Hot Tips

"HOT" SUPPLEMENTS: Going back to our roots

SAGE: Sage is far more than just a good herb for turkey stuffing. It has so many beneficial properties and such a rich history; it's hard to know where to begin. Sage has always been known to be good for hot flashes and mental clarity. In 1597, the herbalist John Gerard said that sage was "singularly good for the head and quickeneth the nerves and memory." For centuries, menopausal women have understood the importance of sage in reducing night sweats. In addition, it is an antiseptic useful as a gargle for sore throats; and, as a compress, it can speed healing of cuts and wounds. Ingested as a cold tea, it can arrest diarrhea. If that weren't enough, you can rinse it in your hair in sage to get rid of dandruff and promote a healthy shine! Forget the turkey, eat the herb.

PRIMROSE OIL: (also known as evening primrose) this wonderful long-standing supplement promotes the production of estrogen, aids in weight loss and reduces high blood pressure. Many of the hot flash "veterans" I have encountered say they definitely notice the difference when they have forgotten to take their primrose regularly. It is an "essential fatty acid" that also prevents hardening of the arteries, heart disease, multiple sclerosis, and high blood pressure. There's a lot here to consider and hold in high regard. I take primrose religiously and feel that it has made my flashes less intense and offers a more relaxed sleep. Another similar supplement with promising benefits is black currant seed oil. If you have estrogen-receptor positive breast cancer you need to weigh this option as well. It is all up to you.

LINDEN: This is popular herb used more widely in Europe than in the U.S.. It comes from the flowers of the tilia cordata (small-leafed) or tilia platphyllos (large-leafed) Linden tree. Consistent scientific data shows substantial health benefits from linden. It produces a general, calming sedative effect quite similar to chamomile, but without the allergic reaction. (hay fever sufferers should not use chamomile) A traditional European herbal remedy for anxiety, linden is also good for and upset stomach, intestinal gas, tension headache, restlessness, heart palpitations, hypertension (high blood pressure), and even the common cold. At present, there are no known interactions between linden and conventional medications, but if you have an existing heart condition, you shouldn't use it. The tea has a pleasant, woody flavor that never gets too strong. One to two cups a day is the recommended dosage.

PASSIONFLOWER: The name actually references the crucifixion: the three stamens of the flower represent the wounds of Jesus, the twelve petals, the Apostles. Passionflower produces a fruit that used to be eaten raw or cooked into jellies and jams. The leaves were also used in salads. The flavonoids in passionflower help lower blood pressure relax and reduce anxiety, ergo: good for sleep and better attitudes. Also called maypop.....as in "I maypop my cork at any minute if I don't get some."

BLACK COHOSH: This herb has been the backbone of many commercial hot flash remedies. But this is not a quick fix. You will have to take it for several months before you notice any positive changes. Hang in there. Black cohosh lowers blood pressure and cholesterol levels, relieves menopausal symptoms, menstrual cramps and morning sickness (remember that lovely stuff?) and is helpful for arthritis and poisonous snake bites. So keep that cohosh handy when you're out there rustlin' rattlers, Darlin'.

 

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"Information supplied by FLASHionables, Inc. is not intended, nor should it be construed, as a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your health care provider to make sure your complaints are menopause related and follow his or her advice before changing your dietary regimen."