Hot flashes are generally characterized by unpredictable sweating, reddening and feeling of heat in the face, neck and chest region. It is one of the major problems among women entering menopause.
Hot flashes occur when your body stops producing a sex hormone called estrogen that regulates body’s temperature. However, there are many herbal remedies to control and cure these hot flashes effectively.
11 Herbal Remedies For Hot Flashes
Sarsaparilla
Sarsaparilla is extremely beneficial for combating hot flashes. It is one of the key ingredients of original root beer that contains several antioxidants and phytochemicals that are considered to be natural precursors to estrogens.
It can improve the testosterone production and help people who lack sexual desire. Sarsaparilla also boosts low thyroid function. This herb has some anti-viral properties that act as a good skin conditioner.
Sarsaparilla is available as root, root powder or extract. You can also prepare a tea by adding one teaspoon of dried sarsaparilla to a cup of boiling water and allowing it to steep for 15 minutes.
If desired, you may add some agave nectar to sweeten the tea. Drink this tea three times per day to get relief from hot flashes and other menopause symptoms.
Red Clover
Red clover comes from a wild plant which is a good source of isoflavones, the organic compounds that have similar effects of estrogen. Isoflavones can reactivate the estrogen activity in your body, thereby stopping the declining estrogen levels associated with menopause.
Studies show that both soy and red clover contain these Isoflavones which exhibit anti-oxidant properties. So, by including red clover and soy in diet, or by using them as supplements, one can get relief from hot flashes. They can also be taken in the form of herbal infusion or tincture.
Black Cohosh
Black cohosh is an excellent herb that is considered to be one of the best herbal remedies for hot flashes. It shows estrogenic effect by decreasing the levels of luteinizing hormone, the hormone that boosts reproduction.
Apart from hot flashes, it also provides relief from other symptoms of menopause such as irritation, headaches, depression and water retention. Black cohosh also works for menstrual cramps, dysmenorrhea and vaginal atrophy.
For treating hot flashes, take 10-12 drops of black cohosh with your meals, once a day. Within couple of months, this will give you good relief from hot flashes as well as night sweats.
Evening Primrose Oil
Evening primrose is an essential oil containing gamma linolenic acid that influences the production of prostaglandins in the body. Prostaglandins are hormone-like substances that maintain the normal activity of blood vessels and muscles inside your body. This property makes evening primrose worth using for the treatment of hot flashes, sleep disorders and also premenstrual syndrome.
The general dosage of evening primrose oil in the form of capsules is between 2-8 capsules a day, depending on the severity of the condition. However, when you are using essential oils, it is always advisable to consult an aroma therapist or a specialist doctor for proper directions.
Sage
Sage is an effective herb for controlling hot flashes and excessive sweating, the common symptoms of menopause in women. Sage contains xenoestrogens that can naturally produce the effects of estrogen hormone within a woman’s body.
This herb contains important volatile oils, flavonoids and tannins that have anti-inflammatory, anti-spasmodic and astringent properties. All these factors make sage an effective remedy for hot flashes.
The best way to take sage for treating hot flashes is in the form of tea. Take 8 oz. of boiled water in a tea cup and add 4 tbsp. of dried sage to it. Cover the cup with a small plate and let the mixture steep for at least 4 hours. Drink this tea whenever you go through hot flashes. If needed, you may also add some honey and lemon juice to the tea.
Maca Root
Maca is a well known medicinal plant that helps in relieving the menopause symptoms. Studies have shown that maca targets the pituitary gland and repairs and stimulates the ovaries to produce estrogen, thereby filling in for the deficiency of estrogen that generally leads to hot flashes and night sweats.
Maca root is also believed to increase libido and decrease the effects of memory loss and osteoporosis. Generally, 900 mg of maca root is recommended daily for treating hot flashes. It can be taken in the form of capsules, 3 times a day, or can also be boiled and taken as tea.
Hops (Humulus Lupulus)
Hops herb is generally used as a sedative along with valerian and passionflower, but it also has estrogenic effect, which makes it very useful for hot flashes. This herb is also effective in treating hot flashes associated with anxiety or stress.
Hops is available as powder and extract. For proper usage directions, you must consult a doctor or a herbalist. Note that if you are suffering from severe depression, you should not take this herb.
Essential Oils
The essential oils like basil and thyme can ease the symptoms of your hot flashes quickly. You may inhale these essential oils, use them in bath, for foot rub, or mix them with massage oil.
You can also make a portable hot flash remedy by adding few drops of the essential oil over a tissue or cotton ball and storing it in a plastic wrap. Whenever a hot flash strikes, you can inhale this oil and get instant relief.
Rhubarb
Recent studies have shown that rhubarb is a safe, natural herbal remedy for hot flashes that also reduced anxiety in majority of the women tested. Lindleyin, the plant estrogen in rhubarb, is the active component of this herb.
For treating hot flashes, tablet-form rhubarb extract is the best and safest option. Note that large amounts of this herb can be toxic, so it is better to consult a doctor for proper dosage.
Motherwort
Motherwort reduces the severity, frequency and duration of your hot flashes. It works by easing your nerves and relieving the symptoms of anxiety and insomnia.
The common dosage of motherwort for treating hot flashes is 15-25 drops of tincture, 1-6 times a day. For lasting results, it is advised to use this herb frequently for 3 months.
Chaste Berry (Vitex)
This is another excellent herb for cooling hot flashes, which also reduces dizziness. It contains many progestins, including testosterone, progesterone and hydroxyprogesterone that help in treating menopause symptoms in women. It also increases the production of a brain chemical called dopamine and helps in treating depression.
Vitex is available in several forms, including standardized extract, fluid extract and tincture. The dosage depends on the type of supplement used and the condition of the patient. So, it is advised to talk to a medical professional before using this herb. Note that this herb should to be taken for a long period of time, perhaps few months.
