The Health Diva

There are a number of herbs that have traditionally been used at the menopause. We advise against using herbs if you are taking the pill, Fertility Drugs, or HRT. Always consult your GP If you are taking any prescribed medications, before you start taking any herbal remedy.

HerbRT

HerbRT is a combination of the herbs Chinese angelica, wild yam, red clover,fenugreek, hops and fennel. It is a liquid formula containing the herbs in the highest concentration that can be achieved in a liquid extract. The base of the formula contains no alcohol like most other liquid herbal preparations today. Instead, the base is vegetable glycerine, making it suitable for vegetarians and those for whom alcohol is forbidden.

HerbRT is based upon herbs that contain phyto-oestrogenic chemicals. The phyto-oestrogens found in herbs work because it provides a mild oestrogenic effect. However, the phyto-oestrogens are not associated with the same side-effects as the synthetic, drug type oestrogens. In fact, the phyto-oestrogens are linked to many health benefits. Apart from helping to reduce the symptoms of the menopause and restore lost energy they protect the heart and circulation and fight against osteoporosis.

Agnus Castus

This is by far the most potent remedy for hot flushes as it contains the chemical precursors of the sex hormones. It stimulates and normalises the function of the pituitary gland which controls and balances the hormones in our body. This is one of the most important herbs you can take at the menopause because it works as an adaptogen, generally balancing all hormone production.

Black Cohosh

Black Cohosh, a herb used by the Native North Americans, is very effective in restoring female hormonal balance and helps to relieve menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes and vaginal dryness.

Damiana

Damiana is a pituitary regulator and antidepressant. It is also an aphrodisiac and is of benefit for sexual difficulties. It should not be taken too frequently, however, or it may irritate the lining of the urinary tract.

Damask Rose

The onset of the menopause can find many women experiencing heavier periods. This type of excessive bleeding is usually referred to as dysfunctional uterine bleeding. Rose can help to alleviate the heavy bleeding.

The most common use of Rose is in the treatment of heavy periods (menorrhagia), particularly when due to fibroids or endometriosis. Whilst helping to curb the heavy bleeding we must also remember that traditionally this herb is used to actually treat the fibroids and the cysts of endometriosis themselves, not just their consequences. Fibroids, are particularly obstinate. There is some evidence to suggest that the use of herbs like Rose over the long term (we’re talking 6 months plus here) does seem to have a positive influence on the fibroids.

Dong Quai

Chinese Angelica has been used for centuries as a powerful female restorative. The Chinese call this herb Dong Quai, which literally translated means ‘state of return’. It certainly can return women to a state of optimum health and vitality. A potent blood builder Dong Quai helps to restore basic constitutional strength and energy. A powerful phyto oestrogen it helps to ease many of the symptoms associated with menopause. Dong Quai can improve blood flow to the womb and as such can initially increase the periods heaviness.

Milk Thistle

During the menopause, the liver can become overtaxed, trying to cope with surges of hormones and trying to adapt to the transition that the body is going through. Which is why so many women become over sensitive to chemicals and food.

In addition to reducing the toxic overload by trying to eat sensibly (lots of veggies and organic if possible), it’s a good idea to supplement with milk thistle to help the liver give

Peony

Peony is our top selling remedy to combat hot flushes. Peonies are excellent aids to reducing the discomfort of hot flushes and the sweats that often accompany them. Traditionally the peonies are particularly applied to the headaches, dizziness and blurred vision associated with the menopause. In other words they help to clear that ‘fuzzy head’.

Sage

Sage has many medicinal properties and is very useful during menopause for the treatment of hot flashes. Sage reduces excessive sweating and it contains plant estrogens. You will find sage particularly helpful in eliminating night sweats.

SHATAVARI

Shatavari is the foremost female uterine tonic. Primarily used as a menstrual regulator in dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia and menstrual irregularity. As pittadosha moves in the blood and the arthavasrota- the menstrual channel- the cycle is often upset by irregularities involving excess heat. This heat can condense the blood (due to dehydration), cause it to move too quickly (due to its catalytic activity), cause it to overflow (due to its rebellious nature), cause inflammations (due to its irritating tendency). An excellent tonic for female fertility as Shatavari’s unctuous properties increase the reproductive fluids and enhance conception and uterine strength. Very useful in menopausal symptoms with hot flushes, irritability, irregular memory, dryness.

St John’s Wort

St John’s Wort is a mild sedative that is specific for anxiety states. It may also be useful for combating depression.

Soya Isoflavones

Soya Isoflavones have been found very protective for breast tissue, also go recent studies have found that soya isoflavones can reduce menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes and increase bone density in women. Indeed, many menopausal and post-menopausal health problems may result from a lack of isoflavones in the typical Western diet.

Isoflavones from soya or red clover may be helpful for symptoms of menopause.

Red Clover

Red Clover contains isoflavones a plant estrogen, which has thrust Red Clover into the limelight as one of the best treatments for all menopausal symptoms. Red Clover basically, helps to maintain the health of tissues that rely on oestrogen for their health. This includes the bones, vaginal membranes and the heart and blood vessels. Red Clover can even be added to creams and applied to the vaginal membranes as a treatment for vaginal dryness. Long term use of Red Clover will help to reduce hot flushes and restore lost energy, thus enhancing quality of life, and sex life!

Raspberry Leaf

Raspberry Leaf is an astringent and nutritive estrogenic herb. It has a direct action on the muscles of the uterus, helps to tone weakened uterine muscles, and relaxes uterine and intestinal spasms. It also assists in correcting prolapse of the uterus and/or vagina.

Wild Yam

Wild Yam contains a specific group of phyto-oestrogens called the steroidal saponins. These saponins share the same basic 4 ring structure as human steroid hormones such as the female hormones oestrogen and progestrone. In fact, wild yam used to be the starting point for the manufacture of drugs such as oestrogen.

Because of its chemistry wild yam is perfect in the treatment of menopausal problems. It is best taken internally, although it has actually found its way into creams.

It will help to reduce symptoms such as hot flushes and because it has a mild anti-inflammatory effect, ease joint aches and pains too. It is a useful aid to withdrawal from HRT. Great with Dong Quai, black cohosh and Damask Rose.