Herbs for Menopause

“Herbal medicines include herbs, herbal materials, herbal preparations and finished herbal products, that contain as active ingredients parts of plants, or other plant…”.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 Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine: Herbal Medicines the World Health Organizations’ definition is:

“Herbal medicines include herbs, herbal materials, herbal preparations and finished herbal products, that contain as active ingredients parts of plants, or other plant materials, or combinations”.5

On page one in Natural Therapies & Supplements: Common Natural and Complementary Therapies – Herbal Medicine the (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health’s (JH) definition is:

“Herbal medicine is the use of medicine made exclusively from plants. This is the oldest and most widely used system of medicine in the world. In Australia the most common types of herbal medicine are Western, Chinese, Ayurvedic (Indian) and Australian Aboriginal”.6

The JH also note:

“Herbal medicines are available in various forms. These include herbal teas, alcoholic extracts, non-alcoholic glycerine extracts, powders, tablets, capsules and topical creams”.7

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”.8

on page one in Natural Therapies & Supplements: Common Natural and Complementary Therapies – Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture the JH’s definition is:

“Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a system of healthcare that includes acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, remedial massage (anmo tuina), exercise and breathing therapy (qigong), and diet and lifestyle advice. It is one of the oldest healthcare systems in the world”.9

Menopause Symptoms

Do herbs relieve menopause symptoms?

In 4 Things To Know About Menopausal Symptoms and Complementary Health Practices the NCCIH include:

“2. Many natural products, such as black cohosh, soy isoflavone supplements, and DHEA, have been studied for their effects on menopausal symptoms, but scientists have found little evidence that they are helpful. There is also no conclusive evidence that the herbs red clover, kava, or dong quai reduce hot flashes”.10

Hot Flushes

Do herbs relieve hot flushes?

In Menopause & Herbs: Over the Counter Herbal Products the JH elaborate on:

“We know that about 13% of Australian women use CAM therapies for managing hot flushes, and that the three most commonly used CAM therapies are phytoestrogens (plant-based female hormones), evening primrose oil and ginseng. We know that these are not necessarily the most effective remedies, and we also know that only about 25% of these women consult an expert for advice about these therapies. Therefore, many women may be making inappropriate – or indeed, ineffective – choices”.11

Safe or Not

Are herbs safe?

In Herbal Medicine: Summary the (United States) MedlinePlus explain:

“Many people believe that products labeled “natural” are always safe and good for them. This is not necessarily true. Herbal medicines do not have to go through the testing that drugs do. Some herbs, such as comfrey and ephedra, can cause serious harm. Some herbs can interact with prescription or over-the-counter medicines”.12

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 Are You Considering A Complementary Health Approach? Take Charge of Your Health the NCCIH note:

Herbal Medicine “Tell all your health care providers about any complementary or integrative health approaches you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care”.13

In Drug Interactions: Understanding the Risk – Understand Your Drug and Possible Side Effects the (United States) Food and Drug Administration also note:

“Talk to your health care providers and pharmacist about all the drugs that you take. Discuss all OTC and prescription drugs, dietary supplements, vitamins, botanicals, minerals and herbals you take, as well as the foods you eat”.14

In Safe Use of Medicines for Older Adults: What Are Medicines? What Are Drugs? the (United States) National Institute on Aging agree:

“Make sure your doctor knows about ALL the medicines you take. This includes those prescribed by other doctors, as well as vitamins, supplements, herbal remedies, and over-the-counter drugs you use every now and then”.15

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics related to Herbs for Menopause?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

Where may I find Links related to Herbs for Menopause?

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Links

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  1. 9 Myths and Misunderstandings About Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT): 6. Myth – Complementary Medicines and Therapies Are As Effective As MHT and Safer
  2. Bioidentical Hormones Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  3. Bioidentical Hormones: Are They Safer?
  4. Bioridiculous
  5. Botanical Dietary Supplements – Background Information
  6. Herbs for MenopauseBotanical Supplement Fact Sheets
  7. Complementary Medicine Options for Menopausal Symptoms
  8. Complementary and Alternative Medicine
  9. Complementary and Alternative Therapies Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  10. Complementary and Herbal Therapies for Hot Flushes
  11. Complementary/Alternative Therapies for Menopausal Women
  12. Dietary Supplements
  13. Dietary Supplements
  14. Dietary Supplements
  15. Dietary Supplements [Topics]
  16. Dietary Supplements: What Is Safe? Common Misconceptions About Dietary Supplements
  17. Drugs and Supplements: Herbs, Supplements and Vitamins [Topics]
  18. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
  19. HRT and Alternatives
  20. Herb Society of America
  21. Herbal Medicine
  22. Herbal Supplements: What To Know Before You Buy
  23. Herbs and Supplements [Topics]
  24. Home Remedies: Anxiety and Herbal Remedies
  25. Home Remedies: Herbal Supplements May Not Mix With Heart Medicines
  26. Hot Flashes: Manage Without Medication?
  27. Hot Flashes: What Can I Do?
  28. Integrative Medicine: Alternative Medicine Becomes Mainstream
  29. Integrative Medicine: Find Out What Works
  30. Learning To Cope With Hot Flashes
  31. Mayo Clinic Minute: Help With Hot Flashes Due To Menopause [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  32. Mayo Clinic Minute: Lifestyle Changes To Manage Menopause Symptoms [+ Video]
  33. Mayo Clinic Minute: What Is Integrative Health and How Can It Help? [+ Video]
  34. Mayo Clinic Q and A: Dietary Supplements Useful In Some Situations, But Also Can Be Harmful
  35. Mayo Mindfulness: What Does It Really Mean? [+ Video]
  36. Menopause & Herbs
  37. Menopause Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  38. Menopause FAQs: Hot Flashes – Q. Is it safe to take dietary supplements or herbal therapies for my menopause symptoms?
  39. Menopause Management: Complementary Therapies – Herbal Therapies and Remedies for Menopause
  40. Menopause – Complementary Therapies [Multiply Languages] [Video]
  41. Menopause – What Are the Symptoms? [Multiply Languages] [Video]
  42. Menopause: Complementary Therapies for Menopausal Symptoms [Video Interview Stories]
  43. Menopause: Diagnosis and Management – Information for the Public: Managing Your Symptoms – Hot Flushes and Night Sweats [NICE Guideline]
  44. Menopause: Non-HRT and Lifestyle Options [Video Interview Stories]
  45. Menopause: Non-Hormonal Treatment & Relief for Hot Flashes
  46. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
  47. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: 4 Things To Know About Menopausal Symptoms and Complementary Health Practices
  48. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: 4 Tips: Start Talking With Your Health Care Providers About Complementary Health Approaches
  49. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: 5 Tips: What Consumers Need To Know About Dietary Supplements
  50. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: 5 Tips: What You Should Know About Popular Herbs
  51. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: 6 Things To Know When Selecting A Complementary Health Practitioner
  52. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Are You Considering A Complementary Health Approach?
  53. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Black Cohosh
  54. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Chasteberry
  55. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Dietary and Herbal Supplements
  56. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Ginkgo
  57. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Green Tea
  58. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Herbs At A Glance
  59. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
  60. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Know the Science: 9 Questions To Help You Make Sense of Scientific Research
  61. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Know the Science: How Medications and Supplements Can Interact
  62. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Menopausal Symptoms: In Depth
  63. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Menopausal Symptoms: In Depth: What the Science Says About Complementary Health Approaches for Menopausal Symptoms
  64. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Natural Doesn’t Necessarily Mean Safer, or Better
  65. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Placebo Effect
  66. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Red Clover
  67. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine (SAMe): In Depth
  68. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Soy
  69. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: St. John’s Wort
  70. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: St. John’s Wort and Depression: In Depth
  71. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Traditional Chinese Medicine: What You Need To Know
  72. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Valerian
  73. National Institute of Medical Herbalists [United Kingdom]
  74. Natural Medicines
  75. Natural Remedies To Help Manage Perimenopause Symptoms
  76. Natural Therapies & Supplements
  77. Non-Hormonal Treatment Options for Menopausal Symptoms
  78. NonHormonal Treatments for Menopausal Symptoms
  79. Office of Dietary Supplements
  80. Office of Dietary Supplements: Dietary Supplement Fact Sheets
  81. Office of Dietary Supplements: My Dietary Supplement and Medicine Record
  82. Phytoestrogens
  83. Questions and Answers on Dietary Supplements
  84. SAMe
  85. Study IDs Non-Hormonal Options for Menopause Symptoms
  86. Talking To Your Health Professionals About Complementary Medicine
  87. The Health Benefits of 3 Herbal Teas
  88. The Menopause: Treating Menopause Symptoms [+ Video: Talking Menopause With Your GP]
  89. Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine
  90. Vaginal Dryness Alternative Treatments
  91. Video Series-2018: Nonhormone Prescription Options for Hot Flashes
  92. Video Series-2018: The Truth About Nonpharmacologic Options for Hot Flushes
  93. Video Series-2020: What You Need to Know About Bioidentical Hormone Therapy
  94. Video Series-2021: Treatment Options for Vaginal Dryness and Urinary Issues
  95. What Can I Do To Help With Hot Flashes?
  96. What You Need To Know
  97. What You Need To Know About Dietary Supplements
  98. Wild Yam
  99. Women’s Wellness: Mindfulness May Ease Menopausal Symptoms
  100. Women’s Wellness: Treating Hot Flashes and Night Sweats Without Hormones [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine: Herbal Medicines. World Health Organization https://www.who.int/health-topics/traditional-complementary-and-integrative-medicine#tab=tab_1 Accessed: 05 November 2021
  2. 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: 05 November 2021
  3. 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: 05 November 2021
  4. 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: 05 November 2021
  5. Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine: Herbal Medicines. World Health Organization https://www.who.int/health-topics/traditional-complementary-and-integrative-medicine#tab=tab_1 Accessed: 05 November 2021
  6. Natural Therapies & Supplements: Common Natural and Complementary Therapies – Herbal Medicine. Updated October 2021:1. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health’s https://jeanhailes.org.au/contents/documents/Resources/Fact_sheets/Natural_therapies.pdf Accessed: 05 November 2021
  7. Natural Therapies & Supplements: Common Natural and Complementary Therapies – Herbal Medicine. Updated October 2021:1. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health’s https://jeanhailes.org.au/contents/documents/Resources/Fact_sheets/Natural_therapies.pdf Accessed: 05 November 2021
  8. 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://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/traditional-chinese-medicine-what-you-need-to-know Accessed: 05 November 2021
  9. Natural Therapies & Supplements: Common Natural and Complementary Therapies – Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture. Updated October  2021:1. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health’s https://jeanhailes.org.au/contents/documents/Resources/Fact_sheets/Natural_therapies.pdf Accessed: 05 November 2021
  10. 4 Things To Know About Menopausal Symptoms and Complementary Health Practices. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/tips/things-to-know-about-menopausal-symptoms-and-complementary-health-practices Accessed: 05 November 2021
  11. Menopause & Herbs: Over the Counter Herbal Products.  Page Last Updated: 12 March 2020 | Topic Last Reviewed: 20 October 2018. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/natural-therapies-supplements/menopause-herbs Accessed: 05 November 2021
  12. Herbal Medicine: Summary. Page Last Updated on 28 October 2021. Topic Last Reviewed: 21 September 2017. MedlinePlus https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/herbalmedicine.html Accessed: 05 November 2021
  13. Are You Considering A Complementary Health Approach? Take Charge of Your Health. Last Updated: September 2016. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/are-you-considering-a-complementary-health-approach Accessed: 05 November 2021
  14. Drug Interactions: Understanding the Risk – Understand Your Drug and Possible Side Effects. Page Last Updated: 27 July 2016. Food and Drug Administration https://www.fda.gov/drugs/special-features/drug-interactions-understanding-risk Accessed: 05 November 2021
  15. Safe Use of Medicines for Older Adults. What Are Medicines? What Are Drugs? Content Reviewed: 26 June 2019. National Institute on Aging https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/safe-use-medicines-older-adults Accessed: 05 November 2021

Topic Last Updated: 05 November 2021 – Topic Last Reviewed: 05 November 2021
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