This article covers the seven wonder herbs for the relief of perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms common to most women. It will give a basic overview of the benefits of each herb, along with how to grow them and how to best use them.
Today, more than ever, more and more women are searching for
alternative treatments for menopausal symptoms. For years, those who chose to
use herbs and other natural ingredients instead of Hormone Replacement
Therapies were considered less than modern women. As the negative impact of HRT
became more well known, women began looking at these older, less intrusive
methods of controlling hot flashes, mood swings and other hormone related
symptoms of menopause.
Most herbal remedies can be purchased in any good health
food store and many herbal blends can be picked up at the local super center or
drug store. The best way to insure that the herbs you take are the best is to
grow your own. Begin planting your menopause garden at the first sign of
symptoms or before as a few of these plants take a year or more to mature.
Seven herbs are considered the wonder herbs for menopausal
women. All are relatively easy to grow, easy to harvest and can be planted in a
small flowerbed or even a container on the patio. Seeds for all of these plants
can be purchased online. To find the best sources, use a search engine and
search the phrase "medicinal herb seeds."
Black Cohosh
Benefits
Black cohosh has been used for centuries, beginning with
Native American women and soon passed on to the pioneer women who went west.
Black cohosh is rich in plant-based hormones and is used to relieve
irritability, aching joints, fatigue and works wonders controlling hot flashes
and night sweats.
Growing
Black cohosh should be planted in the late summer or early
fall for a harvest next summer. The soil needs to be slightly acidic, moist and
rich in nutrients. Black cohosh can grow to a height of 8 feet after several
years. Roots can be divided after 3 years for thinning, medicinal use or
replanting.
Use
The root of the black cohosh plant is the part needed for
herbal remedies. The simplest method of use is in a tincture. Take clean roots
and coarsely chop into small pieces. Place the chopped root into a clean quart
jar and cover completely with vodka. Any brand of vodka will do the trick; you
do not have to purchase anything expensive, the low-end spirit is fine.
Cover the jar tightly and store in a dark cupboard for six
weeks. Strain the tincture through cheesecloth or a finely woven strainer and
rebottle.
To use, add 9 – 10 drops to a shot glass of water, three
times daily. At no time should you exceed more than 40 drops in a twenty four
hour period.