Which Herbal Remedies Offer Relief From Hot Flashes And Other Menopause Symptoms?

herbalist with herbs for women

Women use phytoestrogens and supplements to help ease hot flashes, improve sleep, improve mood, and reduce other menopause symptoms. They represent potential alternatives to hormone therapy but are not without risks. pausitive health examines the science, risks, and reported health benefits of popular herbal remedies for menopause.

Table of Contents
    Add a header to begin generating the table of contents

    Herbs for menopause

    For women who don’t want to take hormone therapy or can’t take it, herbs are one of dozens of non-hormonal alternatives to manage menopause symptoms. 
     
    While herbs may seem like the “natural” alternative to hormone therapy, “natural” is not always better.
     
    Research studies show inconsistent results and advice varies among global health and pharmaceutical agencies.
     
    There is also a lack of regulatory oversight, so exercise caution. All products are not the same, and potency can vary.
     
    Additionally, potentially life-threatening interactions with medications can occur, just as is the case with drug-drug interaction adverse events.
    Still, women+ frequently use herbs to manage menopause symptoms. 
     
    Like everything else, talk to a healthcare professional before taking any of these popular menopausal herbs. A consultation with a licensed, certified practitioner specifically trained in herbal medicine is a good investment, as most Western clinicians do not have the knowledge base to provide comprehensive guidance.
     
    Which herb are you interested in learning more about?
     
    Which Herbal Remedies Offer Relief From Hot Flashes and Other Menopause Symptoms

    What is black cohosh?

    Black cohosh, also called bugowrth, macrotys, black snakeroot, rattleroot, and rattleweed, is a herb found in North America. The roots and underground stems are used in dietary supplements, teas, and liquid extracts.
     
    Native Americans used it for musculoskeletal pain, fever, cough, pneumonia, sluggish labor, and menstrual irregularities.
     
    European settlers used it to support women’s reproductive health.
     
    Remifemin is a popular black cohosh extract.
     

    Black cohosh menopause benefits

    Many women use black cohosh for menopausal symptoms and conditions, including:
    Black cohosh is one of the most commonly purchased botanicals for menopause, although recommendations vary.
     
    Black cohosh may be combined with other herbs, including red clover and St. Johns’s wort, to treat menopause symptoms.
     

    Clinical studies

    • A 2012 review of 16 earlier studies found there’s not enough evidence to support the contention of an improvement in menopause symptoms. In the studies, women took between 8 to 160 mg/day with a 40 mg/day median dose. There was no difference in hot flashes between black cohosh and placebo.
    • An Indian study found a black cohosh extract provided some benefits over a placebo, but not as much symptom relief as hormone therapy. The researchers noted more long-term clinical safety research is needed.

    Remifemin®

    Many of the studies examine the effects of Remifemin®, a tablet that contains black cohosh. In one randomized, double-blinded clinical trial published in 2005, women experienced hot flash relief.
     
    If you buy Remifemin, the product description indicates a 70% reduction in hot flashes, night sweats, irritability, mood swings, occasional sleeplessness, and anxiety.
     
    Talk to your doctor before using black cohosh.
     

    Recommendations for using black cohosh for menopause

    Study results are inconsistent, and due to variations in the studies, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) can’t say with certainty if black cohosh helps with menopause.
     
    However, the European Medicines Agency, Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC) advises women to use black cohosh for hot flashes and excessive sweating. They also recommend women talk to their doctor if they take it for more than six months.
     
    Additionally, the German equivalent of the FDA convened an expert panel (Commission E) to evaluate the safety of black cohosh. Commission E recommended the herb for PMS, menstrual cramps, and menopause symptoms for use for six months or less.
     

    Side effects of black cohosh

    Reported side effects tend to be mild and may include cramping, an upset stomach, headache, a feeling of heaviness, vaginal spotting or bleeding, and weight gain.
     
    According to NCCIH, in clinical trials, women took black cohosh for up to 12 months with no significant problems.
     

    Liver damage warning

    However, NCCIH cautions about potential liver damage in rare cases, although it’s unclear if the black cohosh caused the liver damage.

    If you develop abdominal pain, dark urine, or jaundice while taking the supplement, stop use immediately and talk to your healthcare provider.
     
    Australia became the first country to require a warning label about possible liver damage risk on black cohosh products. Other countries, including the UK, also require the warning label.
     
    The Australian Menopause Society does not recommend black cohosh due to inconsistent evidence and possible safety concerns.
     
    There’s always also the risk of interaction with other medications with all herbs. The risk seems small with black cohosh, although it may affect statin medications that control cholesterol levels.
     
    If you have a liver disorder or are experiencing hot flashes related to breast cancer treatment, talk to your doctor before taking black cohosh products.
    herbal menopause hot flash relief St. Johns Wart

    St. John’s Wort

    The name of this plant comes from St. John the Baptist because the plant bloomed around the time of the feast in late June. The use of St. John’s Wort dates back to the ancient Greeks.
     
    It’s used for various conditions, from wound care and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to depression and menopausal symptoms.
     
    It’s unclear if it’s helpful for menopause, although NCCIH says it may be beneficial.
     

    St. John’s Wort and black cohosh may help hot flashes

    One study showed St. John’s wort was effective for hot flashes in perimenopausal and post-menopausal women.
     
    When St. John’s wort is combined with black cohosh, studies show a decrease in climacteric complaints (hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, pain during intercourse) and depression.
     
    A German observational study of 6141 women found black cohosh used with St. John’s wort alleviated climacteric mood symptoms. According to the researchers, the combination treatment was superior to black cohosh alone.
     
    Some studies show it’s as effective as standard antidepressant medications for mild and moderate depression for up to 12 weeks. But, overall, the depression studies are inconsistent.
     

    Side effects

    St. John’s wort can make you more sensitive to the sun and can also increase your blood pressure.
     
    There is also clear evidence that there can be dangerous and sometimes life-threatening side effects, including interactions with other medications, especially antidepressants. You should not use it in place of other antidepressants.
     

    It can weaken the effects of other medicines, including:

    • Antidepressants
    • Birth control pills
    • Cyclosporine
    • Some heart medications
    • Some HIV drugs
    • Some cancer drugs
    • Warfarin
    • Some statins

    Most studies focus on taking St. John’s wort for up to 12 weeks.

    herbal menopause hot flash relief primrose oil

    Evening Primrose

    The bright yellow flower, evening primrose, is the plant used to create oils and supplements that many menopausal women take to relieve menopausal symptoms.

    It’s also used for women during other stages of life, including premenstrual syndrome, to help with breast pain.

    Benefits

    People also take evening primrose oil for other conditions like eczema and rheumatoid arthritis.

    While generally considered safe for adults, there is little evidence of its effectiveness.

    Most studies have focused on evening primrose oil for eczema and breast pain. But, the NCCIH says there’s not enough evidence to support its use for any health condition.

    Side effects

    Side effects include temporary gastrointestinal symptoms like abdominal pain, fullness, diarrhea, and nausea. Inflammation, problems with blood clotting, and the immune system may also occur.

    Evening primrose oil may also induce seizures in schizophrenic patients on antipsychotic medications. It should not be taken with anticoagulants or phenothiazines (a psychotherapeutic agent).

    Drug interactions with herbs are always a concern, so talk with your doctor and check with a pharmacist.

    herbal menopause hot flash relief vitex angus cactus

    Vitex Agnus-Castus

    You may have heard of agnus-castus (panj-angosht in Persian) or chasteberry, as it’s commonly used to balance female hormones “naturally.” Women use it to treat premenstrual syndrome (PMS), nursing difficulties, menstrual disorders, infertility, and acne.
     
    Agnus-castus is a plant native to the Mediterranean. Vitex is a fruit on the plant, and the most commonly used for medicinal purposes, including menopause symptoms. It contains phytoestrogens, which many menopausal women seek out to balance their hormones.
     

    Menopause benefits

    In a small randomized, double-blind study in Korea, Vitex agnus-castus extract significantly lowered menopausal symptoms compared to the placebo group. Women experienced less anxiety and vasomotor dysfunction.
     
    There was no improvement in sexual dysfunction or depression.
     
    However, other studies have shown no improvement, including one trial of a combination treatment with St. John’s wort and Vitex agnus-castus. While the treatment was well tolerated, there were no benefits over taking nothing. The women in this study were in late perimenopause or post-menopausal.
     

    Side effects

    Mild stomach upset, rash, and itching are the most common side effects, but they only affect about 2% of users.
    herbal menopause hot flashes relief hops

    Can hops help with menopause symptoms?

    Those hops that make beer bitter may be a sweet surprise for menopausal women+. They contain phytoestrogens (substances that occur naturally in plants with a similar chemical structure to estrogen) and help with various menopause symptoms, including sleep disturbances, fatigue, and vaginal dryness.
     

    Hops used for medicinal purposes are often found in powder or capsule form.

    Do you ever feel sleepy after you drink a beer? While alcohol and menopause don’t necessarily mix, a hop supplement or non-alcoholic beer may have a similar effect.
     

    Hops may help with sleep

    In an Australian review of 16 studies, 12 studies found valerian (another herb) on its own or with hops improved sleep quality and helped the participants fall asleep faster.
     
    In a very small study, 17 nurses who worked rotating or night shifts drank non-alcoholic beer. It helped them fall asleep faster, and their anxiety levels decreased.
     

    Hops and hot flashes

    While alcohol can make hot flashes worse, hops on their own may help your hot flashes. In a study of 36 menopausal women, hops extract was an effective alternative for women looking for relief from hot flashes.
     
    They received the extract for sixteen weeks.
     

    Hops and osteoporosis

    A laboratory study also indicate a hops extract and its active component, xanthohumol, could help with bone loss when it’s linked to iron overload.
     
    When we talk about hops, we’re referring to the herbal kind and not beer. The latest research suggests limiting or eliminating alcohol use due to the risks associated with it, including fracture. 
     

    Side effects

    While there are concerns about herb-drug interactions, Oregon State University researchers found hops are relatively safe even when taken with other prescriptions. However, they may cause you to feel tired and worsen depression.
     
    Since they have estrogen-like qualities, people with endometriosis and certain types of breast cancer should avoid them.
     
    Do not take hops with alcohol or other sleep aids or depressants.
     
    Hops can also cause a reaction in people with allergies to birch pollen.
    valerian herbal remedy for hot flash

    Valerian

    Valerian (garden heliotrope) is a plant that grows in North America but is native to Europe and Asia. The roots and underground stems are used for medicinal purposes, and its use dates back to the ancient Greeks and Romans.
     
    Valerian is a phytoestrogen. During menopause, women use it to help with sleep and hot flashes.
     
    It’s also used for migraines, fatigue, stomach cramps, anxiety, depression, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and headaches.
     

    Can valerian help you sleep better during menopause?

    Results are inconsistent on its effectiveness for sleep.
     
    In a triple-blind, randomized controlled trial of 100 postmenopausal women, there was a statistical difference in sleep quality for 100 post-menopausal women with insomnia.
     
    Thirty percent of the women experienced improved sleep quality. However, only four percent of the placebo participants saw enhanced sleep.
     
    Though generally supportive, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine does not recommend the use of valerian for chronic insomnia. 
     

    Valerian and hot flashes

    There was a meaningful statistical difference in hot flashes in a clinical trial of 68 menopausal women published in the Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research.
     
    Women took a 255 mg Valerian capsule three times a day for eight weeks.
     

    Side effects

    Valerian is generally safe when used for a short period.
     
    Side effects include headaches, stomach upset, mental dullness, excitability, uneasiness, dry mouth, heart disturbances, and insomnia. Vivid dreams have also been reported.
     
    Do not take valerian with alcohol or other sedatives, since valerian has a similar effect.
    herbal menopause hot flash sage

    Sage

    Sage is a common garden herb that can be used in food and is found in tea, essential oils, and capsules/tablets.
     
    It’s commonly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine and may be used for a sore throat, memory loss, diabetes, and high cholesterol.
     
    Menopausal women also use sage for night sweats, hot flashes, and mood swings.
     
    However, studies of efficacy are limited, and the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) says it has not been shown to help any health condition.
     

    Sage hot flash benefits

    In a clinical trial in Switzerland, menopausal women took a daily sage tablet for eight weeks. These women had at least five hot flashes a day. After two months, they saw a 64% decrease in hot flashes.
     
    The number of hot flashes per day also decreased each week. In eight weeks, the worst hot flashes decreased by 100%. The mean number for the other types of hot flashes decreased by:
     
    • Mild – 46%
    • Moderate – 62%
    • Severe – 79%
    • Very severe – 100%

    Sage and seizure side effect

    Some forms of sage, including common sage (Salvia officinalis), contain thujone, which can cause seizures. There are reports of seizures with the consumption of sage essential oil, which has high amounts of thujone.
     
    Look for products that say thujone-free to avoid this complication.
    herbal menopause hot flashes relief red clover

    What is red clover?

    It may look like a flower, but red clover is a legume, like peas and beans. It contains substances known as isoflavones, which are structurally related to estrogen.

    Women use red clover supplements and teas to treat menopause symptoms, osteoporosis, and high cholesterol.

    While the evidence is inconclusive and the Australian Menopause Society does not recommend women+ use it because of the lack of evidence, many women still take red clover. However, The Menopause Society, points out that women claim red clover helps them, and there are few side effects and serious health issues.

    Post-menopausal studies

    Some studies show benefits for post-menopausal women.

    When taking red clover extract isoflavones, one study showed post-menopausal women saw improvement in:

    • scalp hair
    • skin status
    • libido
    • mood
    • sleep
    • energy

    In another study, red clover reduced postmenopausal women’s daily vasomotor frequency and intensity.

    Yet another, found fermented red clover can help slow bone loss.

    Red clover and anxiety

    Research studies often test red clover’s effectiveness with black cohosh or other soy isoflavones.

    Compared to the placebo, there was no difference in vasomotor symptoms in a study of red clover and black cohosh extracts.

    However, red clover significantly reduced anxiety over time, which women also experience during menopause along with other moodiness. 

    Red clover and osteoporosis

    During menopause, women+ can lose up to 20% of their bone density.

    A study of fermented red clover on post-menopausal women showed the herb can slow down bone loss. The women in the placebo group lost about 5% of their bone mass, while those who took the red clover maintained their bone density.
     

    The fermentation process makes the red clover stronger.

    A laboratory study also showed positive effects on bone density.

    Osteoporosis is often a silent disease until you experience a complication, so all women+ should try to prevent it with lifestyle changes like exercise and food rich in nutrients you need. You can also use medication to treat osteoporosis, although there is no cure.

    Red clover and heart health

    Heart health is a concern for women+ on the menopause journey. During the hormonal transition, a woman’s lipid profile (cholesterol and triglycerides) can change. It’s one cardiovascular risk during the menopause journey.

    Some studies show red clover can help improve the cholesterol and triglycerides in peri and post-menopausal women. As a result, heart health can improve.

    Red clover and hot flashes

    Hot flashes are one of the most common symptoms of the menopause journey, but you may find relief with red clover. 

    In a study, red clover helped women+ with more than 5 hot flashes a day. 

    Side effects

    There are potentially several menopausal benefits of red clover, and in most cases, side effects are minimal.

    During trials, women took red clover for three years without any increased risks.

    Red clover may not be safe, though, for menopausal women+ who have contraindications to the use of hormone therapy containing estrogen.

    herbal menopause hot flash dong quai

    What is dong quai?

    If you don’t know the name dong quai, you’ve probably heard of the foods in which it has its roots. These include parsley, carrots, and celery.
     
    Dong quai is a plant that’s often referred to as the “women’s herb,” as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has used it for female health concerns for over 1200 years.
     
    People use dong quai for menopause symptoms, menstrual cramps, migraines, and other conditions.
     

    Research

    Research studies are limited, and experts point out there is no good scientific evidence for its use.
     
    In a randomized clinical study, dong quai did not reduce hot flashes.
     
    However, Traditional Chinese Medicine experts point out the preparations in that study differed from their use of dong quai.
     

    Risks

    Women with fibroids, blood-clotting problems, or who take drugs that affect clotting should not take dong quai, as bleeding complications can occur.
     
    Side effects include gas, burping, high blood pressure, and sun sensitivity.
     
    It’s generally safe when taken for up to six months but know it may contain chemicals that cause cancer.
    herbal menopause hot flash ginseng

    Ginseng

    Ginseng is widely available and commonly used for a myriad of issues, including improving overall health, reducing stress, and boosting energy and the immune system. It can be found in juices and supplements.
     
    There are also various forms of ginseng, including red ginseng, also known as panax ginseng.
     

    Benefits

    The evidence is limited, although menopausal women most commonly use it for mood swings and sleep disruption.
     

    Studies

    A systemic review of research showed benefits for sexual function and arousal during menopause.
     
    There have also been studies on Korean Red Ginseng in post-menopausal women with various other symptoms, including osteoarthritis in the hand.
     
    Another study found benefits of red ginseng on menopausal symptoms and cardiovascular risk in post-menopausal women.
     

    Side effects

    Asian ginseng can cause insomnia, which menopausal women certainly don’t need, since sleeping may already be difficult. There is also some evidence it can impact your blood sugar.
     
    It may also interact with some medications. Use this tool to learn more.
    herbal menopause hot flash Kava

    Kava

    Kava is part of the pepper family and native to the islands of the Western Pacific. It’s also known as kava kava, ava pepper, ava root, and kawa.
     
    Kava is well known for its effectiveness against anxiety. It’s also used for insomnia and other conditions, including menopause symptoms.
     

    Research benefits

    One small Italian study of 80 perimenopausal women showed significant improvements in menopausal symptoms.
     
    The women showed improvement in anxiety. In this study, kava did not improve depression and climacteric symptoms.
     
    While many women use herbs instead of hormone therapy, kava has also benefited those with post-menopausal anxiety when used with hormone therapy.
     

    Potential liver damage

    Side effects include nausea, gastric pain, headache, dizziness, and, more seriously, liver damage. It can be fatal, but the cause and incidence of liver damage are unclear.
     

    Guidance around the world

    Knowledge is power. While study results are inconsistent for many herbs, many women still use them to manage menopause symptoms.
     
    The Australian Menopause Society makes it easy to decipher between all the herbal remedies with a checklist of complementary medicine for menopause. They use a color-coded traffic light system to help women understand if they can safely use the plant, proceed with caution, or should avoid the herb.
     
    They also advise women not to use wild yam cream, red clover, omega-3 supplements, black cohosh, or evening primrose oil.
     
    And indicate that add that St. John’s Wort and soy isoflavones or phytoestrogens can be used with caution.
     
    However, anecdotally, women report success with some herbs the Australian Menopause Society does not recommend.
     
    Deciding what to take is a personal one, and it’s best to consider the research and safety in comparison with your symptoms, personal health circumstances and family history, and health goals.

    Always talk with your doctor being using herbal preparations.

    Additionally, check with a pharmacist regarding potential interactions with medications you may be taking in order to avoid an adverse event. And a consultation with a healthcare practitioner trained, licensed, and certified in herbal medicine would be a good investment if you want to take advantage of the potential benefits of this approach in a way that will be safe and optimizes effectiveness.

    Herbal medicine experts

     
    Always talk to your doctor before taking any herbs.
     
    Since herbs are supplements, they are considered foods, not drugs, by the FDA. So, they are not subject to the same scrutiny as a drug. Manufacturing, testing, and labeling standards may not be consistent.
     
    Also, there’s the risk of drug-herb interactions. So, watch for side effects carefully when taking the herb.
     
    Find a registered herbalist with the American Herbalists Guild. A consultation with a healthcare practitioner trained, licensed, and certified in herbal medicine would be a good investment if you want to take advantage of the potential benefits of this approach in a way that will be safe and optimizes effectiveness.
     
    During a pausitive health webinar, guest contributor, clinical herbalist Kay SIdahmed PhD, MS talked about how herbal medicine can help menopausal symptoms.
     
     

    How to find a naturopathic doctor

    Herbalists only study herbs.
     
    A naturopathic doctor receives training in clinical nutrition, lifestyle counseling, botanical and nutraceutical medicine, and other treatment modalities.
     
    Naturopathic medicine practitioners are taught to use a holistic approach with a focus on leveraging the self-healing powers of the body and to evaluate mental, emotional, physical, genetic, environmental, and social factors that can impact health and well-being. 
     
    The Institute for Natural Medicine recommends medicinal plants that contain phytoestrogens to help with menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, energy, and mood. These may include ginseng, red clover, and soy.
     
    However, some of these herbs may not be appropriate for some women+ depending on their clinical status and medical history.
     
    They may recommend non-phytoestrogen plants like black cohosh and kava for hot flashes.
     
    The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians provides a resource directory to find doctors who attended an accredited school, passed an exam, and hold a license.
     
     
    Finally, understand your options and their risks, as “natural” is not always risk or side effect-free, and it’s important to consult with a trained professional. Remember you have many options to help you make a change for the better during the menopause journey, and not all of them involve hormones. 

    Black cohosh | National Institutes of Health 

    The Menopause Society. Nonhormonal management of menopause-associated vasomotor symptoms: 2015 position statement of The Menopause Society. Menopause: The Journal of The Menopause Society
    Vol. 22, No. 11, pp. 1155-1174 doi: 10.1097/GME.0000000000000546

    Leach MJ, Moore V. Black cohosh (Cimicifuga spp.) for menopausal symptoms. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012 Sep 12;2012(9):CD007244. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD007244.pub2. PMID: 22972105; PMCID: PMC6599854.

    Mohapatra S, Iqubal A, Ansari MJ, Jan B, Zahiruddin S, Mirza MA, Ahmad S, Iqbal Z. Benefits of Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) for Women Health: An Up-Close and In-Depth Review. Pharmaceuticals. 2022; 15(3):278. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph15030278

    Mohapatra S, Iqubal A, Ansari MJ, Jan B, Zahiruddin S, Mirza MA, Ahmad S, Iqbal Z. Benefits of Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) for Women Health: An Up-Close and In-Depth Review. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2022 Feb 23;15(3):278. doi: 10.3390/ph15030278. PMID: 35337076; PMCID: PMC8953734.

    Qin Z, Dong Z, Liu J, Zhong A, Bao M, Wang H, Yu H, Zhang S, Zhang W, Shen L, Wu J, Chen J. A Preliminary Study on the Effects of Black Cohosh Preparations on Bone Metabolism of Rat Models With GnRH-a-Induced Peri-Menopausal Symptoms. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2022 Jun 9;13:854345. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2022.854345. PMID: 35757412; PMCID: PMC9224413.

    Osmers R., MD, PhD, Friede M., PhD, Liske, E., PhD, Schnitker, Joerg, PhD, Freudenstein J., PhD, Henneicke-von Zepelin H., PhD. Efficacy and Safety of Isopropanolic Black Cohosh Extract for Climacteric Symptoms. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. 2005 May. Vol 105, 5, 1.  doi:10.1097/01.AOG.0000158865.98070.89

    Black Cohosh | National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health 

    Cimicifugae rhizoma | European Medicines Agency

    Summary of Data for Chemical Selection: Black cohosh | National Toxicology Program with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

    Remifemin | Australian Government – Department of Health and Aged Care Therapeutic Goods Administration 

    Complementary medicine options for menopausal symptoms | Australian Menopause Society

    Herb-Drug Interactions: What the Science Says – Black Cohosh | National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health

    Uebelhack R, Blohmer JU, Graubaum HJ, Busch R, Gruenwald J, Wernecke KD. Black cohosh and St. John’s wort for climacteric complaints: a randomized trial. Obstet Gynecol. 2006 Feb;107(2 Pt 1):247-55. doi: 10.1097/01.AOG.0000196504.49378.83. PMID: 16449108.

    Cheung AM. Black cohosh and St John’s wort reduced climacteric and depressive symptoms. Evid Based Med. 2006 Oct;11(5):148. doi: 10.1136/ebm.11.5.148. PMID: 17213150.

    Briese V., Stammwitz U., Friede M., Henneicke-von Zepelin H. Black cohosh with or without St. John’s Wort for symptom-specific climacteric treatment – Results of a large-scale, controlled, observational study. Maturitas 57 (2007) 405-414. doi:10.1016/j.maturitas.2007.04.008

    St. John’s Wort and Depression: In Depth | National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health

    Evening Primrose Oil | National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health

    What are the uses of primrose oil? | Healthline Media

    Naseri R, Farnia V, Yazdchi K, Alikhani M, Basanj B, Salemi S. Comparison of Vitex agnus-castus Extracts with Placebo in Reducing Menopausal Symptoms: A Randomized Double-Blind Study. Korean J Fam Med. 2019 Nov;40(6):362-367. doi: 10.4082/kjfm.18.0067. Epub 2019 May 9. PMID: 31067851; PMCID: PMC6887765.

    van Die MD, Burger HG, Bone KM, Cohen MM, Teede HJ. Hypericum perforatum with Vitex agnus-castus in menopausal symptoms: a randomized, controlled trial. Menopause. 2009 Jan-Feb;16(1):156-63. doi: 10.1097/gme.0b013e31817fa9e0. PMID: 18791483.

    Salter S., Brownie S. Treating primary insomnia. Australian Family Physician. 2010 June. Vol 39. No 6. 

    Franco L., Sánchez C., Bravo R., Rodríguez A., Barriga C., Romero E., Cubero J. The Sedative Effect of Non-Alcoholic Beer in Healthy Female Nurses. 2012 July 18. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0037290

    Sun X, Xia T, Zhang S, Zhang J, Xu L, Han T, Xin H. Hops extract and xanthohumol ameliorate bone loss induced by iron overload via activating Akt/GSK3β/Nrf2 pathway. J Bone Miner Metab. 2022 May;40(3):375-388. doi: 10.1007/s00774-021-01295-2. Epub 2022 Feb 1. PMID: 35106609.

    Bone Health and Postmenopausal Women | Endocrine Society

    Erkkola R., Vervarcke S., Vansteedlandt S., Rompotti P., De Keukeleire D., Heyerick A. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over pilot study on the use of a standardized hop extract to alleviate menopausal discomforts. Phytomedicine. 2010 May. Vol. 17. Issue 6. Pgs 389-396. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2010.01.007

    Good news for menopausal women taking hop supplements: Tests show no drug interactions | Oregon State University 

    No level of alcohol consumption is safe for our health | World Health Organization

    Taavoni, Simin MS1; Ekbatani, Neda BS1; Kashaniyan, Maryam MD2; Haghani, Hamid MS3. Effect of valerian on sleep quality in postmenopausal women: a randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial. Menopause 18(9):p 951-955, September 2011. | doi: 10.1097/gme.0b013e31820e9acf

    Mirabi P, Mojab F. The effects of valerian root on hot flashes in menopausal women. Iran J Pharm Res. 2013 Winter;12(1):217-22. PMID: 24250592; PMCID: PMC3813196.

    Sage | National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health

    Bommer S, Klein P, Suter A. First time proof of sage’s tolerability and efficacy in menopausal women with hot flushes. Adv Ther. 2011 Jun;28(6):490-500. doi: 10.1007/s12325-011-0027-z. Epub 2011 May 16. PMID: 21630133.

    Geller SE, Shulman LP, van Breemen RB, Banuvar S, Zhou Y, Epstein G, Hedayat S, Nikolic D, Krause EC, Piersen CE, Bolton JL, Pauli GF, Farnsworth NR. Safety and efficacy of black cohosh and red clover for the management of vasomotor symptoms: a randomized controlled trial. Menopause. 2009 Nov-Dec;16(6):1156-66. doi: 10.1097/gme.0b013e3181ace49b. PMID: 19609225; PMCID: PMC2783540.

    Lipovac M, Chedraui P, Gruenhut C, Gocan A, Kurz C, Neuber B, Imhof M. Effect of Red Clover Isoflavones over Skin, Appendages, and Mucosal Status in Postmenopausal Women. Obstet Gynecol Int. 2011;2011:949302. doi: 10.1155/2011/949302. Epub 2011 Nov 1. PMID: 22135679; PMCID: PMC3206499.

    Lipovac M, Chedraui P, Gruenhut C, Gocan A, Kurz C, Neuber B, Imhof M. The effect of red clover isoflavone supplementation over vasomotor and menopausal symptoms in postmenopausal women. Gynecol Endocrinol. 2012 Mar;28(3):203-7. doi: 10.3109/09513590.2011.593671. Epub 2011 Aug 26. PMID: 21870906.

    Powles TJ, Howell A, Evans DG, et al. Red clover isoflavones are safe and well tolerated in women with a family history of breast cancer. Menopause International. 2008;14(1):6-12. doi:10.1258/MI.2007.007033

    Luís Â, Domingues F, Pereira L. Effects of red clover on perimenopausal and postmenopausal women’s blood lipid profile: A meta-analysis. Climacteric. 2018 Oct;21(5):446-453. doi: 10.1080/13697137.2018.1501673. PMID: 30269660.

    Ghazanfarpour M, Sadeghi R, Roudsari RL, Khorsand I, Khadivzadeh T, Muoio B. Red clover for treatment of hot flashes and menopausal symptoms: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Obstet Gynaecol. 2016;36(3):301-11. doi: 10.3109/01443615.2015.1049249. Epub 2015 Oct 15. PMID: 26471215.

    Occhiuto F, Pasquale RD, Guglielmo G, Palumbo DR, Zangla G, Samperi S, Renzo A, Circosta C. Effects of phytoestrogenic isoflavones from red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) on experimental osteoporosis. Phytother Res. 2007 Feb;21(2):130-4. doi: 10.1002/ptr.2037. PMID: 17117453.

    Scientist: Osteoporosis can be prevented with red clover | Science Nordic

    Do Mother Nature’s Treatments Help Hot Flashes? | The North American Menopause Society (now The Menopause Society)

    Lee HW, Choi J, Lee Y, Kil KJ, Lee MS. Ginseng for managing menopausal woman’s health: A systematic review of double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trials. Medicine (Baltimore). 2016 Sep;95(38):e4914. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000004914. PMID: 27661038; PMCID: PMC5044908.

    Kim HI, Chon SJ, Seon KE, Seo SK and Choi Y-R (2021) Clinical Effects of Korean Red Ginseng in Postmenopausal Women With Hand Osteoarthritis: A Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial. Front. Pharmacol. 12:745568. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2021.745568

    Kim SY, Seo SK, Choi YM, Jeon YE, Lim KJ, Cho S, Choi YS, Lee BS. Effects of red ginseng supplementation on menopausal symptoms and cardiovascular risk factors in postmenopausal women: a double-blind randomized controlled trial. Menopause. 2012 Apr;19(4):461-6. doi: 10.1097/gme.0b013e3182325e4b. PMID: 22027944.

    Asian Ginseng | National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health

    Ginseng Interactions | Drugs.com

    Kava | National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health

    De Leo V, La Marca A, Lanzetta D, Palazzi S, Torricelli M, Facchini C, Morgante G. Valutazione dell’associazione di estratto di Kava-Kava e terapia ormonale sostitutiva nel trattamento d’ansia in postmenopausa [Assessment of the association of Kava-Kava extract and hormone replacement therapy in the treatment of postmenopause anxiety]. Minerva Ginecol. 2000 Jun;52(6):263-7. Italian. PMID: 11085051.

    De Leo V, la Marca A, Morgante G, Lanzetta D, Florio P, Petraglia F. Evaluation of combining kava extract with hormone replacement therapy in the treatment of postmenopausal anxiety. Maturitas. 2001 Aug 25;39(2):185-8. doi: 10.1016/s0378-5122(01)00197-9. PMID: 11514117.

    Registered Herbalists | American Herbalists Guild

    Naturopathic Medicine FAQs | Institute for Natural Medicine 

    Find an ND | American Association of Naturopathic Physicians

    You may also like…

    The content on the Website is for informational purposes only. Personal Insight, MD, LLC dba pausitive health does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, nor recommend or endorse any specific tests, medical professionals, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website. Learn more.

    Scroll to Top