Photo: iStock
menopause
Some women do not notice the menopause, around one-third according to expert estimates. Unfortunately, the other two-thirds are not so lucky: the physical change during the menopause is accompanied by symptoms such as hot flushes, inter- bleeding, sweating, sleep disturbances and mood swings.
Important to know: If the problems are not too severe and women want to get along without the controversial hormone replacement therapy, they can use the healing power of plants. Such herbs were used already in the Middle Ages by heilkundigen country women and in the Klostermedizin of the nuns. Today we know that the natural medicines provide substances that act like female hormones. In this way they can almost replace the dwindling endogenous messenger substances. Regularly taken, mitigate the typical symptoms such as hot flashes of menopause . Here are the best studied and most effective medicinal plants.
Black cohosh softens hot flashes
Even the natives of North America appreciated the healing power of black cohosh. They used them for menstrual pain and to ease their birth. In Europe, doctors have been using Cimicifuga products for decades to combat menopausal symptoms, the most common herbal remedy.
Effect Preparations with extracts of the black cohosh can relieve mild to moderate hot flashes . They balance the thermoregulation center in the brain. That's proven. You can also treat sleep disorders with it. The extracts (eg "Remifemin", over the counter, pharmacy) contain no so-called phyto-estrogens, which are suspected to increase the risk of breast cancer.
Good to know The best way to take black cohosh (tablets or drops) at the beginning of menopause. But you need a little patience: The effect usually starts after four to six weeks. Always important, even with plant remedies: Discuss the application in advance with your doctor.
Sage stops the night sweat
In its botanical name Salvia officinalis is the Latin word "salvare", that means "cure". This designation shows that the aromatic kitchen herb was already known in ancient times as a medicinal plant.
Effect In the sage are extra many tannins, essential oils and bitter substances. This substance mix inhibits the activity of the sweat glands. This can help well against excessive sweats, researchers found. Such attacks usually come at night. Even against hot flashes, you can drink two to three cups of sage tea throughout the day. Recipe: brew 1 teaspoon of dried leaves (pharmacy) per cup with 150 ml of water, leave to cover for 10 minutes, strain. Against night sweats you drink a cup of cool tea about two hours before going to bed.
Good to know You can also take a so-called aqueous sage extract as dragees from the pharmacy. In one study, the extract was slightly stronger than the tea.
What else helps in the menopause
St. John's Wort illumines the mind
This medicinal plant takes its name from its heyday around St. John's Day to the summer solstice on 21 June. Also, the healing properties of St. John's Wort extracts is well established.
Effect Many studies have since confirmed that the extract promotes the messengers dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain. And you can feel that. Adequately dosed preparations brighten the mood, compensate for the ups and downs of feelings, relieve depressive moods, relieve fatigue and fatigue, give inner peace and thus a new self-confidence.
Good to know Also with St. John's wort (dragees or capsules) you have to wait a little for the effect: It sets in after about three weeks. Important: St. John's wort extract can make the skin more sensitive to UV radiation. If you take such a remedy regularly, you should not go to the solarium and avoid sunbathing in the summer. Interactions with drugs are also possible.
Chaste tree regulates the cycle
In the Middle Ages, the allegedly anti-depressant chaste tree should facilitate sexual abstinence for the monks. Today, other properties of the purple flowering plant have been proven to be medically effective.
Effect Extracts from the fruits of the monk's pepper provide several ingredients. The most important are flavonoids, which act similar to the female sex hormone estrogen. They harmonize disturbances in the monthly cycle - for example, intermenstrual bleeding, which annoy every fifth woman in the first period of menopause.
Good to know Also so-called premenstrual complaints such as abdominal pain or breast tenderness can be well alleviated in the menopause with funds from chaste tree. It is important, as with black cohosh: you should also take these extracts on time and regularly. The effect begins at the earliest after about two weeks. Most suitable are over-the-counter capsules, tablets or drops.
