“Herbal medicines are those
with active ingredients made from plant parts,
such as leaves, roots or flowers”.1
Umbrella
What may the Herbs for Menopause Umbrella include?
Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:
- Botanical Products
- Botanicals
- Chinese Medicine
- Herbal Medicines/Products/Remedies/Supplements/Therapies/Treatments
- Herbs
- Medicinal Herbs
- Phytomedicines
- Phytotherapy
- Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
Botanical
What is a botanical?
DotS the definition of a botanical may vary. The (United States) Office of Dietary Supplement’s (ODS) definition is:
“A botanical is a plant or plant part valued for its medicinal or therapeutic properties, flavor, and/or scent”.2
Herbs
What are herbs?
DotS the definition of herbs may vary. In Botanical Dietary Supplements – Background Information: What Is A Botanical? the ODS’s definition is:
“Herbs are a subset of botanicals”.3
Different Herbs
What are some different herbs?
DotS different herbs may include:
- Black Cohosh (Actaea Racemosa, Cimicifuga Racemosa)
- Dong Quai (Angelica Sinensis)
- Evening Primrose/Evening Primrose Oil (Oenothera biennis)
- Flaxseed/Flaxseed Oil
- Ginkgo Biloba
- Ginseng (Panax Ginseng or Panax Quinquefolius)
- Kava/Kava Kava (Piper Methysticum)
- Red Clover (Trifolium Pratense)
- Soy
- St John’s Wort
Herbal Products
What are herbal products?
DotS the definition of herbal products may vary. The ODS’s definition is:
“Products made from botanicals that are used to maintain or improve health are sometimes called herbal products, botanical products, or phytomedicines”.4
Herbal Medicine
What is herbal medicine?
DotS the definition of herbal medicine may vary. In Herbal Medicines the (United Kingdom’s) NHS’s definition is:
Traditional Chinese Medicine
What is traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)?
DotS the definition of TCM may vary. In Traditional Chinese Medicine: What You Need To Know – What Is Traditional Chinese Medicine? the (United States) National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) explain:
“Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has evolved over thousands of years. TCM practitioners use various mind and body practices (such as acupuncture and tai chi) as well as herbal products to address health problems”.6
Hot Flushes and Night Sweats
Are herbs recommended for the treatment of hot flushes and night sweats or vasomotor symptoms (VMS)?
On page two in Nonhormone Treatments for Hot Flashes and Night Sweats: Nonhormone Treatment Options – Not Recommended, dated 2023, the North American Menopause Society (NAMS) explain:

There are many dietary supplements available over the counter and advertised as remedies for relief of hot flashes and night sweats. There are limited studies showing that these supplements are effective at relieving VMS, and there is a lack of government regulation ensuring their safety and purity, so none of these are recommended treatments for hot flashes and night sweats”.7
In Menopause & Herbs: Over the Counter Herbal Products the JH elaborate on:
Safe or Not
Are herbs safe?
In FDA: 101: Dietary Supplements – What Are the Risk of Dietary Supplements? the (United States) Food and Drug Administration caution:
Many supplements contain ingredients that can have strong effects in the body. Additionally, some supplements can interact with medications, interfere with lab tests, or have dangerous effects during surgery. Your health care professional can help you decide what supplement, if any, is right for you”.9
Health Care Provider
What if I choose to use herbs for menopause?
If you choose to use herbs for menopause it may also be in your best interest to choose to tell all your health care providers you are doing this.
In Menopause & Herbs: Over the Counter Herbal Products the JH elaborate on:
- The quality and standard of herbal preparations, including those available over the counter and online, can vary considerably
- Some herbal products can interact with other pharmaceutical therapies, but their labels might not necessarily carry a warning
- The best way to use herbal remedies is under the guidance of a well-trained herbalist/naturopath”.10
In Herbal Medicines the NHS note:
On page two in Nonhormone Treatments for Hot Flashes and Night Sweats: Nonhormone Treatment Options – Not Recommended the NAMS explain:
Health Topics A-Z
Where may I find Health Topics A-Z related to Herbs for Menopause?
In Health Topics A-Z you may find:
Links
Where may I find Links related to Herbs for Menopause?
Your Country may have Links similar to:
Links
This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.New or Updated
- Hot Flushes, Night Sweats, Brain Fog? Here’s What We Know About Phytoestrogens for Menopausal Symptoms
- Lots of Women Try Herbs Like Black Cohosh for Menopausal Symptoms Like Hot Flushes – But Does It Work? [20 September 2023]
- Nonhormone Treatments for Hot Flashes and Night Sweats
- The Truth About Menopause Supplements | Dr Sarah Berry
- Traditional Medicine [09 August 2023]
- Video Series-2023: NAMS 2023 Nonhormone Therapies Position Statement for Bothersome Menopause Symptoms
- 8 Myths and Truths About Menopausal Hot Flashes
- BMS TV: Complementary and Alternative Therapies
- BMS TV: Menopause Explained
- Bioidentical Hormones: Are They Safer?
- Botanical Dietary Supplements – Background Information
- Botanical Supplement Fact Sheets
- Complementary and Alternative Medicine
- Complementary/Alternative Therapies for Menopausal Women
- Dietary Supplements
- Dietary Supplements
- Dietary Supplements
- Dietary Supplements [Topics]
- Dietary Supplements: What Is Safe? Common Misconceptions About Dietary Supplements
- Dietary Supplements: What You Need To Know
- Drugs and Supplements: Herbs, Supplements and Vitamins [Topics]
- FDA 101: Dietary Supplements
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- HRT and Alternatives
- Herbsociety.org [Herb Society of America]
- Herbal Medicines
- Herbs and Supplements [Topics]
- Home Remedies: Herbal Supplements May Not Mix With Heart Medicines
- Hot Flashes
- Hot Flashes: What Can I Do? [+ Video: What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Menopause?]
- Hot Flushes, Night Sweats, Brain Fog? Here’s What We Know About Phytoestrogens for Menopausal Symptoms
- How To Find Relief for Hot Flashes At Night
Integrative Medicine: Find Out What Works
- Is It Safe To Use Herbal Weight Loss Supplements?
- Joint Position Statement By the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Society for Endocrinology on Best Practice Recommendations for the Care of Women Experiencing the Menopause
- Key Technical Issues of Herbal Medicines With Reference To Interaction With Other Medicines
- Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Treating Menopause Symptoms [Other Languages and Formats] [+ Video: Does the Menopause Happen Suddenly?]
- Let’s Talk About Perimenopause
- Lots of Women Try Herbs Like Black Cohosh for Menopausal Symptoms Like Hot Flushes – But Does It Work?
- Mayo Clinic Minute: Help With Hot Flashes Due To Menopause [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
- Mayo Clinic Minute: How Lifestyle Changes May Help Manage Menopause Symptoms
- Mayo Clinic Q and A: Dietary Supplements Useful In Some Situations, But Also Can Be Harmful
- Menopause & Herbs
- Menopause Management: Complementary Therapies – Herbal Therapies and Remedies for Menopause
- Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Questions for Your Health Care Provider
- Menopause Patient Information [Videos] 2. Talking To Your GP About Menopause
- Menopause Preparedness Toolkit: A Woman’s Empowerment Guide
- Menopause Symptoms: Mayo Clinic Expert Outlines Hormone and Nonhormonal Therapies
- Menopause Treatments: What Works, What Doesn’t
- Menopause Wellness Hub
- Menopause, Perimenopause, Hormone Therapy and Other Treatments With Madelyn Butler, MD [Podcast]
- Menopause: Diagnosis and Management – Information for the Public: Managing Your Symptoms – Hot Flushes and Night Sweats [NICE Guideline]
- Menopause: Things You Can Do
- Menopause: Understanding the Changes and Finding Relief | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 256
- Mymenoplan.org [My Menoplan, United States]
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: 4 Tips: Start Talking With Your Health Care Providers About Complementary Health Approaches
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: 6 Things To Know When Selecting A Complementary Health Practitioner
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Black Cohosh
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Dietary and Herbal Supplements
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Ginkgo
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Green Tea
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Herbs At A Glance
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Natural Doesn’t Necessarily Mean Safer, or Better
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Placebo Effect
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Red Clover
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Soy
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: St. John’s Wort
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Valerian
- Natural Medicines
- Natural Remedies To Help Manage Perimenopause Symptoms
- Video Series-2023: NAMS 2023 Nonhormone Therapies Position Statement for Bothersome Menopause Symptoms
- Navigating Menopause: Expert Insights and Solutions | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 245
- Non-Estrogen Treatments for Menopausal Symptoms
- Nonhormone Treatments for Hot Flashes and Night Sweats
- Office of Dietary Supplements
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Dietary Supplement Fact Sheets
- Office of Dietary Supplements: My Dietary Supplement and Medicine Record
- Phytoestrogens
- Questions and Answers on Dietary Supplements
- SAMe
- Should You Try An L-Tyrosine Supplement? A Look at Its Benefits and Side Effects
- The First WHO Traditional Medicine Global Summit [17-18 August 2023]
- The Power of the Placebo Effect
- The Truth About Menopause Supplements | Dr Sarah Berry
- Therapy for the Effects of Menopause
- Tips To Help Manage Menopause Symptoms
- Traditional Medicine
- Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine
- Using Natural Therapies In the Menopause Transition – Webinar
- Vaginal Dryness Alternative Treatments
- Video Series-2022: Perimenopause, Signs, Symptoms, and Solutions
- Video Series-2023: NAMS 2023 Nonhormone Therapies Position Statement for Bothersome Menopause Symptoms
- Video Series-2023: New FDA-Approved Nonhormone Option for the Treatment of Hot Flashes
- Videos and Podcasts: Videos – Interviews: A Simple Approach To Menopause: The Menopause Quick Six (www.MQ6.ca)
- WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine
- WHO International Standard Terminologies on Traditional Chinese Medicine
- Webinars: Previous – The Microbiome and Nutrition in Midlife Women
What Are Adaptogens and Are They Healthy?
- What Can I Do To Help With Hot Flashes?
- What Is Traditional Chinese Medicine?
- What To Eat When You Have Hot Flashes?
- Why Didn’t Anyone Tell Me This? Episode 3: Dr Annice Mukherjee: Your Essential Menopause Toolkit
- Wild Yam
Sources
Where may I find the Sources quoted?
You may find the Sources quoted at:
Sources
- Herbal Medicines. Page Last Reviewed: 18 October 2022. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/herbal-medicines/ Accessed: 24 November 2023
- Botanical Dietary Supplements – Background Information: What Is A Botanical? Updated: 11 December 2020. Office of Dietary Supplements https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/BotanicalBackground-Consumer/ Accessed: 24 November 2023
- Botanical Dietary Supplements – Background Information: What Is A Botanical? Updated: 11 December 2020. Office of Dietary Supplements https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/BotanicalBackground-Consumer/ Accessed: 24 November 2023
- Botanical Dietary Supplements – Background Information: What Is A Botanical? Updated: 11 December 2020. Office of Dietary Supplements https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/BotanicalBackground-Consumer/ Accessed: 24 November 2023
- Herbal Medicines. Page Last Reviewed: 18 October 2022. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/herbal-medicines/ Accessed: 24 November 2023
- Traditional Chinese Medicine: What You Need To Know – What Is Traditional Chinese Medicine? Last Updated April 2019. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health https://nccih.nih.gov/health/whatiscam/chinesemed.htm Accessed: 24 November 2023
- Nonhormone Treatments for Hot Flashes and Night Sweats: Nonhormone Treatment Options – Not Recommended. 2023:2. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/default-document-library/nonhormone-treatment-menonote.pdf Accessed: 24 November 2023
- Menopause & Herbs: Over the Counter Herbal Products. Page Last Updated: 26 August 2023 | Topic Last Reviewed: 20 November 2018. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/natural-therapies-supplements/menopause-herbs Accessed: 24 November 2023
- FDA 101: Dietary Supplements – What Are the Risks of Dietary Supplements. Content Current As of: 02 June 2022. Food and Drug Administration https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/fda-101-dietary-supplements Accessed: 24 November 2023
- Menopause & Herbs: Over the Counter Herbal Products. Page Last Updated: 26 August 2023 | Topic Last Reviewed: 20 November 2018. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/natural-therapies-supplements/menopause-herbs Accessed: 24 November 2023
- Herbal Medicines. Page Last Reviewed: 18 October 2022. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/herbal-medicines/ Accessed: 24 November 2023
- Nonhormone Treatments for Hot Flashes and Night Sweats: Nonhormone Treatment Options – Not Recommended. 2023:2. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/default-document-library/nonhormone-treatment-menonote.pdf Accessed: 24 November 2023