Try a Natural Menopause Remedy

For most women, menopause isn't the most enjoyable time in their lives. The hot flushes, night sweats, insomnia, mood irritability, depression and fatigue aren't a whole lot of fun. But since menopause is an unavoidable part of life, women know its coming and usually recognize it when they start to feel the symptoms. However, many women are selling themselves short when it comes to medical treatment for intense menopause symptoms; they don't realize that natural menopause remedies have been used by older women for thousands of years with good success.

Modern medicine is a marvelous thing; we're living longer and living healthier than ever before, thanks to pharmaceuticals, miraculous surgeries, and impeccable diagnostic techniques. But long before these superbly effective treatments, women were using alternative natural menopause remedies that are either plant-based or nutrition-based. Unlike some modern medicines, when used correctly these natural menopause remedies are safe and have few, if any, unwanted side effects. These remedies are readily available through certified naturopaths and practitioners of homeopathic medicine.

Examples of Natural Menopause Remedies

Dong Quai is an ancient Chinese natural menopause remedy that is still used in Asia today. It's also known as Chinese Angelica. Although scientific studies have not authenticated its ability to relieve hot flashes, many women of all nationalities find it helpful. Dong Quai comes in capsules, or as a tincture. Note that women who have a history of alcohol dependence should not use tinctures.

Shatavari has long been used in India in the practice of Ayurveda, an ancient form of medicine that pre-dates modern medicine by thousands of years. Its primary use is to strengthen the female reproduction system, and especially hot flashes associated with menopause. Shatavari is also used as a diuretic; if you use it as a natural menopause remedy, be sure you supplement your diet with potassium that is depleted by diuretics.

Perhaps the best-known and trusted natural menopause remedy is black cohosh root. This plant is commonly found in Canada and the United States and can be found growing wild in areas of shrub growth. The mature plant's roots contain the active ingredients. Native Americans have used the root for nearly a thousand years.

Black cohosh root is a very effective natural menopause remedy and is frequently suggested for use by mainstream physicians today. The root relieves hot flashes, headaches, irritability, vaginal dryness and insomnia. It's still unknown just how the black cohosh root works, but if it didn't, it wouldn't have such enduring popularity. You shouldn't take black cohosh for more than six months without consulting your physician.

The first runner-up to black cohosh root is soy isoflavones as a natural menopause remedy. This is a substance found in soy bean products like tofu and soy milk. Soy acts as a mild, natural form of estrogen, but without all the problems often caused by hormone replacement therapy. Soy relieves most, if not all, of the symptoms of menopause with no side effects.

Although tablets or capsules of 100-200 mgs of soy work well, naturopaths recommend that you ingest soy by natural foods like tofu, soy milk and soy beans. Excellent relief from menopause symptoms comes from a combination of black cohosh root and soy isoflavones. Thus, with the proper research, you are sure to find a good natural remedy.