Sadly, up to half of women continue to have them regularly for years following the onset of menopause. Below are some helpful natural remedies for balancing the body and mind during “the change.”
1. Black Cohosh
Black Cohosh is a plant used widely in Europe for treating menopause and hot flashes. Studies show Black Cohosh to be just as effective as pharmaceutical estrogen in providing hot flash relief and one study showed Black Cohosh was effective at preventing excessive sweating.
2. Flaxseed Oil
Fatty acids, such as those found in flaxseed oil, have been thought to be effective in reducing menopausal symptoms. Flax contains plant lignans which are similar to estrogen, possibly causing estrogen levels to stabilize in menopausal women.
3. Evening Primrose Oil
A general tonic for women’s reproductive health, evening primrose has a cooling effect on the skin and regulates the production of estrogen. It can act as a sleep aid due to its high gamma linolenic acid count, and increased prostaglandin production.
4. Chickweed Tincture
Daily servings of this herb have been reported to lower both the number and severity of hot flashes.
5. Red Clover
A plant containing high amounts of phyto-estrogens known as isoflavones has been shown to help reduce the intensity and frequency of hot flashes.
6. Homeopathic Remedies
Homeopathic treatment options such as Ferrum phosphoricum (good for reducing redness), Belladonna (an excellent herb for sporadic, rapid hot flashes), Sanguinarina (counteracts hot flashes on the face, neck and ears) and Kali Phosphoricum.
7. Other Western Herbs
Other similar-acting plants include sarsaparilla, spearmint, licorice root, damiana, chasteberry, wild yams, motherwort, and red raspberry leaf.
8. Sage
Sages Helps Hot Flashes
Try drinking a few cups of organic sage tea daily. Sage tea can be found at your local grocery store or online. Besides providing hot flash relief, sage helps with digestion, infant diarrhea and headaches.
9. Vitamin C
Some women have found that bioflavanoids found in Vitamin C can help reduce the frequency of hot flashes. In order to get hot flash relief, I would recommend eating more foods with Vitamin C.
10. Vitamin E
Studies have shown that antioxidants in Vitamin E play a significant role in reducing the symptoms of hot flashes. In order to get hot flash relief, take the recommended serving of a Vitamin E supplement or eat more foods with Vitamin E.
11. Natural Progesterone Cream
Most women are actually estrogen dominant due to the amount of soy in foods. In most cases of menopause doctors actually prescribe more estrogen. I highly recommend using a cream to help balance menopausal hormone levels and to reduce hot flashes.
*Other Tips For Relieving Hot Flashes*
Besides from the list of natural remedies above, you can also practice these natural life-style tips to help get relief from hot flashes.
🔹 Synthetic bedding and clothing can contribute to over-heating the body, especially while sleeping. Unlike natural cottons and linens, synthetic fibers cause us to perspire more often at night, a time when women most-often experience over-heating. Also, if you wear tight-fitting clothing, such as turtle-necks, that are made from synthetic fibers, this can also aggravate hot flashes.
🔹 Avoid long periods in direct sunlight. Reduce the use of hot tubs, saunas and even hot showers. Drink cool water with cucumber and stay in well-ventilated, cool areas of your home. Small room fans can help provide temporary relief for hot flashes.
🔹 Engaging in daily exercise keeps you in shape and feeling young and healthy. Without a healthy body, it is harder to balance the necessary hormones to prevent hot flashes. Try going for more walks throughout the day. Simple cardio exercise is one of the easiest things you can do to improve your health.
🔹 By cleansing your body on a regular basis you can help balance your organs and hormone levels.
I recommend performing a *liver detox* at least 1-2 times yearly, will help promote optimal health.