Menopause Made Easier: A Guide To Plant-Based Remedies For Beginners
Aging brings inevitable changes for women, especially throughout perimenopause and menopause, which often include hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings and sleep disruptions. While modern medicine offers effective solutions, many women are turning to herbal remedies as a complementary approach to easing symptoms. These treatments have been used for centuries to address various health concerns, including perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms.
For more than 35 years, the holistic herbalists at St. Francis Herb Farm have been dedicated to harnessing the power of plants to support overall wellness. Known for its quality products and innovation, St. Francis Herb Farm offers a wide range of supplements targeting health needs such as allergy relief, digestive support, immunity support and sleep support. Now, the brand has released a new line of product packaging targeting women's health concerns, so consumers can easily identify the right product for their individual needs.
Navigating herbal remedies can be daunting, though, especially when the terms and ingredients are unfamiliar. To help you understand how to easily integrate more natural solutions for symptom relief, we’ve outlined the key ingredients to look for.
Black cohosh
Blossom Bitting, a New Brunswick-based naturopathic doctor who works with St. Francis Herb Farm, notes that the herb may help to overcome many of the symptoms associated with estrogen withdrawal, such as hot flashes, night sweats, low mood and aching joints. In herbal medicine, it’s “used to help relieve the pain associated with menstruation as well as premenstrual symptoms,” as stated by Health Canada.
Shop now:
Chastetree
Chastetree, also known as Vitex agnus-castus, may “help regulate symptoms we associate with PMS and perimenopause,” says Bitting. According to Health Canada, the herb is “used in herbal medicine as a hormone normalizer to help stabilize menstrual cycle irregularities and relieve premenstrual symptoms.”
Shop now:
Dong quai
Bitting notes that dong quai has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to aid in hormone balancing and supporting blood flow. Be sure to consult your doctor before using to ensure safety when taking other medications.
Shop now:
Sage
Sage, a common culinary herb, can also be used medicinally. Traditionally, it’s “used in herbal medicine to reduce hot flushes/hot flashes/night sweats associated with menopause,” according to Health Canada.
Shop now:
Ready to explore plant-based remedies?
Visit an herbalist or naturopathic doctor to identify the right herbs for your specific needs. Be sure to also check the NPN (natural product number) label on Canadian natural health products for potential interactions and contraindications. Above all, consult your doctor before taking any new supplement.
St. Francis Herb Farm herbalists recommend starting with a single herb tincture such as chasetree or sage. Dilute the recommended dose in half a cup of boiling water, add a natural sweetener if desired, and enjoy it as a nightly or morning ritual. This simple practice can empower you to take charge of your health and well-being.
By harnessing the power of nature, you can navigate the changes of menopause with confidence and ease. Click here to further discover St. Francis Herb Farm’s wide range of products.