Menopause refers to a change in the body of a female during which monthly menstruation stops completely and for good. It can be a long process, lasting weeks or even years in some cases. Because of the physical and hormonal changes involved, menopause can bring about a variety of symptoms, and these can vary from person to person. Often emotional changes occur as well, affecting mood, sexuality and personal interactions.There are many ways in which the symptoms of menopause are treated. Medications are the most common, and they are used for a variety of reasons including balancing hormones, reducing water weight with diuretic properties and reducing sensations of pain and hot flashes. Because of how long menopause can last, these medications may be used over a very long period of time.There are herbal remedies that can help to combat the symptoms of menopause. Natural compounds found in plants are able to help reduce the physical and emotional problems related to the condition. Many times, they are able to achieve this with less risk and fewer side effects. Herbal options can also be used in a tea for menopause, which can provide further relaxation benefits and soothing relief.
We have compiled a list of the best ten natural menopause mitigators for you to ponder if alternative healing is something that you are considering. Some of our top ten herbs can be used together in herbal tea recipes, combining benefits like bloat reduction and hormone balancing in one delicious brew. While natural and beneficial, one should talk to a health care provider before trying a tea for menopause symptom relief to ensure safety to use. Some medications and health conditions can react poorly to some herbal remedies and increase the risk of complications.
1. Ginseng
Ginseng is one of the oldest herbal remedies in ancient Chinese medicine. While it is noted for a wide variety of health ailments, ginseng possesses special abilities in terms of female health. Ginseng may help to keep the walls of the vagina healthy and is also thought to be effective against hot flashes, sleeplessness and fluctuating moods. Ginseng is a perfect addition to a tea for menopause because it may provide both mental and physical benefits related to the condition.
2. Wild Yam Root
Wild yam is specifically useful for the emotional roller coaster that can come along with menopause. It can help to reduce anger, irritability and a tendency towards depression. The herb’s ability to provide a myriad of mental health benefits is thought to come from its effects on hormone regulation, specifically progesterone. Wild yam can be used in a tea for menopause alongside other relaxing herbs or those that provide pain relief benefits.
3. Black Cohosh
Black cohosh is one of the most widely recognized herbal remedies for menopause relief, and that is because the plant itself contains a form of estrogen. This natural hormone boost can help to regulate out of control hormones which in turn can lead to less moodiness, hot flashes and vaginal symptoms like itching and dryness. Black cohosh is a mainstay of herbal tea recipes for menopause, and is frequently found in commercially produced blends. Its multiple positive effects on the female system are indicative of why it makes an excellent choice in a tea for menopause.
4. Flaxseed
Flaxseeds are considered natural treatment for menopause because they are amongst a handful of naturally estrogenic foods. Aside from that, flaxseed can also be hugely beneficial to the digestive system and provide multi symptom relief from menopause. When consumed, flaxseed’s unique compounds are converted into valuable omega-3 fatty acids, furthering their healthful benefits. Ground flaxseed is the best way to use the herbal remedy in a tea for menopause, but the oil can be added in small quantities to the brew as well.
5. Dong Quai
Although lacking any sort of natural estrogen like properties, dong quai (angelica sinensis) remains a popular folk remedy for conditions like menopause because of its ability to balance out the female hormones. It is important to remember however that during phases of the condition where bleeding is occurring, don quai should not be used in a tea for menopause.
6. Evening Primrose
Evening primrose is an herbal remedy that is very much associated with the female body. The herb contains GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) which is thought to have an effect on hormone processes. In turn, this exciting reaction can have a hugely positive effect on many of the unpleasant symptoms of menopause. Commonly used in oil form, evening primrose can also be used in a tea for menopause alongside other beneficial herbs.
7. Fennel
Fennel seeds are becoming a common sight in kitchens all over the world, but the herb also boasts a wealth of health benefits including antispasmodic, diuretic, and analgesic properties. Fennel also is thought to help balance out the hormones associated with menopause. For this combination of pain relieving, water reducing and cramp relieving benefits combined with a natural balance in fluctuating hormones, fennel seed is a perfect incorporation in a tea for menopause.
8. Motherwort
There is some research to support the use of motherwort’s medicinal benefits that have been exploited in many ancient cultures for hundreds of years. Although associated with cardiovascular health, motherwort is also considered an essential herb for women thanks to its benefits to an immense array of female problems. In fact, this distinction is where the herb earned its nickname, motherwort. In addition to soothing a scattered nervous system, motherwort also serves as a bloat relieving diuretic, hormone balancer and cramp reliever, making it an ideal inclusion in a tea for menopause.
9. Alfalfa
Alfalfa leaves are rich in many nutrients, hence their popularity in cuisine. They’re chock full of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and even protein. They also bear phytoestrogens, and that is why alfalfa is considered useful for menopausal women as they can provide hormone balancing effects which can reduce symptoms like moodiness and hot flashes. Alfalfa can serve as a great base to many herbal tea recipes and boasts a delightful flavor. This is a great singular herb to use in a tea for menopause, but before use, ensure that the alfalfa has been thoroughly cleaned.
10. Maca Root
Although not related to familiar ginseng, maca root has also been referred to as “Peruvian ginseng.” This may be related to the herb’s use as an energy booster. The herb is a good source of many beneficial nutrients, but is most highly regarded as a hormone balancer. Not only is maca purportedly able to avert many symptoms of menopause but it can help increase libido and counteract any sexual changes that may occur during the change of life. Maca root in powdered form can be added to a tea for menopause, but the fresh root can also be boiled in an infusion as well.
