I’ve delayed posting this information not because I was not excited about the potential results – I definitely was, instead I sought additional research and personal testimonials, which I now have.
The female sex hormone estradiol produced in the ovaries, turned on during puberty begins to decline between ages 40 – 44 as menopause commences. Women’s bodies produce the most estradiol during pregnancy and it helps prevent breast cancer. My point in telling you this is that we are talking about one hormone that stops at menopause, while our bodies continue to make all the other 29 estrogens.
Begin by remembering that menopause is a profound change in your life that shuts down endocrine glands to then reboot them. We should not have our thyroid tested during menopause, as it is going to be off with the changes occurring. Adrenaline stops circulation to the extremities, powerful energy circulates and when it gets to the thyroid let’s just say women are compelled to “speak the truth” or destroy the thyroid. Forgive your friends, forgive yourself and go take a nap! As you read the seven herbal remedies below, be sure to reflect on their reasons for being based on the truths in the beginning of this paragraph.
- A daily quart jar of Stinging Nettle Tea (Urtica dioica) made with 1 oz of the dried herb is recommended to rebuild the adrenals, support the kidneys, and build the nervous system to allow for deeper sleep. (indepth article on Sleep – this website)
- Oatstraw Tea (Avena sativa) to provide the minerals often found missing from our foods. Oatstraw is a full-body tonic and a natural antibiotic.
- Linden (Tilia europaea) a floral herb used in colonial America “to charm the brew” or top off a tea infusion. For menopause it is used to reduce muscle tension, for anxiety and even to calm heart palpitations. [ 1/2 oz in a quart of water]
- Cooling hot flashes, relieving anxiety/rapid heart beat, estrogenic, and integrating the nervous system – are all signatures for Red Clover (Trifolium pratense). Fragrant oval flowers from red to purple with three-lobed leaves linked to the Trinity. Old herbal notes say that the leaves of red clover tremble and stand up against a storm or tempest, and it met a tempest of controversy in the 1940′s in the USA when it was successfully used in natural cancer remedies. Studies document Red Clover’s toxin-binding properties and its ability to resolve skin disorders – I digress, on purpose.
- Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) taken in a tincture [5-10 drops to a dropper full] the tincture relieves one of a bitter tea. The Latin name cardiaca comes from its value as a heart tonic. It contains calcium chloride which calms the heart and eases palpitations. (sounding familiar?) In China motherwort tea is used for menstrual disorders, to tone the liver and improve vision as it contains vitamin A and Tannins.
- Sage (salvia officinalis) has antibiotic properties to help fight infections, is high in nutrients to help tone the body, and it helps to prevent premature aging with antioxidants that keep free radicals from damaging tissues and cells. You’ve probably already guessed, Sage is great for hot flashes as it lowers blood sugar levels. Sage is a stimulant for sluggish livers which could mean you are experiencing headaches, fatigue, and reduced immunity. If part of your discomfort includes nasal congestion, the steam from the tea water can be inhaled to clean sinus passages. And finally,
Inspirational Tea
If you are confused about a problem that needs solving, or a tough decision you have to make, try a cup of sage tea. it has the unique ability to clear the cobwebs and bring clarity.
Veering from the herbs for just a minute, a discussion on Menopause wouldn’t be complete without the mention of Maca. I initially discovered Maca in a whole food optimizer drink where it was included to replenish the adrenals. Since women often have adrenal fatigue with menopause, that alone would be good reason to try it, but there is more. Scientists have discovered that the secret behind Maca’s effectiveness is its ability to regulate, support, and balance the hormonal systems of both women and men. As an adaptogen, Maca raises the body’s state of resistance to disease through physiological and emotional health.
” Whenever possible, I prefer to use Maca therapy rather than hormone replacement therapy because HRT actually ages the body by diminishing the hormone producing capability of the glands. Maca has proven to be very effective with menopausal patients in eliminating hot flashes and depression and in increasing energy levels.”
Dr. Gabriel Cousens, MD, Patagonia, AZ
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