Herbal Remedies

Archive for the ‘Herbal Remedies for Hot Flashes’ Category

As per statistics, 8 out of 10 women have to suffer from hot flashes as they go through menopause. It is characterized by sudden sweating and reddening of the face. The occurrence of hot flashes is unpredictable. It mainly occurs during and after menopause but can be caused by any hormonal conditions. The exact reason behind them is still unknown, however it is believed that it occurs when the levels of luteinizing hormones and follicle stimulating hormones rise beyond optimum values. In case, you are facing hot flashes problems and find them quite intolerable, you can try some herbal remedies to improve your state. Go through the description on some common herbal remedies for hot flashes mentioned below to help yourself.

List of Herbal Remedies for Hot Flashes
Following is a list of some herbs that can be used as natural remedies for hot flashes.

Dong Quai
Dong quai is known to ease menopausal problems. It assists the body to regulate hot flashes. In addition to this, it also relieves mental and emotional stress. Because of these reasons, dong quai is considered to be an emmenagogue. It can contract as well as relax uterine muscles and it owes this property to the diversity in its composition. It contains a water and alcohol soluble, non-volatile oily substance that is excitatory in nature. This substance is responsible for the contraction of the uterine muscles. The component that causes relaxation is another oily substance that is volatile and has a high boiling point. It is believed that the potency of dong quai in treating hot flashes is due to its ability to stabilize blood vessels. However, do not take it without a medical professional’s agreement as dong quai side effects are also possible.

Evening Primrose Oil
Evening primrose oil is an essential oil. It contains gamma linolenic acid which influences the production of prostaglandins in the body. This makes it worth using for the treatment of hot flashes, sleep disorders and for relieving premenstrual syndrome. The dosage of evening primrose oil is between 2-8 capsules a day, depending upon the severity of the condition. Self medication in case of essential oils is never advisable. Consult an aromatherapist for proper directions for this natural remedy for hot flashes.

Black Cohosh
Black cohosh is a very good example of highly efficient home remedies for hot flashes. It also relieves menstrual cramps, vaginal atrophy and dysmenorrhea. It shows estrogenic effect by decreasing the levels of luteinizing hormone. Take 10-12 drops of black cohosh with meals, once a day. It will provide you comfort from hot flashes as well as night sweats within a couple of months’ time. This is a ‘sure-to-give-positive-results’ hot flashes herbal remedy.

Vitex
Vitex, which is also known as chaste berry, lowers estrogen levels and raises the level of progesterone. This maintains the strength of bones and vaginal walls. It also alters the secretion of luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). This helps in easing menopause symptoms. Its daily intake increases the secretion of progesterone and luteotropic hormone, but decreases that of FSH and prolactin. The effect of vitex on pituitary function in this manner enables it to regulate hot flashes and dizziness. Therefore, vitex is one of the effective herbal remedies for hot flashes. More on herbs for menopause.

Other Herbs
There are several other herbal remedies for hot flashes. They include wild yam, red clover, ginseng and licorice root. Wild yam is a native of United States. It resembles a vine plant. Wild yam contains isoflavones that is present in bulk in the extract of wild yam. Isoflavones relieve menopause problems, reduce blood clotting and keep the bones strong. The herb red clover also contains isoflavones, and hence produce the same effects. The regular intake of ginseng proves to be very helpful in palliating hot flashes. To derive the benefits of ginseng, taken it on an empty stomach. It is not recommendable for women with high blood pressure or diabetes. Licorice root is a herb that is known for treating variety of disorders of the female reproductive system, and hence is one of the ‘hot flashes home remedies’ that are popular among herbalists. It has shown its effectiveness in curing hot flashes as well. Its usage should not extend beyond 4-5 weeks without medical supervision. Know more on licorice benefits.