Estrogenic Herbal Supplements
Red Clover
Red clover is a wild plant that is used for grazing cattle and other animals. It has also been used medicinally to treat a number of conditions. Traditionally, these have included cancer, whooping cough, respiratory problems, and skin inflammations, such as psoriasis and eczema. Red clover was thought to "purify" the blood by acting as a diuretic (helping the body get rid of excess fluid) and expectorant (helping clear lungs of mucous), improving circulation, and helping cleanse the liver.
Modern scientific tests have shown that red clover contains isoflavones, plant-based chemicals that produce estrogen-like effects in the body. Isoflavones have shown potential in the treatment of a number of conditions associated with menopause, such as hot flashes, cardiovascular health, and osteoporosis.
Plant Description:
Red clover is a perennial herb that commonly grows wild in meadows throughout Europe and Asia, and has now been naturalized to grow in North America. The red flowers at the end of the branched stems are usually dried for therapeutic use.
Medicinal Uses and Indications:
Red clover is a source of many nutrients including calcium, chromium, magnesium, niacin, phosphorus, potassium, thiamine, and vitamin C. Red clover is a rich sources of isoflavones (chemicals that act like estrogens and are found in many plants).
Red Clover As a Natural Supplemental Hormone Treatment For Women:
Cardiovascular health
Researchers theorize that red clover might help protect against heart disease, but studies in humans have not found strong evidence. Red clover isoflavones have been associated with an increase in "good" HDL cholesterol in pre- and postmenopausal women, but other studies show conflicting evidence. One study found that menopausal women taking red clover supplements had more flexible and stronger arteries (called arterial compliance), which can help prevent heart disease. Red clover may also have blood-thinning properties, which keeps blood clots from forming. It appears to improve blood flow.
Menopause
Researchers also think that isoflavones, like those found in red clover, might help reduce symptoms of menopause because of their estrogen-like effects. But so far studies have not been conclusive. Several studies of a proprietary extract of red clover isoflavones suggest that it may significantly reduce hot flashes in menopausal women. The largest study, however, showed no such effect.
Osteoporosis
As estrogen levels drop during menopause, a woman's risk for developing osteoporosis (significant bone loss) goes up. A few studies suggest that a proprietary extract of red clover isoflavones may slow bone loss and even boost bone mineral density in pre- and perimenopausal women. But the evidence is preliminary, and more research is needed to say for sure.
Cancer
According to research published by the Journal of the British Menopause Society, red clover isoflavone supplements, used in controlled studies, have been shown to have a significant positive effect on the rate of bone loss, improve cardiovascular health, and may offer some protective effect against breast and endometrial cancer. There is also evidence which suggests that red clover isoflavones decrease the incidence of hot flashes, one of the most common vasomotor complaints experienced by peri-menopausal and menopausal women. In one study, after 8 weeks using Promensil 40mg daily participants experienced a 58% decrease in the number of hot flashes experienced; study participants also experienced a significant reduction in the severity of night sweats. Promensil is a dietary health supplement that is available over-the-counter, without a prescription, at a retail, drug, or health food store.
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Black Cohosh
What Is Black Cohosh?
Black cohosh is a tall perennial plant in the buttercup family that grows in eastern and central areas of the United States. Black cohosh was used by Native Americans as a traditional folk remedy for womens' health conditions, such as menstrual cramps and hot flashes, arthritis, muscle pain, sore throat, cough and indigestion. The juice of the plant was used as an insect repellent and was made into a salve and applied to snake bites.
Today, black cohosh is used primarily as a nutritional health supplement for menopausal women to treat hot flashes, mood swings, night sweats, vaginal dryness and other symptoms that can occur during menopause, as well as for menstrual cramps and bloating.
The parts of the plant used medicinally are the fresh or dried roots and rhizomes (underground stems), which are available in health food stores, some drug stores and online in tea, capsule, tablet or liquid extract forms. The active compound is believed to be 26-deoxyactein.
How Does Black Cohosh Work?
How black cohosh works isn't understood. It was once thought to have estrogen-like activity, but there is growing evidence that it does not.
Why Do People Use Black Cohosh?
Menopausal Symptoms
Black cohosh is one of the more popular herbal remedies for menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, migraines, mood disturbances, heart palpitations and vaginal dryness. Initial research on black cohosh suggests that it may improve some menopausal symptoms for up to six months. In fact, in 2001, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists stated that black cohosh may be helpful in the short-term (less than 6 months) for menopausal hot flashes.
Black cohosh is touted as a great reliever of many menopause symptoms including night sweats, anxiety, and depression. Effects of black cohosh include the reduction of those horrible hot flashes that affect so many menopausal women. It does this by reducing the lutenizing hormone in your body, which is associated with extreme temperature fluctuations. So, how effective is black cohosh? Well, in a recent study, 80% of women taking a black cohosh supplement experienced an improvement in their hot flashes, sweating, and heart palpitations.
How to Take Black Cohosh
Black cohosh is available in supplement form by a variety of different commercial companies. It may be taken up to two times a day for six months, but should not be taken for a longer period of time. Side effects of black cohosh include headaches and mild stomach upset. More seriously, it has also been linked with an increase in liver enzymes. There have been some cases of liver inflammation due to overuse of black cohosh.
A recent, year-long study on black cohosh, however, didn't find that it had any significant benefit in women with hot flashes or night sweats. Researchers from the National Institute on Aging and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine gave 351 peri-menopausal and post-menopausal women either black cohosh, black cohosh combined with other herbs, the black cohosh/herb blend plus a soy-enhanced diet, hormone replacement therapy or a placebo.
Although this is the longest study to date, there were some serious limitations, such as the small number of women in each treatment group. The study authors acknowledge that changes may not have been detected.
Side Effects and Safety Concerns
The safety of black cohosh in pregnant or breastfeeding women or children hasn't been established. Black cohosh is sometimes used by nurse-midwives to induce labor, but it should never be used by a pregnant woman without supervision by a qualified healthcare provider because it could stimulate uterine contractions and result in miscarriage.
People with hormone-sensitive conditions, such as cancer of the breast, prostate, ovaries or uterus, endometriosis or uterine fibroids, should avoid black cohosh until more is known about how it works and whether it has a hormonal effect.
Side effects of black cohosh may include:
Black Cohosh and Menopause - As Effective as Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Black Cohosh, known scientifically as, Actaea Recemosa, is a North American herb that has been sold as a supplement for decades. It is believed to be effective in treating the side effects of menopause including night sweats, hot flashes and depression. Since it is marketed not as a drug but as a food, companies that sell Black Cohosh extracts are allowed to advertise its known health benefits. Although science has not indisputably confirmed or denied these claims, preliminary research provides extremely encouraging evidence of its efficacy and safety.
Standard treatment for menopausal symptoms consist of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which supplies the body with hormones to restore the ones it has ceased producing. Some women prefer not to take these drugs because they have unpleasant side effects like fluid retention, headaches, and weight gain. Studies indicate that taking these medications also increases a woman’s chances of developing life threatening illnesses such as heart disease, breast cancer, and blood clots. Fearful that the dangers of this treatment outweigh the benefits, many menopausal women are seeking out more natural, safer yet extremely effective sources of relief. On of the most effective and stable of the alternative medicines is Black Cohosh, which is reputed to combat menopausal troubles without severe negative results or drug interactions.
Black Cohosh contains biological components similar in structure to the human hormone estrogen. A large number of studies have suggested that these plant hormones connect themselves to the estrogen receptors in the body. It is believed that this activity decreases the amount of luteinizing hormone (LH) in women, which has been associated with menopausal temperature fluctuations. Continued research has not been able to duplicate these results, which leaves scientists questioning exactly why Black Cohosh seems to be so effective. In fact, the hormone levels of women taking Black Cohosh remain virtually unchanged in the majority of reports. Inexplicably, several studies have shown that the herb effectively decreases symptoms, often more successfully than hormone replacement therapy.
Because of the limited understanding of why Black Cohosh’s hormones help menopausal women, the prestigious National Institute of Health is financing a thorough study of the plant through its subsidiary the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM). It is hoped that this research will provide solid information about the short and long-term efficacy as well as potential dangers of Black Cohosh supplementation.
Besides the above mentioned potential benefits, Black Cohosh may also remedy other problems related to menopause. Among them is osteoporosis, a thinning of the bones that frequently affects post-menstrual women.
When combined with Calcium, Vitamin D, and Vitamin K, Black Cohosh seems exploit its maximum benefit with menopause and osteoporosis.
Some scientists believe that the phytoestrogens (plant-derived hormones similar to estrogen) may even hinder the growth and spread of breast cancer cells, another common illness occurring after the onset of menopause. This idea stands in conflict with other studies, indicating that more research is necessary before definite conclusions can be drawn. Until then, it is generally advised women who are at high risk of developing the disease should not take the herb.
Women who suffer from the onset of menopausal symptoms can find at least temporary relief from use of the herb. In time, ongoing studies will reveal all the capabilities of this traditional plant, which in turn may lead to FDA approval of its administration. Until then, it is a reliable short-term alternative supported by many of the nation’s top medical experts.
Currently the supplement is highly affordable since it is available without a prescription. The cost of a one month supply of the product ranges from $16 to $60 depending upon the dosage. Consumers should look for a product that contains 50 mg of high quality Black Cohosh Root Extract, and a full day's supply of Calcium, Vitamin D, and Vitamin K to help maximize its benefits with osteoporosis.
Overview Of Remifemin The All-Natural Hormone Replacement Therapy Alternative:
Why use a natural menopause formula?
For natural relief and a real alternative.
A reliable, clinically-studied black cohosh extract can provide natural relief from hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings. It allows you to have a strong alternative to Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) for the treatment of menopausal symptoms.
Why use Remifemin?
It provides time-tested, estrogen-free relief.
Remifemin® provides effective relief for a 70% reduction of hot flashes, night sweats, irritability, mood swings and occasional sleeplessness and anxiety. In fact, over 15 clinical studies prove it's a safe and effective alternative to HRT for the treatment of menopausal symptoms, thanks to its completely estrogen-free RemiSure™ black cohosh.
More effective than soy.
Black cohosh has been proven to be more effective than soy at relieving menopausal symptoms.
Highlighted in leading publications.
Remifemin is recognized as an effective formula and has been mentioned in several leading publications including PilatesStyle®1 and Better Nutrition2 magazines.
Where To Buy Black Cohosh
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Dong Quai Root
The most common use of Dong quai is for the treatment of gynecological problems. Often referred to as the "female herb" or the "menopause herb," Dong quai is a staple of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for easing the symptoms of menopause and menstruation.
Dong quai root or the perennial phytoestrogenic herb known by its Angelica Sinensis is found in various mountainous territories of China, Korea and Japan. In appearance the Dong Quai root is a varying shades of brown and thick. Its history is said to date back millions of years, where ancient Asian cultures long cultivated it for its medicinal purposes.
Overview Of Dong Quai As A Hormonal Imbalance Treatment
Dong quai root contains phytoestrogens which have been proven to have a biological structure which is chemically similar to estrogen. This component of many phytoestrogenic plants is capable of regenerating diminished estrogen levels. Estrogen is a key part of the body and an imbalance can cause a number of painful or embarrassing menopause symptoms for women approaching middle age.
How Dong Quai Works?
Dong quai works in women's body by raising the amount of estrogen (the most important female hormone in charge of overall body functioning).
Dong Quai can accomplish this task because it contains phytoestrogens, which are vegetable substances that have a chemical structure very similar to estrogen. In other words, Dong quai replaces the natural human hormones with plant hormones for raising the amount of estrogen leading to higher hormones levels.
Dong quai's reputation as a female tonic rests largely with its ability to reduce the symptoms of PMS (premenstrual syndrome) and regulate the menstrual cycle. Countless women have used it to treat amenorrhea (irregular or absent periods) and menorrhagia (heavy bleeding or prolonged periods). The herb's long-standing popularity for reducing menstrual cramps as well as the pain of endometriosis, has been ascribed to its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic actions.
The Many Uses Of Dong Quai Root:
Over its million years of existence the dong quai root has had a variety of medicinal uses. Ancient Chinese civilization used to use it as a sedative, aphrodisiac, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antispasmodic. Despite these ancient cultural uses, dong quai in the modern day is used to treat a host of menopause symptoms. Like other phytoestrogenic herbs, such as ginseng and black cohosh the properties of Dong Quai Root are good at treating such symptoms. Dong Quai Root is known for being able to treat the following effectively:
• Sleep disturbances.
• Relief from menstrual disorders.
• The relaxing of peripheral blood vessels.
• Spasms.
• Relief from menopausal symptoms.
The Advantages Of Dong Quai Root:
Dong Quai root is a viable option to hormone replacement therapy: Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is an expensive but effective option in the treatment of menopause symptoms. Many see dong quai root as a cheaper alternative that soothes many menopause symptoms through a similar process.
Dong quai root as treatment for other conditions:
Dong quai root has been proven capable of relieving other health concerns unrelated to menopause, including: high blood pressure, PMS and arthritis.
Dong quai root is an efficient treatment method for menopause symptoms: Dong quai root is seen as an herb that can provide fast effective relief against menopause symptoms.
Disadvantages Of Dong Quai Root:
Dong quai root can cause complications with other drugs: Due to its capability of conflicting with other drugs does taking anticoagulants or women who are pregnant should not use dong quai root.
Dong quai root, rashes and skin inflammation: The consumption of Dong quai root increases a person’s sensitivity to the sun and without sunscreen; such sensitivity can result in painful inflammations or rashes on the skin.
Dong quai root and breast cancer: Dong quai root has been proven to aggravate the spread of breast cancer cells.
Conclusion:
Renewed Attention:
While the herb has been used for thousands of years in TCM, it has been receiving some renewed attention because of its gynecological properties. Women may take Dong quai to regulate their menstrual cycles postpartum or after going off the pill. The herb will also restore hormonal balance after menopause, easing many of the symptoms that come with this stage of life.
You can find Dong quai in various forms including powder, dried leaf or root slices, liquid, tea, tinctures, topical formulations, or pills. Dong quai contains blood-thinning coumarin, so a physician should be consulted before you embark on any treatment plan including the herb. Also, since Dong quai increases your sensitivity to the sun, stay out of the sun while using the herb, or take precautions to cover up and use sunscreen.
Dong quai root has been proven capable of helping with some of the symptoms of menopause. Because of its potent properties which include phytoestrogens, it also comes with a range of side effects which can pose serious health concerns to women using it. Because some of these side effects can often prove to be more dangerous than the symptoms they are trying to cure, a great deal of consideration should be undertaken before using Dong quai root.
Dong Quai Benefits:
Dong quai relieves menopause symptoms efficiently. This Phytoestrogenic herb is amazingly effective in short-term treatments for alleviating menopausal symptoms, especially menstrual disorders and PMS.
Dong quai is a good alternative for HRT. The phytoestrogens of Dong Quai can supply the needed hormone to avoid the estrogen loss in women. In those terms, Dong Quai intake has almost the same benefits as HRT with a less expensive cost.
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What Is Chasteberry (Vitex)
Chaste berry (Vitex) has been found to affect pituitary function and has many uses, particularly in regulating hot flashes and dizziness. Beneficial effects in menopause may be due to its role in altering LH and FSH secretion.19 Vitex lowers estrogen levels and increases progesterone levels, thus keeping bones and vaginal walls strong. Daily use enhances progesterone and luteotropic hormone but inhibits others such as FSH and prolactin. It also increases production of the brain chemical dopamine. It contains flavonoids, glycosides and micronutrients, but lacks phytosterols, making it a slow-acting tonic. Results become evident after 2-
Vitex As A Viable Hormone Treatment Option:
Vitex used in combination with other herbs, dietary changes, and nutritional supplements ought to be a young woman’s first line of defence against PMS, PCOS, irregular periods, acne, infertility, etc. And only when this approach fails to produce results should she seriously consider hormone replacement therapy.Vitex is the small pepper-like fruits of a Mediterranean shrub, and can be used as a powder, powdered extract, tea, or especially as a tincture, for many ailments resulting from hormonal imbalances.
Hippocrates — the father of medicine — first mentioned Vitex in 450bc. Since then, traditional herbalists have recommended the herb for ailments including fevers and headaches, to dispel wind and to promote urination. Most commonly though, Vitex was used in the treatment of ‘female problems’ and the herb’s popularity as a remedy of this kind has continued to grow with time.
Vitex is one of the most important herbs for regulating female hormones. The benefits of Vitex stem from its actions upon the pituitary gland – specifically on the production of a hormone called luteinizing hormone (LH).
By increasing progesterogenic activity, Vitex can help to balance progesterone and estrogen production by the ovaries throughout the menstrual cycle. This herb helps to regulate irregular periods, tending to shorten a long cycle and lengthen a short one.
Working closely with a competent naturopath, herbs such as Vitex can often bring a woman’s hormones back into balance, in some cases increasing her fertility, relieving insufficiency of the corpus luteum (luteal phase defect) without the need to supplement progesterone.
Vitex can bring down testosterone levels in women when the hormone is too high, and is thus helpful for polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). It often helps to relieve the symptoms of perimenopause and HRT withdrawal.
Vitex takes time to work, and should be taken for at least a month. Most authorities and researchers recommend a 4-month course, up to a 6 or even 8-month course. As always, start taking an herb in a low dose, and slowly increase to the full dose, over a week. This prevents the body from being too disturbed by any changes that the herb might be stimulating, and checks for individual sensitivities.
Vitex is extremely safe with an exemplary record of use over some 2400 years. It has none of the side-effects sometimes associated with the use of synthetic hormones as it works together with your body’s natural hormone production instead of overriding it.
Dr Keilty, a primary care physician in Scottsdale, Arizona who is also certified in environmental medicine writes, “Vitex is a wonderful herb for women. Vitex is so effective in treating the symptom?s of estrogen dominance because it increases progesterone . It accomplishes this by acting on the pituitary to decrease prolactin, to increase luteinizing hormone and to decrease follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). This results in increased corpus luteum growth in the ovaries where progesterone is produced .
“Vitex is indicated for menstrual disorders, PMS, breast cysts and fibroadenoma, uterine fibroids, and endometriosis.
“Vitex is not a fast-acting botanical. It can take up to 2-3 menstrual cycles to see improvement and full benefit might not be seen until six months of use. It is best to dose Vitex in the morning to match the rhythm of the pituitary. It may be taken throughout the menstrual cycle, but it should be discontinued if the length of the menstrual cycle dramatically changes.
“Energetically, Vitex exerts a calming and strengthening effect. Just another reason why it is such a special herb for women.”
As always, start taking an herb in a low dose, and slowly increase to the full dose, over a week. This prevents the body from being too disturbed by any changes that the herb might be stimulating, and checks for individual sensitivities.
This herb is not recommended if you are pregnant or nursing. And, it is not to be taken with other hormonal medications such as oral contraceptives, synthetic HRT, or estrogen. If you are using progesterone cream, you might need to adjust your dose as the action of Vitex takes effect.
Benefits Of Using vitex:
In a normal menstrual cycle, estrogen levels are higher before ovulation and progesterone levels are higher following ovulation. A lack of balance in these two hormones can lead to the entire range of symptoms associated with PMS and menopause! Vitex nourishes and supports the endocrine system, helping it find its own balance.
Symptoms associated with the menstrual cycle which can be treated with this plant include:
The Most Traditional Uses Of Vitex:
Reduce PMS symptoms. Before their periods, many women find themselves irritable, depressed, and bloated. These typical PMS symptoms may occur because of an insufficient production of progesterone in the two weeks prior to menstruation. Chasteberry helps to normalize the ratio of progesterone to estrogen, thus providing relief from these monthly discomforts. In a recent study of premenstrual women, 90% of those who took the herb reported that they experienced a reduction in PMS symptoms. Chasteberry may be as effective as another common PMS supplement--vitamin B6, which clears excess estrogen from the body--in controlling symptoms. While a German study actually found chasteberry to be superior to vitamin B6 for resolving PMS symptoms, it's worth trying the two together for maximum relief.
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Ginko Biloba
What Is Ginko Biloba?
Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) is one of the oldest living tree species and its leaves are among the most extensively studied botanicals in use today. In Europe and the United States, ginkgo supplements are among the best-selling herbal medications. It consistently ranks as a top medicine prescribed in France and Germany.
Ginkgo has been used in traditional medicine to treat circulatory disorders and enhance memory. Scientific studies throughout the years have found evidence to support these uses. Although not all studies agree, ginkgo may be especially effective in treating dementia (including Alzheimer's disease) and intermittent claudication (poor circulation in the legs). It also shows promise for enhancing memory in older adults. Laboratory studies have shown that ginkgo improves blood circulation by dilating blood vessels and reducing the stickiness of blood platelets.
Ginkgo biloba is one of the most popular herbs in the U.S. For thousands of years, it has been used for a wide variety of things, such as memory enhancement, altitude sickness, premenstrual syndrome (PMS) management and many other things.
Cautions:
One double-blind placebo-controlled study evaluated the benefits of Ginkgo biloba extract for women with PMS symptoms.6 This trial enrolled 143 women, 18 to 45 years of age, and followed them for two menstrual cycles. The results were impressive. As compared to placebo, ginkgo significantly relieved major symptoms of PMS, especially breast pain and emotional disturbance.
Ginko Biloba A Popular Herbal Supplement:
Ginkgo Biloba is the subject of extensive global research and over 4 million prescriptions for its use are written every year in Europe alone. Sales in Europe exceed $500 million a year. It is the most frequently prescribed herb in Germany and France and ranks as one of the top five of all medicines prescribed in those countries. There are 400 published studies and reports on Ginkgo Biloba's efficacy as well as several books.
This makes it one of the best-researched herbal medicines in the world today. Likewise, Not only can this potent herbal medicine reduce PMS puffiness but also Ginkgo Biloba extract can play an important role in improving the quality of life in all age groups by improving circulation and mental function. For young people this may mean an enhanced learning ability and improved concentration and in the elderly a positively changed general perception of life and improved functioning in the world.
Premenstrual Syndrome Treatment with Ginkgo Biloba:
Ginkgo Biloba has been found to have estrogenic activity, which makes it a potential PMS remedy. Some women have found that it helps to reduce reduce premenstrual water retention and breast pain/tenderness. A simple PMS herbal remedy is to take 60mg of Ginkgo Biloba twice daily one week before your next period.
Menopause:
Menopause is often treated using hormone replacement therapy (HRT), but this approach has many side effects including an increase risk of breast cancer and irregular bleeding. Recent studies have found that ginkgo extract has estrogenic activity and might be suitable as a harmless alternative to HRT. Therefore, a simple herbal remedy for menopause is to take 60mg of Ginkgo Biloba twice daily on a regular basis.
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Some preliminary research has shown that regular use of Ginkgo Biloba may be effective in treating PMS symptoms including emotional shifts and breast tenderness.
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Ginseng
What Is Ginseng?
Ginseng, is the botanical or genus name of which is Panax, translated from the Greek as ‘all-heal’, has an ancient history of use in traditional and herbal medicines. There are several plants within this family, the best known of which are marketed as American ginseng, Asian ginseng and Red ginseng. The widely available Siberian ginseng isn’t a true ginseng derivative but come from a completely different plant. Ginseng plants are denoted by their two pronged roots. All of the ginseng products are said to have a wide variety of health benefits for both sexes but ginseng’s ability to address several female related problems makes it particularly popular with women.
The Benefits of Ginseng for Women
The true ginsengs contain a compound called ginsenosides which is though to be the agent that makes ginseng such an effective medicine. Ginsengs contain what are known as adaptogens, the term used by herbalists to describe plants which have the ability to fight stress, anxiety and trauma while raising resistance to fatigue.
Additionally, the ginseng plants are phytoestrogens or dietary sources of estrogen, mimicking the female hormone estrogen and as such possibly having benefits for balancing hormone levels which fluctuate so wildly in menopausal women. This yo-yo effect is what causes mood swings, fatigue and hot flashes or flushes.
The benefits of adaptogens plus the estrogenic properties are thought to be highly effective in combating nearly all of the symptoms of menopause, including re-stimulating libido which often falls rapidly at this time, although many clinical studies suggest that their use for controlling hot flashes is unsupported.
Ginseng isn’t only useful for menopausal women however. It is also used to treat younger women who suffer with painful periods or PMS. Traditionally, ginseng was also thought to ease the pain of childbirth.
There have been many studies over the last few years which have investigated the possible anti-carcinogenic properties of ginseng and findings indicate that it may have some protective abilities where cancer is concerned and particularly breast cancer.
Another area in which studies are ongoing is that of ginseng’s beneficial effect on bone density. Post-menopausal women are very prone to changes in bone density which leads to a greater risk of fractures and injury.
Ginseng is now used quite extensively as an active ingredient in many beauty products, such as face creams, due to the possibilities of its anti-aging properties.
Best Type of Ginseng for Women
All of the ginsengs can have health benefits but it is thought that American ginseng is the best choice for female issues. Traditionally American ginseng is used for the treatment of females, representing the ‘yin’ or feminine element and Asian ginseng is used for addressing male problems through its ‘yang’ balance.
Red ginseng, which is steamed or sun-dried Asian ginseng, is also more suited to male medicine but can have benefits for both sexes.
Some side effects have been recorded from the use of ginseng which include high blood pressure, headaches and insomnia. It is therefore advisable to consult a medical professional before using ginseng particularly if there is a history of heart problems.
Ginseng is available in dried or powdered form, as capsules to be taken as a supplement and as an ingredient in tea products.
Conclusion:
Ginseng is becoming more popular as a viable natural hormonal therapy to combat the symptoms of menopause. In fact, Not only is this plant considered a plant capable of providing energy, which stimulates people both mentally and physically, but many health experts are confident that ginseng can also be used as an all-natural treatment to relieve menopausal symptoms. If you want to fight against the side effects of menopause, then you should consider taking ginseng tea supplements every day to get rid of hot flashes and insomnia.
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What Is Red Clover?
Red clover is a wild plant that is used for grazing cattle and other animals. It has also been used medicinally to treat a number of conditions. Traditionally, these have included cancer, whooping cough, respiratory problems, and skin inflammations, such as psoriasis and eczema. Red clover was thought to "purify" the blood by acting as a diuretic (helping the body get rid of excess fluid) and expectorant (helping clear lungs of mucous), improving circulation, and helping cleanse the liver.
Modern scientific tests have shown that red clover contains isoflavones, plant-based chemicals that produce estrogen-like effects in the body. Isoflavones have shown potential in the treatment of a number of conditions associated with menopause, such as hot flashes, cardiovascular health, and osteoporosis. Plant Description:
Red clover is a perennial herb that commonly grows wild in meadows throughout Europe and Asia, and has now been naturalized to grow in North America. The red flowers at the end of the branched stems are usually dried for therapeutic use.
Medicinal Uses and Indications:
Red clover is a source of many nutrients including calcium, chromium, magnesium, niacin, phosphorus, potassium, thiamine, and vitamin C. Red clover is a rich sources of isoflavones (chemicals that act like estrogens and are found in many plants).
Red Clover As a Natural Supplemental Hormone Treatment For Women:
Cardiovascular health
Researchers theorize that red clover might help protect against heart disease, but studies in humans have not found strong evidence. Red clover isoflavones have been associated with an increase in "good" HDL cholesterol in pre- and postmenopausal women, but other studies show conflicting evidence. One study found that menopausal women taking red clover supplements had more flexible and stronger arteries (called arterial compliance), which can help prevent heart disease. Red clover may also have blood-thinning properties, which keeps blood clots from forming. It appears to improve blood flow.
Menopause
Researchers also think that isoflavones, like those found in red clover, might help reduce symptoms of menopause because of their estrogen-like effects. But so far studies have not been conclusive. Several studies of a proprietary extract of red clover isoflavones suggest that it may significantly reduce hot flashes in menopausal women. The largest study, however, showed no such effect.
Osteoporosis
As estrogen levels drop during menopause, a woman's risk for developing osteoporosis (significant bone loss) goes up. A few studies suggest that a proprietary extract of red clover isoflavones may slow bone loss and even boost bone mineral density in pre- and perimenopausal women. But the evidence is preliminary, and more research is needed to say for sure.
Cancer
According to research published by the Journal of the British Menopause Society, red clover isoflavone supplements, used in controlled studies, have been shown to have a significant positive effect on the rate of bone loss, improve cardiovascular health, and may offer some protective effect against breast and endometrial cancer. There is also evidence which suggests that red clover isoflavones decrease the incidence of hot flashes, one of the most common vasomotor complaints experienced by peri-menopausal and menopausal women. In one study, after 8 weeks using Promensil 40mg daily participants experienced a 58% decrease in the number of hot flashes experienced; study participants also experienced a significant reduction in the severity of night sweats. Promensil is a dietary health supplement that is available over-the-counter, without a prescription, at a retail, drug, or health food store.
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Black Cohosh
What Is Black Cohosh?
Black cohosh is a tall perennial plant in the buttercup family that grows in eastern and central areas of the United States. Black cohosh was used by Native Americans as a traditional folk remedy for womens' health conditions, such as menstrual cramps and hot flashes, arthritis, muscle pain, sore throat, cough and indigestion. The juice of the plant was used as an insect repellent and was made into a salve and applied to snake bites.
Today, black cohosh is used primarily as a nutritional health supplement for menopausal women to treat hot flashes, mood swings, night sweats, vaginal dryness and other symptoms that can occur during menopause, as well as for menstrual cramps and bloating.The parts of the plant used medicinally are the fresh or dried roots and rhizomes (underground stems), which are available in health food stores, some drug stores and online in tea, capsule, tablet or liquid extract forms. The active compound is believed to be 26-deoxyactein.
How Does Black Cohosh Work?
How black cohosh works isn't understood. It was once thought to have estrogen-like activity, but there is growing evidence that it does not.
Why Do People Use Black Cohosh?
Menopausal Symptoms
Black cohosh is one of the more popular herbal remedies for menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, migraines, mood disturbances, heart palpitations and vaginal dryness. Initial research on black cohosh suggests that it may improve some menopausal symptoms for up to six months. In fact, in 2001, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists stated that black cohosh may be helpful in the short-term (less than 6 months) for menopausal hot flashes.
Black cohosh is touted as a great reliever of many menopause symptoms including night sweats, anxiety, and depression. Effects of black cohosh include the reduction of those horrible hot flashes that affect so many menopausal women. It does this by reducing the lutenizing hormone in your body, which is associated with extreme temperature fluctuations. So, how effective is black cohosh? Well, in a recent study, 80% of women taking a black cohosh supplement experienced an improvement in their hot flashes, sweating, and heart palpitations.
How to Take Black Cohosh
Black cohosh is available in supplement form by a variety of different commercial companies. It may be taken up to two times a day for six months, but should not be taken for a longer period of time. Side effects of black cohosh include headaches and mild stomach upset. More seriously, it has also been linked with an increase in liver enzymes. There have been some cases of liver inflammation due to overuse of black cohosh.
A recent, year-long study on black cohosh, however, didn't find that it had any significant benefit in women with hot flashes or night sweats. Researchers from the National Institute on Aging and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine gave 351 peri-menopausal and post-menopausal women either black cohosh, black cohosh combined with other herbs, the black cohosh/herb blend plus a soy-enhanced diet, hormone replacement therapy or a placebo.
Although this is the longest study to date, there were some serious limitations, such as the small number of women in each treatment group. The study authors acknowledge that changes may not have been detected.
Side Effects and Safety Concerns
The safety of black cohosh in pregnant or breastfeeding women or children hasn't been established. Black cohosh is sometimes used by nurse-midwives to induce labor, but it should never be used by a pregnant woman without supervision by a qualified healthcare provider because it could stimulate uterine contractions and result in miscarriage.
People with hormone-sensitive conditions, such as cancer of the breast, prostate, ovaries or uterus, endometriosis or uterine fibroids, should avoid black cohosh until more is known about how it works and whether it has a hormonal effect.
Side effects of black cohosh may include:
- Indigestion
- Headache
- Nausea
- Perspiration
- Vomiting
- Heaviness in the legs
- Weight gain
- Low blood pressure
Black Cohosh and Menopause - As Effective as Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Black Cohosh, known scientifically as, Actaea Recemosa, is a North American herb that has been sold as a supplement for decades. It is believed to be effective in treating the side effects of menopause including night sweats, hot flashes and depression. Since it is marketed not as a drug but as a food, companies that sell Black Cohosh extracts are allowed to advertise its known health benefits. Although science has not indisputably confirmed or denied these claims, preliminary research provides extremely encouraging evidence of its efficacy and safety.
Standard treatment for menopausal symptoms consist of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which supplies the body with hormones to restore the ones it has ceased producing. Some women prefer not to take these drugs because they have unpleasant side effects like fluid retention, headaches, and weight gain. Studies indicate that taking these medications also increases a woman’s chances of developing life threatening illnesses such as heart disease, breast cancer, and blood clots. Fearful that the dangers of this treatment outweigh the benefits, many menopausal women are seeking out more natural, safer yet extremely effective sources of relief. On of the most effective and stable of the alternative medicines is Black Cohosh, which is reputed to combat menopausal troubles without severe negative results or drug interactions.
Black Cohosh contains biological components similar in structure to the human hormone estrogen. A large number of studies have suggested that these plant hormones connect themselves to the estrogen receptors in the body. It is believed that this activity decreases the amount of luteinizing hormone (LH) in women, which has been associated with menopausal temperature fluctuations. Continued research has not been able to duplicate these results, which leaves scientists questioning exactly why Black Cohosh seems to be so effective. In fact, the hormone levels of women taking Black Cohosh remain virtually unchanged in the majority of reports. Inexplicably, several studies have shown that the herb effectively decreases symptoms, often more successfully than hormone replacement therapy.
Because of the limited understanding of why Black Cohosh’s hormones help menopausal women, the prestigious National Institute of Health is financing a thorough study of the plant through its subsidiary the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM). It is hoped that this research will provide solid information about the short and long-term efficacy as well as potential dangers of Black Cohosh supplementation.
Besides the above mentioned potential benefits, Black Cohosh may also remedy other problems related to menopause. Among them is osteoporosis, a thinning of the bones that frequently affects post-menstrual women.
When combined with Calcium, Vitamin D, and Vitamin K, Black Cohosh seems exploit its maximum benefit with menopause and osteoporosis.
Some scientists believe that the phytoestrogens (plant-derived hormones similar to estrogen) may even hinder the growth and spread of breast cancer cells, another common illness occurring after the onset of menopause. This idea stands in conflict with other studies, indicating that more research is necessary before definite conclusions can be drawn. Until then, it is generally advised women who are at high risk of developing the disease should not take the herb.
Women who suffer from the onset of menopausal symptoms can find at least temporary relief from use of the herb. In time, ongoing studies will reveal all the capabilities of this traditional plant, which in turn may lead to FDA approval of its administration. Until then, it is a reliable short-term alternative supported by many of the nation’s top medical experts.
Currently the supplement is highly affordable since it is available without a prescription. The cost of a one month supply of the product ranges from $16 to $60 depending upon the dosage. Consumers should look for a product that contains 50 mg of high quality Black Cohosh Root Extract, and a full day's supply of Calcium, Vitamin D, and Vitamin K to help maximize its benefits with osteoporosis.
Overview Of Remifemin The All-Natural Hormone Replacement Therapy Alternative:
Why use a natural menopause formula?
For natural relief and a real alternative.
A reliable, clinically-studied black cohosh extract can provide natural relief from hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings. It allows you to have a strong alternative to Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) for the treatment of menopausal symptoms.
Why use Remifemin?
It provides time-tested, estrogen-free relief.
Remifemin® provides effective relief for a 70% reduction of hot flashes, night sweats, irritability, mood swings and occasional sleeplessness and anxiety. In fact, over 15 clinical studies prove it's a safe and effective alternative to HRT for the treatment of menopausal symptoms, thanks to its completely estrogen-free RemiSure™ black cohosh.
More effective than soy.
Black cohosh has been proven to be more effective than soy at relieving menopausal symptoms.
Highlighted in leading publications.
Remifemin is recognized as an effective formula and has been mentioned in several leading publications including PilatesStyle®1 and Better Nutrition2 magazines.
Where To Buy Black Cohosh
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Dong Quai Root
The most common use of Dong quai is for the treatment of gynecological problems. Often referred to as the "female herb" or the "menopause herb," Dong quai is a staple of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for easing the symptoms of menopause and menstruation.
Dong quai root or the perennial phytoestrogenic herb known by its Angelica Sinensis is found in various mountainous territories of China, Korea and Japan. In appearance the Dong Quai root is a varying shades of brown and thick. Its history is said to date back millions of years, where ancient Asian cultures long cultivated it for its medicinal purposes.Overview Of Dong Quai As A Hormonal Imbalance Treatment
Dong quai root contains phytoestrogens which have been proven to have a biological structure which is chemically similar to estrogen. This component of many phytoestrogenic plants is capable of regenerating diminished estrogen levels. Estrogen is a key part of the body and an imbalance can cause a number of painful or embarrassing menopause symptoms for women approaching middle age.
How Dong Quai Works?
Dong quai works in women's body by raising the amount of estrogen (the most important female hormone in charge of overall body functioning).
Dong Quai can accomplish this task because it contains phytoestrogens, which are vegetable substances that have a chemical structure very similar to estrogen. In other words, Dong quai replaces the natural human hormones with plant hormones for raising the amount of estrogen leading to higher hormones levels.
Dong quai's reputation as a female tonic rests largely with its ability to reduce the symptoms of PMS (premenstrual syndrome) and regulate the menstrual cycle. Countless women have used it to treat amenorrhea (irregular or absent periods) and menorrhagia (heavy bleeding or prolonged periods). The herb's long-standing popularity for reducing menstrual cramps as well as the pain of endometriosis, has been ascribed to its anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic actions.
The Many Uses Of Dong Quai Root:
Over its million years of existence the dong quai root has had a variety of medicinal uses. Ancient Chinese civilization used to use it as a sedative, aphrodisiac, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antispasmodic. Despite these ancient cultural uses, dong quai in the modern day is used to treat a host of menopause symptoms. Like other phytoestrogenic herbs, such as ginseng and black cohosh the properties of Dong Quai Root are good at treating such symptoms. Dong Quai Root is known for being able to treat the following effectively:
• Sleep disturbances.
• Relief from menstrual disorders.
• The relaxing of peripheral blood vessels.
• Spasms.
• Relief from menopausal symptoms.
The Advantages Of Dong Quai Root:
Dong Quai root is a viable option to hormone replacement therapy: Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is an expensive but effective option in the treatment of menopause symptoms. Many see dong quai root as a cheaper alternative that soothes many menopause symptoms through a similar process.
Dong quai root as treatment for other conditions:
Dong quai root has been proven capable of relieving other health concerns unrelated to menopause, including: high blood pressure, PMS and arthritis.
Dong quai root is an efficient treatment method for menopause symptoms: Dong quai root is seen as an herb that can provide fast effective relief against menopause symptoms.
Disadvantages Of Dong Quai Root:
Dong quai root can cause complications with other drugs: Due to its capability of conflicting with other drugs does taking anticoagulants or women who are pregnant should not use dong quai root.
Dong quai root, rashes and skin inflammation: The consumption of Dong quai root increases a person’s sensitivity to the sun and without sunscreen; such sensitivity can result in painful inflammations or rashes on the skin.
Dong quai root and breast cancer: Dong quai root has been proven to aggravate the spread of breast cancer cells.
Conclusion:
Renewed Attention:
While the herb has been used for thousands of years in TCM, it has been receiving some renewed attention because of its gynecological properties. Women may take Dong quai to regulate their menstrual cycles postpartum or after going off the pill. The herb will also restore hormonal balance after menopause, easing many of the symptoms that come with this stage of life.
You can find Dong quai in various forms including powder, dried leaf or root slices, liquid, tea, tinctures, topical formulations, or pills. Dong quai contains blood-thinning coumarin, so a physician should be consulted before you embark on any treatment plan including the herb. Also, since Dong quai increases your sensitivity to the sun, stay out of the sun while using the herb, or take precautions to cover up and use sunscreen.
Dong quai root has been proven capable of helping with some of the symptoms of menopause. Because of its potent properties which include phytoestrogens, it also comes with a range of side effects which can pose serious health concerns to women using it. Because some of these side effects can often prove to be more dangerous than the symptoms they are trying to cure, a great deal of consideration should be undertaken before using Dong quai root.
Dong Quai Benefits:
Dong quai relieves menopause symptoms efficiently. This Phytoestrogenic herb is amazingly effective in short-term treatments for alleviating menopausal symptoms, especially menstrual disorders and PMS.
Dong quai is a good alternative for HRT. The phytoestrogens of Dong Quai can supply the needed hormone to avoid the estrogen loss in women. In those terms, Dong Quai intake has almost the same benefits as HRT with a less expensive cost.
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What Is Chasteberry (Vitex)
Chaste berry (Vitex) has been found to affect pituitary function and has many uses, particularly in regulating hot flashes and dizziness. Beneficial effects in menopause may be due to its role in altering LH and FSH secretion.19 Vitex lowers estrogen levels and increases progesterone levels, thus keeping bones and vaginal walls strong. Daily use enhances progesterone and luteotropic hormone but inhibits others such as FSH and prolactin. It also increases production of the brain chemical dopamine. It contains flavonoids, glycosides and micronutrients, but lacks phytosterols, making it a slow-acting tonic. Results become evident after 2-
Vitex As A Viable Hormone Treatment Option:Vitex used in combination with other herbs, dietary changes, and nutritional supplements ought to be a young woman’s first line of defence against PMS, PCOS, irregular periods, acne, infertility, etc. And only when this approach fails to produce results should she seriously consider hormone replacement therapy.Vitex is the small pepper-like fruits of a Mediterranean shrub, and can be used as a powder, powdered extract, tea, or especially as a tincture, for many ailments resulting from hormonal imbalances.
Hippocrates — the father of medicine — first mentioned Vitex in 450bc. Since then, traditional herbalists have recommended the herb for ailments including fevers and headaches, to dispel wind and to promote urination. Most commonly though, Vitex was used in the treatment of ‘female problems’ and the herb’s popularity as a remedy of this kind has continued to grow with time.
Vitex is one of the most important herbs for regulating female hormones. The benefits of Vitex stem from its actions upon the pituitary gland – specifically on the production of a hormone called luteinizing hormone (LH).
By increasing progesterogenic activity, Vitex can help to balance progesterone and estrogen production by the ovaries throughout the menstrual cycle. This herb helps to regulate irregular periods, tending to shorten a long cycle and lengthen a short one.
Working closely with a competent naturopath, herbs such as Vitex can often bring a woman’s hormones back into balance, in some cases increasing her fertility, relieving insufficiency of the corpus luteum (luteal phase defect) without the need to supplement progesterone.
Vitex can bring down testosterone levels in women when the hormone is too high, and is thus helpful for polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). It often helps to relieve the symptoms of perimenopause and HRT withdrawal.
Vitex takes time to work, and should be taken for at least a month. Most authorities and researchers recommend a 4-month course, up to a 6 or even 8-month course. As always, start taking an herb in a low dose, and slowly increase to the full dose, over a week. This prevents the body from being too disturbed by any changes that the herb might be stimulating, and checks for individual sensitivities.
Vitex is extremely safe with an exemplary record of use over some 2400 years. It has none of the side-effects sometimes associated with the use of synthetic hormones as it works together with your body’s natural hormone production instead of overriding it.
Dr Keilty, a primary care physician in Scottsdale, Arizona who is also certified in environmental medicine writes, “Vitex is a wonderful herb for women. Vitex is so effective in treating the symptom?s of estrogen dominance because it increases progesterone . It accomplishes this by acting on the pituitary to decrease prolactin, to increase luteinizing hormone and to decrease follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). This results in increased corpus luteum growth in the ovaries where progesterone is produced .
“Vitex is indicated for menstrual disorders, PMS, breast cysts and fibroadenoma, uterine fibroids, and endometriosis.
“Vitex is not a fast-acting botanical. It can take up to 2-3 menstrual cycles to see improvement and full benefit might not be seen until six months of use. It is best to dose Vitex in the morning to match the rhythm of the pituitary. It may be taken throughout the menstrual cycle, but it should be discontinued if the length of the menstrual cycle dramatically changes.
“Energetically, Vitex exerts a calming and strengthening effect. Just another reason why it is such a special herb for women.”
As always, start taking an herb in a low dose, and slowly increase to the full dose, over a week. This prevents the body from being too disturbed by any changes that the herb might be stimulating, and checks for individual sensitivities.
This herb is not recommended if you are pregnant or nursing. And, it is not to be taken with other hormonal medications such as oral contraceptives, synthetic HRT, or estrogen. If you are using progesterone cream, you might need to adjust your dose as the action of Vitex takes effect.
Benefits Of Using vitex:
In a normal menstrual cycle, estrogen levels are higher before ovulation and progesterone levels are higher following ovulation. A lack of balance in these two hormones can lead to the entire range of symptoms associated with PMS and menopause! Vitex nourishes and supports the endocrine system, helping it find its own balance.
Symptoms associated with the menstrual cycle which can be treated with this plant include:
- cramps
- flooding
- headaches
- depression
- water retention
- constipation
- acne
- breast tenderness
- irritability
The Most Traditional Uses Of Vitex:
Reduce PMS symptoms. Before their periods, many women find themselves irritable, depressed, and bloated. These typical PMS symptoms may occur because of an insufficient production of progesterone in the two weeks prior to menstruation. Chasteberry helps to normalize the ratio of progesterone to estrogen, thus providing relief from these monthly discomforts. In a recent study of premenstrual women, 90% of those who took the herb reported that they experienced a reduction in PMS symptoms. Chasteberry may be as effective as another common PMS supplement--vitamin B6, which clears excess estrogen from the body--in controlling symptoms. While a German study actually found chasteberry to be superior to vitamin B6 for resolving PMS symptoms, it's worth trying the two together for maximum relief.
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Ginko Biloba
What Is Ginko Biloba?
Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) is one of the oldest living tree species and its leaves are among the most extensively studied botanicals in use today. In Europe and the United States, ginkgo supplements are among the best-selling herbal medications. It consistently ranks as a top medicine prescribed in France and Germany.
Ginkgo has been used in traditional medicine to treat circulatory disorders and enhance memory. Scientific studies throughout the years have found evidence to support these uses. Although not all studies agree, ginkgo may be especially effective in treating dementia (including Alzheimer's disease) and intermittent claudication (poor circulation in the legs). It also shows promise for enhancing memory in older adults. Laboratory studies have shown that ginkgo improves blood circulation by dilating blood vessels and reducing the stickiness of blood platelets.Ginkgo biloba is one of the most popular herbs in the U.S. For thousands of years, it has been used for a wide variety of things, such as memory enhancement, altitude sickness, premenstrual syndrome (PMS) management and many other things.
Cautions:
One double-blind placebo-controlled study evaluated the benefits of Ginkgo biloba extract for women with PMS symptoms.6 This trial enrolled 143 women, 18 to 45 years of age, and followed them for two menstrual cycles. The results were impressive. As compared to placebo, ginkgo significantly relieved major symptoms of PMS, especially breast pain and emotional disturbance.
Ginko Biloba A Popular Herbal Supplement:
Ginkgo Biloba is the subject of extensive global research and over 4 million prescriptions for its use are written every year in Europe alone. Sales in Europe exceed $500 million a year. It is the most frequently prescribed herb in Germany and France and ranks as one of the top five of all medicines prescribed in those countries. There are 400 published studies and reports on Ginkgo Biloba's efficacy as well as several books.
This makes it one of the best-researched herbal medicines in the world today. Likewise, Not only can this potent herbal medicine reduce PMS puffiness but also Ginkgo Biloba extract can play an important role in improving the quality of life in all age groups by improving circulation and mental function. For young people this may mean an enhanced learning ability and improved concentration and in the elderly a positively changed general perception of life and improved functioning in the world.
Premenstrual Syndrome Treatment with Ginkgo Biloba:
Ginkgo Biloba has been found to have estrogenic activity, which makes it a potential PMS remedy. Some women have found that it helps to reduce reduce premenstrual water retention and breast pain/tenderness. A simple PMS herbal remedy is to take 60mg of Ginkgo Biloba twice daily one week before your next period.
Menopause:
Menopause is often treated using hormone replacement therapy (HRT), but this approach has many side effects including an increase risk of breast cancer and irregular bleeding. Recent studies have found that ginkgo extract has estrogenic activity and might be suitable as a harmless alternative to HRT. Therefore, a simple herbal remedy for menopause is to take 60mg of Ginkgo Biloba twice daily on a regular basis.
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Some preliminary research has shown that regular use of Ginkgo Biloba may be effective in treating PMS symptoms including emotional shifts and breast tenderness.
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Ginseng
What Is Ginseng?
Ginseng, is the botanical or genus name of which is Panax, translated from the Greek as ‘all-heal’, has an ancient history of use in traditional and herbal medicines. There are several plants within this family, the best known of which are marketed as American ginseng, Asian ginseng and Red ginseng. The widely available Siberian ginseng isn’t a true ginseng derivative but come from a completely different plant. Ginseng plants are denoted by their two pronged roots. All of the ginseng products are said to have a wide variety of health benefits for both sexes but ginseng’s ability to address several female related problems makes it particularly popular with women.
The Benefits of Ginseng for Women
The true ginsengs contain a compound called ginsenosides which is though to be the agent that makes ginseng such an effective medicine. Ginsengs contain what are known as adaptogens, the term used by herbalists to describe plants which have the ability to fight stress, anxiety and trauma while raising resistance to fatigue.
Additionally, the ginseng plants are phytoestrogens or dietary sources of estrogen, mimicking the female hormone estrogen and as such possibly having benefits for balancing hormone levels which fluctuate so wildly in menopausal women. This yo-yo effect is what causes mood swings, fatigue and hot flashes or flushes.The benefits of adaptogens plus the estrogenic properties are thought to be highly effective in combating nearly all of the symptoms of menopause, including re-stimulating libido which often falls rapidly at this time, although many clinical studies suggest that their use for controlling hot flashes is unsupported.
Ginseng isn’t only useful for menopausal women however. It is also used to treat younger women who suffer with painful periods or PMS. Traditionally, ginseng was also thought to ease the pain of childbirth.
There have been many studies over the last few years which have investigated the possible anti-carcinogenic properties of ginseng and findings indicate that it may have some protective abilities where cancer is concerned and particularly breast cancer.
Another area in which studies are ongoing is that of ginseng’s beneficial effect on bone density. Post-menopausal women are very prone to changes in bone density which leads to a greater risk of fractures and injury.
Ginseng is now used quite extensively as an active ingredient in many beauty products, such as face creams, due to the possibilities of its anti-aging properties.
Best Type of Ginseng for Women
All of the ginsengs can have health benefits but it is thought that American ginseng is the best choice for female issues. Traditionally American ginseng is used for the treatment of females, representing the ‘yin’ or feminine element and Asian ginseng is used for addressing male problems through its ‘yang’ balance.
Red ginseng, which is steamed or sun-dried Asian ginseng, is also more suited to male medicine but can have benefits for both sexes.
Some side effects have been recorded from the use of ginseng which include high blood pressure, headaches and insomnia. It is therefore advisable to consult a medical professional before using ginseng particularly if there is a history of heart problems.
Ginseng is available in dried or powdered form, as capsules to be taken as a supplement and as an ingredient in tea products.
Conclusion:
Ginseng is becoming more popular as a viable natural hormonal therapy to combat the symptoms of menopause. In fact, Not only is this plant considered a plant capable of providing energy, which stimulates people both mentally and physically, but many health experts are confident that ginseng can also be used as an all-natural treatment to relieve menopausal symptoms. If you want to fight against the side effects of menopause, then you should consider taking ginseng tea supplements every day to get rid of hot flashes and insomnia.
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