7 Herbs For Hot Flashes

Hot flashes refer to a condition where you experience a sudden feeling of feverish heat. Women usually suffer from this problem during menopause. Some common symptoms include fatigue, flushed skin and sweaty palms. Most medicines or hormone therapies that are used to treat hot flashes carry some negative side effects. That is the reason herbal remedies are becoming more popular to treat this condition. Following are some of those herbs that are very commonly used for hot flashes.

Herbs For Hot Flashes

Black Cohosh

The extracts of black Cohosh act like estrogen and reduces the lutenizing hormone levels, which eventually relieves the symptoms of hot flashes. The general dosage recommendation is 20-40 mg of the root extracts of black cohosh daily. However, it takes up to six months until hot flashes can be cured completely using this herb. Those who are taking estrogen supplements and those who are suffering from heart disease should avoid black cohosh.

Chaste Tree

Medically termed as Vitex agnus castus, chaste tree belongs to the verbena family. The blue-violet flowers and berries of the chaste tree are used for medicinal purposes. It regulates the secretion of the follicle-stimulating hormone, lutenizing hormone levels and the pituitary functions in women, which eventually raises progesterone and estrogen levels. Most herbal stores sell this herb in the form of capsules, tinctures and tea. In general, 50 mg of chaste berries in capsule form can be taken for 2-3 months regularly.

Dong Quai

Medically termed as Angelica sinensus, dong quai belongs to the parsley family. It improves circulation by dilating blood vessels. It also helps in regulating estrogen levels and in controlling body temperature. All these activities relieve the symptoms of hot flashes. The general dosage recommendation is 400-600 mg daily. You can take it in the form of capsules or prepare a herbal tea by steeping it in boiling water. Those who are experiencing heavy bleeding, should avoid this herb.

Red Clover

Red clover contains Isoflavones that helps your body to increase the production of natural estrogen. It can be very effective in relieving hot flashes in those who are suffering fro low estrogen levels. The herb provides your body with phytoestrogens, which are similar to the estrogen hormones in women. It can be taken in the form of tablets, powder, extracts and tinctures. The dosage generally varies from 28 mg to 160 mg a day.

Evening Primrose Oil

Both these herbs are considered as the best natural sources of GLA (gamma-linolenic acid). GLA moderates menopausal symptoms by influencing prostaglandin synthesis. You can take these herbs in the form of capsules (standardized to contain 8% GLA), 2-8 grams once daily.

Wild Yam

Diosgenin is the main component in wild yam. When you take this herb, diosgenin turns into progesterone, which eventually relieves hot flashes. The dried plants of wild yam are used for medicinal purposes. it can be taken in the form of cream, powder, tablets and tinctures. Wild yam is generally used in combination with black Cohosh. Consult your doctor for proper dosage guidelines.

Motherwort

The power of Motherwort to treat hot flashes lies in its natural ability to affect the levels of FSH (follicle-stimulating hormones) and LH (lutenizing hormones). It brings best results when taken in the form of tinctures, 15-25 drops 1-6 times a day. Hot flashes can be cured completely using this herb regularly for three months. Just like any herb, the above-mentioned herbs for hot flashes may also cause some side effects if taken in excess dosage. Therefore, talk to your doctor before trying any herbal remedy.