Relief From Hot Flashes
So many women suffer from hot flashes. Certain herbs have been
used over the centuries for support and balance for this
situation.
Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries herbal therapy was
very much accepted. Black cohosh was listed in the United States
Pharmacopoeia, the nation's official drug reference book, from
1820 to 1926.
Why wouldn't you see that listed there now days? Around World
War II, drug manufacturers began focusing almost exclusively on
synthetic drugs that, unlike herbs, could be patented and and so
would provide big profits. So research into herbals stopped, and
most herbal remedies were dropped by the Doctors.
However, studies were still done overseas. A 1985
pharmacological study conducted in Germany reported that Black
Cohosh contained an isoflavone, a type of phytoestrogen, or
plant estrogen.
Other studies have failed to find the isoflavone compound. They
do suggest that Black Cohosh acts on the Hypothalmus, which is
the gland in the head regulating hormones and body temperature.
What ever the case may be, Black Cohosh has worked for women
world wide.
Dong Quai according to herbalist Feather Jones increases the
number of binding sites for extrogen-sensitive tissues. She says
it will not overstimulate extrogen because it will helps shut
off estrogen production when it becomes excessive. So it acts as
an estrogen balancer.
Chaste Tree, also called Vitex is also useful. It contains
phytoestrogens which mimic the chemistry of estrogen. It also
stimulates progesterone production. It helps with the crampy,
spotty periods.
Licorice root helps to support the adrenals by improving
cortisol production. This is needed when the adrenals are
involved in the problem, which is true with many women. I would
not suggest that you take Licorice Rood over a month at a time
though.
You can find these as single herbs or in compounds at the health
food store. I happen to use Herb Pharm brand tinctures, because
they are high quality. I have also found a cream to rub on that
contains Dong Quai, Licorice and Black Cohosh at the health food
store.
Taking phytoestrogens for a long time without testing where your
hormone levels are could cause problems. So I suggest that you
get a test periodically of where your hormone levels are.
Several companies online offer Hormone Saliva Testing. You can
do a search online for that.
If self treating does not work after a few months, make sure to
consult with a health practitoner or holistic M.D. They may have
further evaluations or suggestions for you, which will include
testing where your hormone levels.
You can do something about those hot flashes! Don't be miserable
any longer. Get started in turning this around and you will feel
much better in just a few weeks.