer and along with the heat, some of you who are approaching perimenopause and are in menopause are finding this season of the year to quite uncomfortable.

Hot flashes are common to about 80% of women in this stage of life.  Degrees of discomfort vary from mild hot flashes in the evenings to severe hot flashes with profuse sweating throughout the day, sensitivity to heat and nocturnal hot flashes which make sound sleep difficult.

The allopathic clinical approach is to address these symptoms by administering combinations of synthetic or equine derived hormones which pose a risk of stroke, breast and uterine cancers.

Alternatively, women can seek the use of bio-identical hormone replacement therapy.  Bio-identical hormones are human hormone molecules derived from plant phytosterols.  Bio-identical hormones are obtained from a compounding pharmacist who will customize a protocol based upon the results of saliva testing.  Saliva testing is utilized in order for the compounding pharmacist to prescribe hormone therapy based upon the base levels of hormones of each patient.  Common test panels will include results for Estradiol (E2), Progesterone (Pg), Testosterone (T), DHEA (DS) and all four Cortisol adrenal stress levels throughout the day (C1, C2, C3, C4).

Women can also use a variety of natural remedies to lessen the occurrence of hot flashes.  It is a good idea to start with ordering a saliva test online and learning what hormones are out of balance, in excess or deficient.  You can also address your symptoms and apply the remedies which best suit your discomforts.

Herbs commonly used to alleviate hot flashes include:

• Black cohosh – traditional Native American remedy. A phytoestrogen that is recognized by the body and stimulate natural estrogen production, it is also helpful in cases of estrogen dominance.
• Chickweed – traditional European remedy. Cools the body when internal temperatures rise above normal.
• Dong quai – traditional Chinese remedy. The phytoestrogens in dong quai help regulate estrogen levels.
• False unicorn – traditional Native American remedy. Stimulates ovarian hormone production.
• Ginseng – traditional Chinese remedy. Stimulates the ovaries to produce more estrogen.
• Licorice root – traditional Chinese remedy. Stimulates estrogen production and balances in cases of estrogen dominance.
• Maca – traditional Peruvian remedy. Stimulates hormonal reserves and helps maintain hormonal homeostasis.
• Red clover – traditional European and Native American remedy. Contains four phytoestrogens: biochanin-A, formononetin, daidzein, and genistein.
• Sarsaparilla – traditional Native American remedy. Reduces estrogen, stimulates progesterone and balances hormones.
• Vitex–traditional Greek remedy. Helps balance the androgen levels and will correct the balance of estrogen to progesterone.
• White sage – traditional Native American remedy. Helps reduce perspiration.
• Wild yam root – traditional Native American remedy. Contains a saponin called diosgenin. After extraction from yam it is converted to natural progesterone or dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). It is best applied as a topical creme or gel.  Look for USP Progesterone on the label of products.

(You may use one herb or combine several for better results.)

Essential Fatty Acid Supplementation:

• Black currant seed oil – contributes to estrogen production.
• Borage seed oil – has the highest concentration of gamma linolenic acid (GLA) which is essential for hormone production.
• Evening primrose seed oil – inhibits the production of hormone-like chemicals in the blood called prostaglandins.
• Flax seed oil – Flaxseeds are the richest source of plant lignans, which are phytoestrogens able to regulate hormone balance.

As always, please give any natural therapies up to 6 weeks before experiencing results.

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