Are All Herbs Safe To Use During Menopause?

More and more women suffering from menopausal symptoms are turning away from hormone replacement therapy and steering towards herbs and natural supplements. This is not anything new to society. In years past, herbs and supplements were the main source of medicine. As modern medicine progressed, prescription medicines became more available and they were more widely used.

With all the controversy surrounding hormone replacement therapy and possible side effects, women are once again steering towards the “natural” cures. Research has since shown us that not all herbs are safe either. While natural herbs appear to be safer than prescription drugs, it is vital to realize that even herbs have some side effects. As with all medicines, we need to see which side outweighs the other.

Black Cohosh, which originated in the nineteenth century, was used to treat gynecological problems. Studies completed in Europe verified its effectiveness in helping with hot flashes and nervous conditions associated with menopause. Possible side effects are: Overdose causes dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, headache, joint pains, and decreased heart rate. In addition, no one with a heart disease should use black cohosh.

Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) is among the most important herbs in traditional Chinese medicine. It used for many medicinal problems but most specifically to treat the nervous and hormonal systems and fatigue. The good news is that it is not known to cause adverse reactions.

St. John’s Wort has been used for years to treat mild depression and anxiety. The only apparent concern is that it caused photodermatitis in animals, so it is advised to avoid bright sunlight while using this alternate therapy. It is also known to interact with other medications, specifically birth control pills.

Vitamin E, which can be found in nuts and seeds, whole grains, egg yolks, and leafy green vegetables, has been effective in dealing with depression among numerous other problems not related to menopause. The side effects are minimal. Vitamin E is also used as a vaginal suppository for vaginal dryness.

Kava, a member of the pepper family is used in medical preparations and has been used for anxiety and depression associated with menopause. When the recommended amount is used, the only possible side effect was gastrointestinal disturbances in certain people.

Soy, which is cholesterol-free and full of protein, is an excellent addition to your diet during menopause or anytime for that matter. It contains phytoestrogens, specifically isoflavones, omega 3 fatty acids, calcium, folic acid, iron and other vitamins and minerals. It’s been successful with menopause symptoms such as night sweats and hot flashes. The one negative is that high amounts have been linked with thyroid problems, so check with your doctor.

There are so many herbs that it would be impossible to mention them all here. Following is a chart I found of different types of herbs and the possibility of risks. I hope it’s helpful to you.

Nourishing herbs rarely produce side effects and may be taken in any quantity indefinitely. These herbs, all considered helpful for menopause, include alfalfa, borage, calendula, chamomile, chickweed, corn silk, comfrey, elder blossoms or berries, fennel, fenugreek, lemon balm, mallows, nettles, oat straw, plantain, raspberry, red clover, seaweeds, sweet briar (rose hips), St. John's wort, slippery elm and violet.

Tonifying herbs act slowly in the body and have a cumulative, rather than immediate, effect. These herbs work better when taken in small does for a longer period. Side effects are more common with tonics. Tonic herbs useful during the menopausal years include birch, black cohosh, blackstrap molasses, chaste tree (Vitex), dandelion, Dong quai, Echinacea, false unicorn, ginseng, hawthorn, horsetail, lady's mantle, motherwort, peony, sarsaparilla, spikenard, wild yam and yellow dock.

Sedating or stimulating herbs will cause a wide variety of fast reactions. Long-term use can lead to dependency, so these herbs should be used moderately for short periods. Side effects are frequent, and there may be loss of tone or withdrawal when the herb is discontinued. Some parts of the body may be stressed in order to help other parts. These herbs include catnip, cinnamon, ginger, hops, licorice, myrrh, passionflower, poplar, primrose, sage, skullcap, uva ursi, valerian, vervain, willow and wintergreen

Toxic herbs are potential poisons and potent medicines, but are helpful in healing. They are taken in tiny amounts for very short periods, usually under supervision of a qualified practitioner. If you are allergic to any foods or medicines, it is especially important to check on the possible side effects of toxic herbs. These herbs include cayenne, cotton root, goldenseal, liferoot, poke root, rue, sweet clover (Melilot) and wormseed.

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