Aromatherapy
Clary sage, when used in a diffuser, helps ease symptoms. You may also add one or two drops to a handkerchief and inhale whenever you feel a flush coming. Keep in a sealed plastic bag to prevent the scent from dissipating.
Foods
Soy protein reduces the intensity of hot flashes. Eat 50g daily (easily obtained through eating tofu and other soy-based foods).
Foods containing phytoestrogens and isoflavones are well known to decrease menopausal symptoms and balance estrogen levels. Phytoestrogens are found in alfalfa, apples, almonds, cashews, celery, corn, fennel, flaxseed, flaxseed oil, oats, parsley, peanuts (not a recommended source), soy, wheat, and whole grains.
Food Supplements
Evening primrose oil is good for hot flashes. Take 1 500mg capsule daily, in the morning.
Lecithin reduces hot flashes and related symptoms. Take 1 tablespoon 3 times daily, before meals. If using in capsule form, take 1,200mg 3 times daily, before meals.
Herbs
Black cohosh, chaste tree berry, dong quai, fo-ti, Siberian ginseng, and wild yam are all herbs that have been traditionally used to treat a variety of menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes. These herbs must typically be used for four to six weeks before an improvement is noticed. Preparations are outlined in more detail below.
Black cohosh contains isoflavones and most closely resembles equine estrogens. It helps balance hormone levels and is generally used to treat a variety of problems associated with the female reproductive system. Black cohosh has been widely studied for its beneficial effects and forms the basis of a variety of commercial menopause preparations available at health food stores. If supplementing, take 200 to 500mg daily. If using in tincture form, take 60 to 80 drops daily.
Chaste tree berry is wonderful in relieving symptoms of menopause. This herb works by acting on the anterior pituitary gland, reducing FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) and increasing LSH (luteum-stimulating hormone). Essentially, this stimulates the production of progesterone and reduces estrogen levels. To prepare an infusion, pour 1 cup boiling water over 1 teaspoon berries and infuse 15 minutes. Take 3 times daily. If using in tincture form, take 15 to 30 drops 3 times daily. NOTE: Chaste tree berry should not be taken alongside any progesterone drugs.
Dong quai is sometimes referred to as the "woman's ginseng" and according to Lesley Tierra, author of The Herbs of Life, proves beneficial in menopause. To prepare a decoction, bring 4 cups water and 3 teaspoons root to a boil and simmer 10 to 15 minutes. You will likely be left with 3 cups of decoction, as 250mL often evaporates during the process. Divide decoction into 3 doses daily. If using in tincture form, take 20 to 40 drops 3 times daily.
Fo-ti is considered a whole body tonic used to treat a variety of conditions affecting the kidneys, liver, blood, nervous system, and reproductive system. To prepare a decoction, bring three cups water and three teaspoons root to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes. Let cool, strain, and divide into three doses for the day. If using in tincture form, take 20 to 40 drops of tincture three to four times daily. NOTE: Fo-ti is contraindicated in irritable bowel syndrome.
Although not a true ginseng, Siberian ginseng has similar properties to the ginseng family. It is used as a nerve tonic and is considered a good adjunct remedy to use during menopause. If supplementing, take 250 to 500mg daily or more, depending on formulation. If using in tincture form, take 10 to 20mL daily. You can make or purchase Siberian ginseng tea, but it is much less effective in this form due to the low concentration of herb. NOTE: Do not take ginseng if you are on hormonal replacement therapy (HRT), supplementing with estrogen, or taking corticosteroids. Other forms of ginseng are not recommended for women.
Wild yam is used to treat a variety of problems associated with the female reproductive system. To prepare a decoction, bring 3 cups water and 3 teaspoons root to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes. Let cool, strain, and divide into 3 doses for the day. If using in tincture form, take 20 to 30 drops of tincture three times daily.
Homeopathy
Certain remedies can be used in acute situations if your symptoms fit the symptom picture of the remedy. For dosages, see the dedicated section on Homeopathy. Consult your homeopath or naturopath to determine your constitutional remedy: the remedy that best fits you as a whole person. Your homeopath or naturopath will take a complete case history considering all of your mental and physical ailments and match these symptoms with the symptom picture of the remedy.
Belladonna: Sudden, intense hot flashes. Pulsation or throbbing felt in the head or other areas of the body. Woman may also have a migraine, blood pressure fluctuations, and cravings for lemons or lemonades.
Glonoinum: Intense hot flashes with flushing. Pulsing or pounding feeling in the head. Menstrual flow may start, then stop early. Palpitations, surging sensation, headaches, irritability, and fuzzy thinking may also be present. Situation made worse when woman gets warm, stays in the sun too long, or lies down.
Graphites: Hot flashes on the face. Woman is chilly and pale, feels sluggish, has trouble concentrating, and is slow to become alert upon waking in the morning. Nosebleeds and sharp pain in the lower abdomen may also be present. Tendency towards weight gain and skin problems with oozing, cracked eruptions.
Lachesis: Intense hot flashes with red/purplish flushing. Palpitations and a congested, constrictive feeling also felt. Tight clothing, specifically around the neck, is often highly irritating. Woman is talkative and experiences strong emotions.
Sulphur: Hot flashes and flushing in the early morning, where woman will throw the covers off. Woman is anxious, weeping, and excessively worries about her health. Woman is mentally active, perhaps eccentric, and has messy habits. Warmth makes situation worse.
Lifestyle
Avoid refined carbohydrates, coffee, alcohol, and other stimulants.
Miscellaneous
Estrogen replacement therapy (ERT), either natural or conventional, results in a 100% decrease in hot flashes when due to low estrogen levels. This is not always the cause of hot flashes, however. Hypothyroidism, alcohol consumption, and some situations of diabetes can also induce hot flashes.
Progesterone cream helps relieve hot flashes in some women. Apply one-quarter to one-half teaspoon (25 to 50mg) 2% progesterone cream to the skin once or twice daily.
Therapies, Healing Aids, and More
Meditation and other relaxation techniques can help relieve hot flashes, sometimes by up to 90%. Consult with your naturopath or other health practitioner for more information.
Vitamins
Vitamin E reduces hot flashes. Start with 400 IU daily. You may further increase dosage slowly until symptoms are relieved. Do not exceed 1,600 IU daily.
