Chinese Herbs for Menopause
With so many herbs for Menopause on the market it can be overwhelming trying to figure out which ones might be right for you.
You’re not alone in this and there are things that can help you through this transition. A few things before we get into it though. It’s important to remember that Chinese Herbs are a different beast and it is important to not compare them to Western herbs and view them through a Western lens. I have included some studies on a couple of Chinese herbs for menopause but NOTHING works in isolation and it is critical for you to see someone properly trained in Chinese herbs before trying something.
Let’s dig into some Chinese herbs for Menopause
Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman's reproductive years. However, it can be accompanied by various uncomfortable symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and insomnia. While there are conventional treatments available, many women prefer natural remedies to alleviate their symptoms. Chinese herbs have been used for centuries to treat a wide range of health conditions, and they are gaining popularity as an alternative treatment for menopause. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of Chinese herbs and Chinese herbal medicine for menopause, specifically Dong Quai (Dong Gui) and Rhemannia (Sheng Di Huang).
Dong Quai herb for Menopause
Dong Quai is one of the most popular Chinese herbs used to treat menopausal symptoms. It is also known as Angelica sinensis and is considered to be a "female ginseng" due to its ability to regulate female hormones. Dong Quai has been used for centuries to treat irregular periods, menstrual cramps, and menopausal symptoms. Studies have shown that Dong Quai can be effective in alleviating hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness.
In a study published in the journal Menopause, researchers found that women who took Dong Quai supplements for 12 weeks experienced a significant reduction in hot flashes and night sweats compared to the placebo group. Another study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research found that Dong Quai improved vaginal dryness and overall sexual function in menopausal women.
Rhemannia herb for Menopause
Rhemannia is another Chinese herb that has been used to treat menopausal symptoms. It is also known as Rehmannia glutinosa and is considered to be a Yin tonic, which means it nourishes and balances the Yin energy in the body. Rhemannia has been traditionally used to treat fatigue, dizziness, and other symptoms associated with menopause. Studies have shown that Rhemannia can be effective in improving bone health and cognitive function in menopausal women.
This meta-analysis demonstrates Chinese Herbal Medicine being beneficial for hot flashes related to menopause. More research is needed and often the issue is research methodology and how it aligns with Chinese Medicine principles. It’s like trying to fit a square peg into a round box.
Finding a practitioner who can help you find the right herbs for Menopause and related symptoms
Chinese herbal medicine takes a holistic approach to health and emphasizes the balance and harmony of the body. Chinese herbs are often used in combination with other herbs to create formulas that address the individual needs of the patient. It is important to consult a qualified Chinese herbal practitioner before taking any Chinese herbs to ensure their safety and effectiveness.
A quick note on that, when seeking out practitioners they must have a designation of R.TCMP (Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner) or DTCM (Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine). If your practitioner has a designation of R.Ac (Registered Acupuncturist) this means they have not done the proper training and passed the required exams to be able to include Chinese Herbal Medicine in their practice. I would also caution against taking Chinese Herbs from a Naturopath as they don’t have adequate TCM training to really understand herbs in this way. Naturopaths are incredible at a lot of things and a huge benefit to so many people. It’s simply a matter of how they were trained to understand Chinese herbs.
Chinese herbs and Chinese herbal medicine can provide significant benefits for women going through menopause. Dong Quai and Rhemannia are two Chinese herbs that have been shown to be effective in alleviating menopausal symptoms, improving bone health, and enhancing cognitive function. As always, it is essential to consult a qualified Chinese herbal practitioner before taking any Chinese herbs to ensure their safety and effectiveness.
If you have questions please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.