Six Botanical Medicines That Can Help with Menopausal Symptoms

In my interview with Shaila Schwartz, a Naturopathic Doctor in San Francisco, I asked her about botanical medicines that she has found to be most helpful with her patients. Her response follows:

Botanical Medicines, specifically uterine tonics, contain phytoestrogens that improve blood flow to the female organs. Some common and very helpful herbs that have been used with great success include:

Angelica sinensis (dong quai) – used to treat hot flashes mainly
Cimicifuga racemosa (black cohosh) the most widely used and thoroughly studied natural alternative to HRT- for improving hot flashes, depression, and vaginal atrophy.
Vitex agnus-castus (chasteberry) has a profound effect on pituitary function, specifically altering LH and FSH secretion, and likely the cause of its beneficial effects on menopausal symptoms
Valerian root, a calming relaxing sedative works wonders when combined with Black Cohosh for women who are up all night with flashes.
Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice root) restores hormonal balance by adjusting estrogen-progesterone levels.
Ginkgo biloba extract improves blood flow throughout the vascular system, making it helpful for cold hands and feet, and forgetfulness that accompanies menopause.

It is important to look for a qualified practitioner when developing a treatment plan for menopause. Drug-Herbal interactions are extremely important in the treatment of all cases, not just for menopause. Herbal products and supplementation must come from a quality source which passes pharmaceutical standards. Quality products are third party tested, and are free of heavy metals, dioxins, and PCBs.

You’ll find good information about these and other botanical medicines at The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine website (At the Nat’l Institute of Health).