Hot flashes are a result of fluctuation in the basal body temperature. The condition arises when the body temperature goes over and beyond the normal temperature that a human body can sustain. The problem is commonly seen in menopausal women since the hormone imbalance at this stage causes major fluctuations in body temperature.People experience sudden and unexplained warmth in specific body parts such as the face, the neck and the chest. This sudden increase in temperature often results in changing of skin color to red. There is also excessive sweating caused by the increase in basal temperature. And once the temperature comes down to normal the person experiencing hot flashes will be intensely cold.
Experiencing hot flashes can leave any person distressed and anxious; however, the good news is that the problem can be taken care of with regular medication. In fact, there are many herbs that are very useful in the treatment of hot flashes especially those that occur due to onset of menopause. Most of the herbs used for treating hot flashes are easily available at health stores and ayurvedic stores.
The ayurvedic stores also keep appropriate herbal concoctions to treat various problems including hot flashes. You can buy these if you don’t have time or inclination to prepare your own herbal medications. While using herbal medications remember never to mix them with your prescription or OTC medications. If you are already taking doctor prescribed medicines for hot flashes then do not consume herbs to treat the same.
In this article we will share with you some of the best known and extremely effective herbs that can be safely used for treating hot flashes.
REMEDIES FOR CURING HOT FLASHES
Chasteberry
This herb has many other popular names including sage hemp, tree wild pepper, monk’s pepper and Indian spice. Chasteberry is often used in the treatment of pre-menstrual symptoms that include breast tenderness and muscular pain in the stomach and pelvic region. But the herb is also known to effectively treat signs and symptoms of menopause including hot flashes, depression, anxiety, migraine, mood fluctuation and breast fullness.The one side effect of this otherwise amazing herb is that it decreases the production of prolactin in the body that may lead to other complications. Hence, the herb should be taken only after consultation with an herbalist and your doctor.
Chamomile
This is perhaps the best known and most popular herbs for controlling the frequency of hot flashes in menopausal women. The soothing aroma and the strong taste of the herb is enough to alleviate the mood fluctuations associated with premenstrual as well as menopausal symptoms.Drinking 2-3 cups of chamomile tea during the day is known to have given women better control over their moods as well as helped them deal better with episodes of hot flashes.
Black Cohosh
Black Cohosh is used for treating not only hot flashes but also profuse sweating at nighttime, another uncomfortable symptom of approaching menopause. But the herb should be used intermittently. For example, after using the herbs regularly for six months take a two months break and then resume the consumption of the herb.
St. John’s Wort
This herb is not recommended for people who are already taking strong anti-depressantsbecause St John’s is primarily used for treating problems resulting from disorder of the nervous system.However, the herb has been successfully used in the treatment of mild post partum blues as well as in the treatment of mood variations in women. St John’s is also known to help maintain a constant body temperature thereby controlling the incidents of hot flashes.
Evening Primrose
Evening Primrose is the best source of gamma-linolenic acid, a fatty acid that is extremely beneficial for the human body. In fact, many women are prescribed capsules of the herb to control problems such as urinary inconsistency, breast tenderness, breast fullness as well as hot flashes.However, there are also some side effects associated with the herb and therefore, advice should be taken from an herbalist with regards to the herb’s correct dosage.
Valerian Root
Valerian Roots were prescribed to people who had trouble sleeping at night since the herb is avery effective tranquilizer. This is one reason Valerian Roots are very beneficial in the treatment of symptoms associated with menopause including hot flashes.Women suffering from hot flashes are often stressed about their sleep pattern since they dread attacks of hot flashes at night. By taking controlled and appropriate dosage of Valerian Roost they can easily fall asleep at night and have peaceful and undisturbed sleep.However, as with all herbs this herb too has its side effects. Medical studies have proven that the herb has withdrawal symptoms that include delirium.
Ginseng
The herb ginseng is very common to many countries and for this reason it comes in many varieties such as the Korean ginseng, the American ginseng, the Siberian ginseng and white and red ginseng. The primary use of ginseng is to boost the immune system but herbalist also prescribe ginseng to women suffering from hot flashes as regular intake of the herb alleviates stress and improves the mood.
Women find it easier to deal with incidents of hot flashes when they are mentally strong and prepared. The herb does not directly treat hot flashes but by treating the associated symptoms of menopause it helps the women become calmer and less anxious.An important thing to remember while buying ginseng is that the quality of the herb should not be compromised even if you have to pay a higher price. Many times the herb that is sold in the market has only traces of ginseng in it. The major part comprises of caffeine and other forms of chemicals including pesticides.
Dong Quai
This Chinese herb has been long used in the treatment of pre-menstrual symptoms as well as symptoms of menopause. Hence, the herb is particularly beneficial in the treatment of hot flashes.However, Dong quai is also known to have toxic substances and therefore, should be consumed only in small amounts. The herb also causes thinning of blood that could lead to severe hemorrhage if the herb is not taken in controlled amounts. Hence, always consult your doctor and an herbalist before taking Dong quai for treating hot flashes.
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