Menopause is the time in a woman's life that signals the
end of her childbearing years. During menopause, the ovaries
stop producing eggs, menstrual activity changes and eventually
ceases. The body's production of the female hormone estrogen
decreases, and so does progesterone.
Symptoms of menopause
Symptoms vary from woman to woman. They may be mild, moderate
or severe.
Used to control perimenopause, hot flashes, mood swings, vaginal dryness. Black cohosh has a long tradition as a treatment for gynecological conditions. This perennial shrub with white flowers is native to North America. Its root is used for medicinal purposes. The herb was introduced by Native Indians to European colonists. In Germany, physicians have been prescribing this herb to women for more than 40 years. Black cohosh may exert its effect by interacting with certain brain receptors. The herb contains triterpene glycosides, naturally occurring compounds thought to be responsible for its action.
Eight randomized, controlled clinical trials have established that black cohosh extract is as effective as hormone replacement therapy in reducing the severity and frequency of menopausal hot flashes.
TOPPerhaps no plant was better known to common folk of the
Middle Ages than chamomile. The plant is native to Eurasia,
and its first reported use was by early Egyptians who dedicated
chamomile to their gods, because of their belief in the
plant's curative powers. Besides its medicinal virtues,
chamomile enjoys widespread popularity as a flavouring agent.
Its major effects are due to its volatile oils. The actions
of chamomile are strongest on the liver and kidneys, which
are apparently stimulated to purge themselves of toxins.
Chamomile is an anti-inflammatory, appetite stimulant, digestive
aid, diuretic, nerve tonic, and sleep inducer. It helps
control colitis, diverticulosis, fever, headaches, and pain.
It is a traditional remedy for stress and anxiety, menopausal
problems, indigestion, and insomnia.
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Chasteberry
(Vitex agnus-castus)
Used to control premenstrual syndrome (PMS), amenorrhea.
Chasteberry as a medicinal plant was first mentioned some
2000 years ago by a Greek physician who noted the ability
of a drink made from the plant's seeds to reduce sexual
desires. In modern times, European physicians have been
prescribing chasteberry to women for more than 40 years
to regulate the menstrual cycle and ease symptoms of PMS.
The active ingredients in chasteberry are believed to target
the pituitary gland, causing the release of dopamine, a
neurotransmitter, in the brain.
One German study, which followed more than 1,600 women with
PMS for 3 months, found that 93% of subjects taking chasteberry
reported improvement of symptoms (mood swings, anxiety,
food cravings, and fluid retention) or complete relief.
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Dong
Quai (Angelica sinensis)
Used to control PMS, menstrual cramps, infertility, and
menopause. This aromatic herb is probably the most traditional
in Chinese medicine, which considers it a "blood tonic"
that enriches and nourishes the blood and regulates the
menstrual cycle. As such, it has been traditionally used
to treat women with deficiency disorders related to menstruation.
Often referred as "female ginseng", this herb
is a member of the celery family and grows in south-western
China.
Its roots contain coumarins, essential oils and a compound
called ligustilide, all of which are thought to exert beneficial
effects. The herb may have a weak estrogen-like action in
the body, binding to estrogen receptors.
Studies have found dong quai to be effective in treating
amenorrhea, menstrual irregularities, infertility, and PMS.
A recent American study reported that when dong quai was
given alone, it was not effective in relieving menopausal
symptoms.
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Ginseng
(Panax ginseng, Panax quinquefolium)
Used to combat stress and fatigue, immune enhancement.
Ginseng is a perennial herb with a taproot. An integral
part of Chinese medicine for more than 2000 years, ginseng
root is known as an adaptogenic herb, that is, it increases
the body's resistance to stress and balances functions of
the immune, nervous and cardiovascular systems.
Evidence suggests that Panax ginseng has strong immune-enhancing
properties. The active ingredients in Panax are thought
to reduce stress by stimulating the body's adrenal glands.
These triangular-shaped glands sit on the kidneys and regulate
the release of stress hormones. Chronic fatigue or stress
can compromise adrenal function, affecting the body's release
of hormones and immune compounds, as well as diminishing
overall energy.
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Horsetail
(Equisetum arvense)
Its common names are Peterwort, Dutch rushes, Shave-grass
and Bottle-brush. Horsetail grows in fields, on hedge banks
and railway embankments. Those growing on pure clay soil
have the greatest healing qualities. Depending on the place
where it grows, horsetail has 3 to 16% of silicic acid which
makes it so valuable.
The Swiss Abbé Kuenzle said that all people from
a certain age on should drink a cup of Horsetail tea every
day all year round and all pain caused by rheumatism, gout
and nerves would disappear, so that every person would reach
a ripe old age.
Horsetail increases calcium absorption, strengthens the
heart and lungs and acts as a diuretic useful for the treatment
of arthritis, bone diseases such as osteoporosis, cardiovascular
disease, edema, gallbladder disorders, inflammation, muscle
cramps, allergy and itching rashes, prostate disorders,
kidney and bladder trouble, bleeding, kidney stones, cancer,
prostatitis, nose bleeding, menstrual and menopausal problems.
Horsetail is the best natural source of silicon, iron, and
sodium. It also contains a high quantity of calcium, chromium,
crude fibre, fat, magnesium, potassium, selenium, and vitamin
A.
For itching rashes, even if they are festering or scabby,
washings and compresses of a decoction of Horsetail are
helpful.
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Juniper
(Juniperus communis)
Juniper (Prickly juniper) is an evergreen shrub that grows
in dry, rocky soil in North America from the Artic circle
to Mexico, as well as in Europe and Asia. Juniper is normally
taken internally by eating the berries or making a tea from
them. It is useful for digestive problems resulting from
an underproduction of hydrochloric acid, and is also helpful
for gastrointestinal infections, inflammations, and cramps.
The berries have also been recommended for eliminating excess
water as well as gout and rheumatic pains.
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Motherwort
(Leonurus cardiaca)
Motherwort is a perennial plant found mainly in the northern
part of the U.S. and all over Europe. It is commonly used
for nervous heart problems, stomach gas and cramps. It has
also been given for menopausal problems, shortness of breath,
goiter, and congestion of respiratory passages. Motherwort
has been of benefit too in cases of neuritis, neuralgia,
and rheumatism. In general, it can be used like fragrant
valerian.
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Sage
(Salvia officinalis)
All herbal literature holds sage in the highest esteem
as a medicinal plant. The name salvia comes from the Latin
verb salvere, to heal; root of the words salve, salutary,
salvation, sage (wise), and the French toast salut or "to
your health."
Sage, an antispasmodic and astringent, is of particular
benefit in slowing the secretions of fluids. Thus, it is
used for excessive perspiration, night sweats, clear vaginal
discharge.
Sage stimulates the central nervous system and digestive
tract, and has estrogenic effects on the body. It reduces
sweating and salivation. Good for hot flashes and other
symptoms of estrogen deficiency, whether in menopause or
following hysterectomy. Also used to dry up milk when women
wish to stop nursing.
Sage should not be taken by individuals with seizure disorders.
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St.
John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum)
Used for mild to moderate depression, seasonal affective
disorder. This plant is native to Europe but can be found
growing in Canada and the United States along roadsides
and in meadows and woods. The medicinal use of St. John's
wort dates back more than 2000 years, when it was applied
to ease pain and promote wound healing. Today, St. John's
wort is regarded as an effective treatment for mild depression.
The above-ground parts of the plant are used to make extracts
of St. John's wort.
Many experts believe that St. John's wort works by keeping
brain serotonin levels high for a longer period. St. John's
wort also appears to alter levels of dopamine and norepinephrine
in the brain, two other neurotransmitters involved in mood.
Researchers believe the power of St. John's wort lies in
a few active ingredients: hypericin, hyperforin, flavonoids,
and xanthones. Recently, scientists have attributed most
of the herb's effect on serotonin to its hyperforin content.
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Valerian(Valeriana
officinalis)
Used for insomnia. Over 200 species of valerian can be
found growing around the world. The species harvested for
medicinal purposes grows wild in Europe, but most of the
plants for making herbal extracts are cultivated. The herb
was not used to treat sleep problems until some time late
in the 16th century. Today, many European countries have
approved its availability as an over-the-counter medication
for insomnia. It is starting to gain popularity in North
America among consumers and the medical profession.
Valerian root acts on the central nervous system as a mild
sedative. Scientists have learned that valerian promotes
sleep by weakly binding to two brain receptors. Many active
components, including volatile oils and valepotriates, are
believed to be responsible for the herb's sedating effect.
It also appears to have anti-anxiety and mood-enhancing
properties.
Several small studies conducted among patients with sleep
disorders have found that valerian reduces the time to fall
asleep and improves the quality of sleep
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