Using Herbs for
Menopause/Perimenopause

Chances are at least 25 years of a woman's life will be post-menopausal. While some women approach the change of life with a feeling of dread, others embrace the freedom. However you feel about it, if you are female, you will go through it. Botanical products containing or acting like estrogens may provide some of the benefits of estrogen in relieving menopausal symptoms. Unlike allopathic treatments such as HRT, which artificially raise levels of estrogen, herbal treatments seek to address hormonal balance.

No herb or supplement actually contains estrogen, but phytoestrogens tend to act like weak estrogens, without the level of side effects drugs such as Premarin can have. For example, studies have suggested that soy food products can benefit women with mild hot flashes. Herbs such as ginseng, black cohosh, and dong quai have a long history of use as tonics that support the female reproductive system and help symptoms of the change of life including hot flashes, insomnia, moodiness, restlessness and irritability.

Using Aromatherapy

There are many oils that a woman can choose from in treating menopausal symptoms, and the optimal one is very much dependent upon each individuals body chemistry and temperament. My favorite is Clary Sage oil A quick spritz with a few drops of clary sage oil in cool water has a calming,grounding effect on my moods.