Herbs for Menopause

“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:

“Herbal medicines are those with active ingredients made from plant parts, such as leaves, roots or flowers”.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

What is the best herb for 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

In FDA: 101: Dietary Supplements – What Are the Risk of Dietary Supplements? the (United States) Food and Drug Administration caution:

“Before buying or taking a dietary supplement, talk with a health care professional—such as your doctor, nurse, registered dietician, or pharmacist—about the benefits and risks.

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”.13

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”.14

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

“When buying herbal medicines over the counter, you need to consider some of these factors:

  • 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”.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?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

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. Botanical Dietary Supplements – Background Information
  5. Herbs for MenopauseBotanical Supplement Fact Sheets
  6. Complementary Medicine Options for Menopausal Symptoms
  7. Complementary and Alternative Medicine
  8. Complementary and Alternative Therapies Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  9. Complementary and Herbal Therapies for Hot Flushes
  10. Complementary/Alternative Therapies for Menopausal Women
  11. Dietary Supplements
  12. Dietary Supplements
  13. Dietary Supplements
  14. Dietary Supplements [Topics]
  15. Dietary Supplements: What Is Safe? Common Misconceptions About Dietary Supplements
  16. Dietary Supplements: What You Need To Know
  17. Drugs and Supplements: Herbs, Supplements and Vitamins [Topics]
  18. EMAS Menopause Essentials
  19. FDA 101: Dietary Supplements
  20. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
  21. HRT and Alternatives
  22. Herb Society of America
  23. Herbal Medicine
  24. Herbal Medicines
  25. Herbal Supplements: What To Know Before You Buy
  26. Herbs and Supplements [Topics]
  27. Home Remedies: Anxiety and Herbal Remedies
  28. Herbs for MenopauseHome Remedies: Herbal Supplements May Not Mix With Heart Medicines
  29. Hot Flashes
  30. Hot Flashes: What Can I Do?
  31. How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
  32. Integrative Medicine: Find Out What Works
  33. Is It Safe To Use Herbal Weight Loss Supplements?
  34. Key Technical Issues of Herbal Medicines With Reference To Interaction With Other Medicines
  35. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Signs and Symptoms [+ Video: Talking Menopause With Your GP]
  36. Managing Menopausal Symptoms—Hormone Replacement Therapy Is Not the Only Option!
  37. Mayo Clinic Minute: Help With Hot Flashes Due To Menopause
  38. Mayo Clinic Minute: How Lifestyle Changes May Help Manage Menopause Symptoms
  39. Mayo Clinic Minute: What Is Integrative Health and How Can It Help? [+ Video]
  40. Mayo Clinic Q and A: Dietary Supplements Useful In Some Situations, But Also Can Be Harmful
  41. Menopause & Herbs
  42. Menopause Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
  43. Menopause FAQs: Hot Flashes – Q. Is it safe to take dietary supplements or herbal therapies for my menopause symptoms?
  44. Menopause Management: Complementary Therapies – Herbal Therapies and Remedies for Menopause
  45. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Questions for Your Health Care Provider
    Herbs for Menopause
  46. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit: A Woman’s Empowerment Guide
  47. Menopause: Diagnosis and Management – Information for the Public: Managing Your Symptoms – Hot Flushes and Night Sweats [NICE Guideline]
  48. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
  49. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: 4 Things To Know About Menopausal Symptoms and Complementary Health Practices
  50. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: 4 Tips: Start Talking With Your Health Care Providers About Complementary Health Approaches
  51. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: 5 Tips: What Consumers Need To Know About Dietary Supplements
  52. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: 5 Tips: What You Should Know About Popular Herbs
  53. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: 6 Things To Know When Selecting A Complementary Health Practitioner
  54. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Are You Considering A Complementary Health Approach?
  55. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Black Cohosh
  56. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Chasteberry
  57. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Dietary and Herbal Supplements
  58. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Ginkgo
  59. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Green Tea
  60. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Herbs At A Glance
  61. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: How Safe Is This Product or Practice?
  62. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Know the Science: How Medications and Supplements Can Interact
  63. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Menopausal Symptoms: In Depth
  64. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Menopausal Symptoms: In Depth: What the Science Says About Complementary Health Approaches for Menopausal Symptoms
  65. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Natural Doesn’t Necessarily Mean Safer, or Better
  66. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Placebo Effect
  67. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Red Clover
  68. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine (SAMe): In Depth
  69. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Soy
  70. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: St. John’s Wort
  71. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: St. John’s Wort and Depression: In Depth
  72. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Traditional Chinese Medicine: What You Need To Know
  73. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Valerian
  74. National Institute of Medical Herbalists [United Kingdom]
  75. Natural Medicines
  76. Natural Remedies To Help Manage Perimenopause Symptoms
  77. Natural Therapies & Supplements
  78. Non-Estrogen Treatments for Menopausal Symptoms
  79. Non-Hormonal Treatment Options for Menopausal Symptoms
  80. NonHormonal Treatments for Menopausal Symptoms
  81. Office of Dietary Supplements
  82. Office of Dietary Supplements: Dietary Supplement Fact Sheets
  83. Office of Dietary Supplements: My Dietary Supplement and Medicine Record
  84. Phytoestrogens
  85. Questions and Answers on Dietary Supplements
  86. SAMe
  87. Study IDs Non-Hormonal Options for Menopause Symptoms
  88. Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine
  89. Using Natural Therapies In the Menopause Transition – Webinar
  90. Vaginal Dryness Alternative Treatments
  91. Video Series-2022: Perimenopause, Signs, Symptoms, and Solutions
  92. WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine
  93. WHO International Standard Terminologies on Traditional Chinese Medicine
  94. What Are Adaptogens and Are They Healthy?
  95. What Can I Do To Help With Hot Flashes?
  96. What Is Traditional Chinese Medicine?
  97. What To Eat When You Have Hot Flashes?
  98. Wild Yam

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. Herbal Medicines. Page Last Reviewed: 18 October 2022. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/herbal-medicines/ Accessed: 15 November 2022
  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: 15 November 2022
  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: 15 November 2022
  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: 15 November 2022
  5. Herbal Medicines. Page Last Reviewed: 18 October 2022. NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/herbal-medicines/ Accessed: 15 November 2022
  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: 15 November 2022
  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: 15 November 2022
  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: 15 November 2022
  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: 15 November 2022
  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: 15 November 2022
  11. Menopause & Herbs: Over the Counter Herbal Products.  Page Last Updated: 18 March 2022 | 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: 15 November 2022
  12. Herbal Medicine: Summary. Last Updated: 21 September 2017. MedlinePlus https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/herbalmedicine.html Accessed: 15 November 2022
  13. 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: 15 November 2022
  14. 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: 15 November 2022
  15. Menopause & Herbs: Over the Counter Herbal Products.  Page Last Updated: 18 March 2022 | 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: 15 November 2022
Topic Last Updated: 15 November 2022 – Topic Last Reviewed: 15 November 2022

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