Have you found yourself dealing with hot flashes, night sweats, acne? These are all common symptoms of menopause, which is a natural part of aging. With menopause comes a change in hormones, including a decline in estrogen around your early 40s. This triggers a wide range of symptoms that can almost feel like a second coming of age!
The good news is that there are ways to support your body during this time. In fact, herbs like black cohosh, maca, chasteberry, and sage have been used in traditional and folk medicine for generations to manage menopausal symptoms. Read on to learn how these 4 herbs work within the body to help you get a hold of this next phase of aging.
Black cohosh
Black cohosh or Actaea racemose, is a flowering plant that’s native to the eastern areas of North America. It’s been used as a remedy in traditional herbal medicine to treat many conditions and is known to help alleviate night sweats and hot flashes that often accompany menopause.
Some studies suggest that it may be effective for supporting menopausal symptoms because it functions like a phytoestrogen. Phytoestrogens are plant-based compounds that mimic the action of the hormone estrogen within the body. Since a decline in estrogen is what triggers menopause, it’s easy to understand how black cohosh can be a beneficial herb during this time.
Maca
Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a Peruvian vegetable that belongs to the Brassica family – right along with broccoli, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts. This versatile veggie has been used for centuries in traditional folk medicine to treat anemia, infertility, hormonal imbalances, and some specific menopausal symptoms like low sex drive, mood swings, and vaginal dryness. Additionally, research suggests that Maca can also help reduce anxiety and depression.
Chasteberry
Another medicinal herb that’s long been used for treating infertility, menstrual disorders, as well as PMS and menopausal symptoms, is chasteberry. Scientifically known as Vitex agnus-castus, this herb is native to Asia and the Mediterranean.
Chasteberry can boost fertility and reduce symptoms like constipation, irritability, migraines, and breast pain and tenderness. It can even help to repel insects like mosquitos. In Turkish medicine, it’s also used as a digestive, antifungal and anti-anxiety aid. Studies suggest that chasteberry may work by decreasing levels of the hormone prolactin. This can help to rebalance other hormones, including estrogen and progesterone, which in turn helps support those experiencing PMS and menopausal symptoms.
Sage
Sage or Salvia belongs to the mint family and there are over 900 types! Types like Salvia officinalis and Salvia lavandulifolia are commonly used in cooking and can be found to support menopausal symptoms.
Sage has high levels of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties and can be effective in reducing symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and mood changes. One study found that sage can help lower the severity and number of hot flashes people with menopause experience.
Where can you find these herbs?
Wondering how to incorporate these nutrients into your daily routines to better manage your menopausal symptoms? You may be able to find these herbs separately, but taking them together can prove to be beneficial as well.
CanPrev’s Meno-Prev is an all-natural formula that contains all 4 of these herbs. In addition to maca, sage, black cohosh, and chasteberry, this formula features milk thistle, Rhodiola, ginkgo, and gamma oryzanol. This blend is designed to provide relief from menopausal complaints, including hot flashes, night sweats, and nervous tension, and offer support for mood, memory and libido.
Aging is a natural part of life and a time to be celebrated! Soothing herbs like maca, sage, black cohosh, and chasteberry, can support you through your menopausal journey and help you better manage the symptoms that come with it.
Sources:
10 Herbs and Supplements for Menopause
Black Cohosh: Benefits, Dosage, Side Effects, and More
Vitex Agnus-Castus: Which Benefits of Chasteberry Are Backed by Science?
Sage and Menopause: An Herbal Remedy for Hot Flashes?
