Red Clover May Relieve Depression in Post-Menopausal Women

Post-menopausal women who take red clover extract could suffer from less depression and anxiety, according to a randomized, controlled study from Austria.

Symptoms associated with depression and anxiety were lowered by approximately 80% after three months of taking a supplement which contained 80 milligrams of red clover isoflavones.

However, the researchers have iterated that additional clinical and experimental research is needed before any conclusive results are reached.

If additional research and studies do show a reduction in depression, then this could be a great alternative treatment for many women. Twenty-one percent of women will suffer from depression at some point in their life.

The researchers recruited 109 post-menopausal participants who were older than 40 and randomly put them into two groups. One group received a red clover supplement for ninety days. The other group received a placebo for the same period of time.

Measurements of depression and anxiety symptoms, were obtained by using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Zung's Self Rating Depression Scale (SDS). The HADS measurments found that anxiety was lowered by 76%, and depression was reduced by 78%. The SDS measurements showed depression symptoms to be reduced by 80%.

Participants who were in the placebo group experienced lowered anxiety and depression of approximately 21% according to both the HADS and SDS.

In 2009, data was transmitted to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) which was looking into isoflavones. Twenty researchers studying isoflavones met in Italy to analyze the results of studies conducted over the last twenty years. This group came to the conclusion that emerging studies conducted with isoflavones have demonstrated a “modest but valuable benefit for menopause relief”.

There have also been found to be a number of herbs that are useful for treating menopause symptoms, such as hot flashes and night sweats.

Source: NutraIngredients.com

Treating Menopause with Herbs

There are a number of natural herbal supplements that can aid women in dealing with the problematic and uncomfortable symptoms associated with menopause. Depression, anxiety, and hot flashes are some of the more common symptoms of menopause, and many women are looking for alternative treatments and therapies to treat these symptoms, including herbal remedies, along with approaches such as using magnetic therapy for treating menopause related symptoms.

A few of the most popular natural herbal supplements used for menopause are:

Black Cohosh

Black cohosh is found in Eastern North America. It has phytochemicals that are believed to help relieve the symptoms associated with menopause. It is thought to contain phytoestrogens, particularly isoflavones, which bind with the estrogen receptors of the body.

The plant estrogens function similarly to natural estrogen, increasing lubrication in the vagina, helping to regulate body temperature, and supporting the strength of bones. Black cohosh may effect the hypothalamus, which helps to regulates temperature and the production of hormones.

In one study, eighty percent of participants who took a black cohosh supplement reported an improvement in their hot flashes, heart palpitations, and night sweats.

Dong Quai

Dong quai, also known as Chinese Angelica, is native to China and is commonly utilized in Eastern medicine and cooking. Also nicknamed the female ginseng, dong quai is regarded as one of the primary herbs for the treatment of menopause symptoms. Dong quai has phytoestrogens which bind with estrogen receptors in the body, causing an increase in estrogen levels. This increase in estrogen then causes a reduction in various menopause symptoms.

Dong quai causes the dilation of blood vessels, thereby increasing blood flow. This can reduce both hot flashes as well as vaginal dryness. Also, it can help regulate estrogen levels, which helps relieve menopause symptoms. It also functions as a mild sedative that can help regulate mood swings and reduce stress related to menopause.

In studies, participants who took dong quai had a twenty-five percent decrease in the severity of menopause symptoms. Dong quai is also believed to guard against a variety of illnesses often connected with menopause, including heart disease.

Maca Root

The Maca root has long been used througout South America, by both indigenous peoples and the Spanish. Usually mixed with food, the maca root was believed to be a powerful aphrodisiac and many still eat it for its sex-promoting properties. The maca root looks very similar to a radish. It is very good at relieving menopausal symptoms.

It doesn't have any plant estrogens but, instead, it acts as an adaptogen, helping the body to balance its present hormone status and promoting the production of hormones.

It is very beneficial to women beginning menopause, as it promotes an increase, followed by a balance of estrogen and progesterone. The increase in the amount of estrogen especially aids in the reduction of hot flashes and vaginal dryness. It also can aid in stimulating the libido, restoring any lost sex drive due to menopause.

Red Clover

Red clover is found throughout Europe and Asia and has also been introduced to North America for grazing. Also known as cow clover, purple clover, and bee-bread, it is curently known as a treatment for menopause symptoms.

Red clover is an excellent source of phytoestrogens, plant estrogens which function similarly to female sex hormones. Phytoestrogens can stimulate and increase in estrogen levels, thereby helping to relieve symptoms caused by menopause.

Studies regarding red clover have suggested that it appears to lessen the menopausal symptoms of hot flashes and mood swings. One study done in the Netherlands found that women who took a red clover supplement had a forty-four percent decrease in hot flashes over an eight week period. Red clover is also believed to guard against osteoporosis, since it has high levels of calcium.

Always keep in mind that herbal supplements can be very potent, so always consult a physician before taking any supplements.

Bilberries and Their Benefits

Bilberries are the small, dark fruit of a European shrub - which is extremely similar to the North American blueberry. Bilberries contain very powerful antioxidants which may help to neutralize dangerous free-radicals throughout the body.

Vision Problems

Some studies have shown the compounds active in bilberry - called anthocyanosides - may help to lower the rate of macular degeneration. Billberries have also been shown to help prevent cataracts, glaucoma, and poor night vision.

Vascular and Blood Disorders

Bilberries have been used to help treat varicose veins, as well as angina. The flavonoids contained in bilberry have the effect of thinning blood and preventing weakness of the capillaries.

Digestive Problems

Information regarding the history of bilberry has shown that it has often been used as a digestion aid, as well as for treating diarrhea, nausea, dysentery and indigestion. Bilberries have also been used as an anti-inflammatory for the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat, and to help alleviate painful ulcers.

Menstrual Cramps

Many women have reported that they have successfully used bilberry as a treatment for the relief of menstrual cramps.