Welcome the Crone with Natural Menopause

By Gillian Leverkus

Speaking of how, how about the hot flashes that often accompany menopause? Susan Weed, author of The Menopausal Years - The Wise Woman Way, refers to these as energy waves. As with many body sensations, our attitude can affect our response. Breathing through a hot flash, such as is recommended to help ease labour pains, can help to float us through them with less distress. Thinking of them as a surge of energy birthing our way into the time of the wise woman, instead of as an embarrassment, can make a difference! However, let's be realistic. This may have its limitations if they are too strong or too frequent and this is when herbs can be a real blessing.

I have found the addition of a herbal calcium formula to an herbal hormonal balancing formula very effective in lessening both the intensity and frequency of hot flashes, usually within days. Herbs that are high in absorbable calcium, such as alfalfa, marshmallow, Irish moss, hops, oatstraw, plantain can all help. These seem to have an effect that is not achieved with regular calcium supplements, even good quality balanced formulations.

I believe the difference is due to the higher assimilation of herbs and the energy of the whole plant, which offers many other benefits. As mentioned in the last issue, the herbs that are beneficial as female hormonal balancers include Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis), Licorice Root ( Glycerrhiza glabra), Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa), plain old Raspberry Leaves (Rubus idaeus), Chaste Tree Berry (Vitex agnus-castus) and Wild Yam (dioscorea villosa).

I prefer to use combinations that include several of the above for a synergistic effect. This means that the overall effectiveness can be heightened compared to taking any of them individually. Herbal combinations help balance hormones of the female reproductive system, especially at times of transition such as puberty, perimenopause and menopause. A woman's formula such as this can also be used to strengthen the female reproductive system when the organs are weak or not functioning properly. This may result in absent, irregular or painful periods. These herbs supply natural vitamins and minerals to nourish the female glands so the body can produce its own hormones in the proper amounts. They Also nourish the central nervous system and adrenals. Some of their actions include nerve relaxants, glandular toxins and diuretics. Benefits are increased energy, reduction of edema, mood swings and other PMS symptoms, neutralization of uric acid, regulation of menstruation.

Balanced hormones keep you happy!