11 Herbal Remedies for Menopause

A women’s body is an incredible thing, and it is designed to adapt to many changes over the years. However, menopause, as natural as it is, can be frustrating and challenging to deal with. Menopause usually begins in the forties and fifties and is the natural decline of reproductive hormone production and the end of menstrual cycles. Because menopause is a natural process that every woman will undergo, treatment primarily focuses on symptom management. Fortunately, there are herbs and natural supplements that can help sustain the body’s natural rhythm to promote a sense of normal.

Here are eleven herbs and supplements commonly used to manage menopause symptoms:

1. Black Cohosh

Black Cohosh is a flowering plant native to the United States. It has long been used in traditional Native American medicine to treat various ailments and illnesses and is used to alleviate hot flashes and night sweats associated with menopause. Black Cohosh is readily available in capsule, tablet, extract, and powder form. However, this herbal remedy is not recommended if you have a history of liver disease. 

2. Mimosa

A mimosa might be your favorite brunch-time beverage, but that’s not the one we’re talking about here! The mimosa plant is unique and beautiful, with many benefits. Amusingly, it is also known as the Shameplant, which is what you might feel if you have too many of the other types of effervescent mimosa! The bark of this plant is most often used as an herbal supplement, and it has a rich history in Chinese medicine. Mimosa is commonly used to support a healthy mood and stress response (something else in common with the adult orange juice?). This plant is also packed with antioxidants and promotes mental calm and sound sleep, which is beneficial for women going through menopause. This herbal remedy is commonly found in a capsule or tablet form.

3. Red Clover

Red clover is a flowering plant and belongs to the legume family. This plant contains isoflavones, which are a type of phytoestrogen. These compounds have a similar chemical structure to estrogen (one of the female hormones that decline with menopause). Red clover can be used to help alleviate night sweats, hot flashes, and bone density loss. This plant is available in tablet form or as a herbal tea.

4. St. John’s Wort

One of the dreaded symptoms of menopause (but more so for your husband and kids) is the violent mood swings. You might be feeling merry one minute, only to have the dog run through the house with muddy paws, and you crumble into a complete emotional mess. St. John’s Wort is well known for treating various conditions like depression, ADHD, anxiety, OCD, and menopausal symptoms. Studies suggest that taking St. John’s Wort alone or combined with herbs like Black Cohosh can reduce menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, anxiety, and mood swings. St. John’s wort is most commonly found in liquid or capsule form, but the dried plant can also be used to make herbal tea.

5. Dong Quai

Dong Quai, also known as the Empress of herbs, is another Chinese remedy used to treat women’s health for thousands of years. Various combinations of supplements that contain Dong Quai have been shown to reduce menopausal symptoms. Dong Quai and chamomile reduce hot flashes, while supplements with Dong Quai, Black Cohosh, and red clover reduce night sweats and improve sleep quality. Dried Dong Quai can be used to make herbal tea, and supplements are available in tablet and liquid forms.

6. Evening Primrose Oil

Evening primrose oil is made from the seeds of the evening primrose plant. This oil is rich in gamma-linolenic acid, an essential fatty acid involved in producing hormone-like substances known as prostaglandins. Increased production of prostaglandins is believed to help counter the hormonal changes that come with menopause. Evening primrose oil helps with joint pain, insomnia, mood swings, anxiety, hair loss, and hot flashes. This herbal remedy is available in capsule and liquid form.

7. Maca
Maca is a plant native to Peru and has been used for thousands of years as food and medicine. Maca is part of the cruciferous vegetable family and has gained popularity as a remedy for menopause in recent years. Maca is used to treat diminished sex drive, mood fluctuations, vaginal dryness, and hormonal imbalances. It is also known to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Maca is commonly available in powder form but can also be found as a tablet.

8. Flax Seeds

Although they are tiny, they are powerful. Flaxseeds are another source of phytoestrogen that raises estrogen levels in the body during the menopause transition and reduces bothersome symptoms like fatigue, hot flashes, and mood swings. Flax seeds are also a great source of lignans, which help balance female hormones. These little powerhouses are also a great way to boost your healthy fat and fiber intake. Flaxseed is available in the form of oil, powder, and capsules.

9. Ginseng

Ginseng is a favorite when it comes to herbal medicines around the world. It has been used for centuries in Chinese medicine and boosts immune function, heart health, and energy levels. There are several species of ginseng, but red ginseng is most frequently used for menopause. This is an adaptogenic herb that helps alleviate the pesky symptoms of menopause, particularly the foggy brain that accompanies hormonal imbalances, as well as mood fluctuations and low immunity. Ginseng is available in tablet or capsule form; however, be aware that ginseng can interact with blood pressure, blood-thinning, and cholesterol medications.

10. Calcium

Calcium deficiency can become a big problem when your hormonal levels decline during menopause. The drop in estrogen results in increased bone loss, so proper calcium intake is important to reduce the risk of this happening. Women lose up to ten percent of their bone mass in the first five years after menopause. It is best to get your calcium from food; however, you may need supplements to fill the gap, and they can be found in the form of tablets.

11. Wild Yam

If ginger and potatoes were to have a baby, you’d probably get offspring that looked like a wild yam. There are over six hundred species of wild yam, but only twelve of them are edible. Some of the compounds in wild yam are similar to estrogen and progesterone, and creams and pills made from certain species of this plant are popular alternatives for hormone replacement therapy as a menopause treatment. Wild yam is believed to reduce night sweats and hot flashes and is also commonly used as a cream to reduce symptoms of menopause. Wild yam can also be found in a dried form that can be used to make herbal tea.

In Summary

Menopause is often one of those dreaded times in a women’s life, and some ladies experience it worse than others. The good news is that there is no need to turn to chemicals for this natural and inevitable process. There are many herbs and natural remedies available to help alleviate the symptoms of menopause. Herbs and plant supplements, along with a healthy diet, enough exercise, and vitamin D, might just be the answer you’re looking for to restore a sense of balance to your life. However, please remember that you should always consult with a healthcare practitioner before taking any new supplements to avoid interactions and unwanted side effects.