The actual causes of hot flashes remain rather unclear. However, fluctuations in hormone levels involving elevated amounts of the hormones FSH and LH, both during and after menopause, are presumed to be the culprits. In an attempt to raise dropping estrogen levels these hormones can be increase to 13 times normal levels during the menopausal period.
During a hot flash, waves of heat pass through the body and face, which can cause redness of the skin and excessive sweating. The redness could appear blotchy or dispersed evenly, and the sweating could be light or heavy. Hot flashes could be brief, lasting for a matter of seconds or a few minutes, or last for a longer periods of time. They may last for 10-15 minutes, and, in rare cases, up to an hour.
The intensity and discomfort of hot flashes and night sweats results in many women seeking out the use of drugs to try to reduce their symptoms. This is often exacerbated by the societal notion that natural menopausal changes are somehow a medical condition. However, it is often possible to treat these symptoms more safely and effectively using herbal remedies and alternatives.
A hot flash which occurs during the night is referred to as a night sweat. These often coincide with feelings of anxiety or fear. A simple solution may be to always have a glass of water and a some motherwort available near you at night. Simply take 10-12 drops of the motherwort with a small amount of water. Not every woman has hot flashes, and only a portion of the women who do also get night sweats. However, there are still a large number of women who suffer with both.
Exercise can directly help to reduce the intensity and occurrence of hot flashes by reducing LH and FSH, by moderating the hypothalamus, and by increasing endorphin levels. Even a minimal amount of exercise - 15 minutes a day, three to four times a week - could help noticeably reduce the occurrence of hot flashes. Additional natural and alternative variables which can help treat the root causes of hot flashes, include diet and nutrition, taking supplements, and herbal medicines and remedies. We have compiled some of the most commonly used herbal remedies for hot flashes and night sweats to help provide relief from these uncomfortable symptoms of menopause.
Black Cohosh
Black Cohosh is a plant popular in Europe for treating hot flashes. Research has shown that Black Cohosh may be as effective as estrogen for reducing hot flashes and one study also indicated that it was effective for reducing sweating.
Motherwort
Motherwort has been reported to reduce the intensity and frequency of hot flashes. It is also know to help calm nerves, reduce anxiety, and help fight insomnia. You should use this herb regularly for a period of 3 months to achieve good results. A common dose amount for treating hot flashes is about 15-20 drops of a tincture, taken several times a day. You should never use this if you have menstrual flooding, since motherwort can exacerbate this.
Flaxseed Oil
Fatty acids, like flaxseed oil, are generally considered to be an effective treatment of symptoms associated with menopause. Flax contains lignans, which have similarities to estrogen, and may help to moderate and stabilize estrogen levels during menopause.
Evening Primrose Oil
A standard and general remedy used for the reproductive health of women, evening primrose oil has a soothing effect on hot, red skin and can help moderate and control the production of estrogen. It is also used as an aid for sleep.
Chickweed Tincture
Taking this herb on a daily basis has been known to reduce the intensity of hot flashes, as well as their rate of occurrence.
Chaste berry
Chasteberry affects the function of the pituitary glands and has been shown to be effective for helping to reduce hot flashes and dizziness. Its beneficial properties during menopause could be due to its ability to modify LH and FSH levels. Chasteberry reduces estrogen levels and raises progesterone levels. This helps to strengthen not only bones, but also the vaginal walls. Results are generally felt after 2-3 months of regular use, and steady, long-term results require taking it for a year.
Licorice Root
Licorice Root is a long-used, traditional treatment used for a range of female-related issues and disorders. Incidentally, it also acts as an effective expectorant and cough suppressant for treating respiratory infections and asthma. It is theorized that it acts to lower estrogen levels, while also raising progesterone levels, which makes it a good candidate for treating hot flashes and night sweats.
Red Clover
Red clover contains high levels of phyto-estrogens. It has been observed to aid in reducing the occurrence of hot flashes, as well as their severity.
Other Herbs
Other herbs which have been reported to have similar, hot flash reducing attributes are spearmint, damiana, wild yams, and red raspberry leaf.
Vitamins E and C
Research has shown that Vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant, can significantly aid in reducing hot flashes. It is always best to get vitamins from dietary sources. However, a vitamin E supplement is also fine to take. Also, some menopausal women have reported that Vitamin C has reduced the rate of occurrence of their hot flashes.
Homeopathic Remedies
In addition to herbal remedies for hot flashes, homeopathic treatments are also somewhat popular with many women. Treatments such as ferrum phosphoricum, Belladonna, Sanguinarina, and Kali Phosphoricum are often used for various menopause symptoms, including hot flashes.
Other Tips For Relieving Hot Flashes
In addition to using the herbs and other remedies we've listed above, there are additional, simple steps you can do to help alleviate symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats:
Do not use synthetic bedding and/or clothing.
Keep your body cool.
Quit smoking, if you smoke.
Take measures to reduce stress.
Reduce your intake of spicy foods.
Avoid drinking alcohol.
Lower your intake of caffeine.
For more information on treating hot flashes see Natural Remedies for Hot Flashes (The North American Menopause Society), and Menopause Symptoms And Treatments (Dr. Weil).
