- Herbs -

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 mood swings and depression. 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 relieves symptoms associated with mood swings and depression. Black cohosh is also generally used to treat a wide variety of problems associated with the female reproductive system. 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 nervous system, kidneys, liver, blood, 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.

St. John's Wort is one of the most common herbs used to deal with mild or moderate depression. The active ingredient, hypericin, is a natural monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor. By inhibiting MAO activity, mood-boosting serotonin is produced. A number of studies have concluded that many depressed patients had better results taking St. John's Wort than prescription medication. In addition, German doctors prescribe St. John's Wort four times as often as Prozac for depression. NOTE: Be sure to avoid foods and medications that negatively interact with St. John's Wort. This includes foods containing the chemical tyramine. In general, these are high-protein foods that have undergone aging, pickling, fermentation, or similar processes. Dosage is 300 to 500mg 2 to 3 times daily with meals for six to eight weeks. Other recommendations suggest aiming for a hypericin content of 0.3% (from a standardized or guaranteed potency preparation).

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 binseng 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.

Ignatia: For emotional ups and downs during menopause. Woman is sensitive, yet tries to hide her feelings by being guarded, defensive, moody, or hysterical. Headaches, muscle spasms, menstrual cramps, and irregular periods often present. Chest feels heavy. Woman tends to sigh and yawn. Sudden outbursts of tears or laughter.

Lilium Tigrinum: Woman feels hurried, anxious, and very emotional. Easily agitates / intimidates others and tends to fly into rages. Sensation of tightness in the chest. Pelvic organs feel as if they are pressing out, inducing woman to sit constantly or cross her legs.

Natrum Muriaticum: Woman seems reserved on the outside but has strong emotions held inside. Often feels deep grief, dwells on happier times, or broods about disappointments. Irregular periods accompanied by backache or migraines. Woman craves salt. Sun exposure makes situation worse.

Pulsatilla: Woman has changeable moods, is soft and emotional, and tends towards tears. She is attached to her family and has difficulty facing a potential "empty nest". Has insecurities about getting older. Craves desserts and butter, which may lead to a weight problem. Irregular periods, queasy feelings, alternating heat and chills, and lack of thirst may also be present. Stuffy rooms make situation worse. Open air makes situation better.

Staphysagria: Woman seems mild-mannered, accommodating, and shy, yet suppresses her emotions. She may become depressed during the climacteric and have outbursts of unaccustomed rage, which can include throwing or breaking things. She may have a controlling spouse or experience abuse during childhood.

- Lifestyle -

Resolving unfinished emotional business in one's life often results in significant mood improvement, negating the need for additional forms of healing. By coming to terms with problems and situations and discarding excess baggage, one's outlook, hopes, feelings, and mood exponentially increase with each progressive step.

- Miscellaneous -

Hormone replacement therapy helps relieve depression in some women, while having no effect on others. Estrogen replacement therapy may also prove helpful. Consult with your naturopath or other health practitioner to determine the appropriateness of this therapy for your needs.

- Therapies, Healing Aids, and More -

A healthy diet will ensure your body receives the necessary vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes, and other elements to function properly. Organic fruits and vegetables, whole grains, essential fats, and organic protein sources can be combined in a number of complementary ways. Consult with your dietician, naturopath, or other health practitioner to outline a menu appropriate for your needs.

Light exercise promotes circulation, maintains healthy joints and muscles, and releases mood-boosting endorphins into the body. Consult with your personal trainer, naturopath, or other health practitioner to outline a program suitable for your needs.