Natural Cures for Hot Flashes! Hmm! Do those Herbal Menopause Remedies Really Work?
Page Updated - January 2, 2012 |
In this short piece we're going to take a brief look at some natural cures for hot flashes. Although more conventional methods have dominated the treatment of this common symptom of the female menopause, alternative and natural treatments are becoming more widespread of late due to popular demand, espcially herbal menopause remedies. So many people are looking at safer more natural ways to treat modern day conditions and ills, and seeking natural remedies for menopause is no exemption. In previous times, the change of life was considered a taboo subject in many a home, but today women, and their partners, are happy to discuss natural cures for hot flashes or more traditional treatment care if that's what they want.
Although there shouldn't be any ignorance in the 21st century regarding the female menopause (sometimes referred to as 'the change' or 'the change of life', especially by older generations), it is still sadly a taboo subject in some homes across the land. This transitional period in a woman’s life would be far less of an ordeal if the subject were open to discussion, and a little preparation on all sides as to what to expect, such as hot flashes, mood swings and so on, would go a long way towards making this far less of an ordeal for the women and those around them. Hot flashes treatment in particular is a concern for many women, and none should suffer in silence. Herbal menopause remedies have proven successful with quite a number of folks, especially in hot flashes treatment. So let's hope the ignorance of this sometimes difficult period is soon to be a thing of the past in ALL homes.
So although the 'change in life' (a term not used a lot these days), is no longer the taboo subject it once was, there are still some who find it easier to discuss and deal with than others. In England, as an example, it's a known fact that folks from the North of the country are way more open, honest, and tight nit than those folks from way down south. Little wonder then that the Southerners generally have a harder time coming to terms with, and seeking help and remedies for menopause.
A Yorkshire lass on the other hand, would be quite happy to ask a complete stranger for advice on natural remedies for menopause, or a suggestion for a hot flashes treatment, known in the UK as a flush. Although 'natural' treatments are preferred in today's world whenever possible, it has to be said that natural cures for hot flashes are a bit hit and miss depending on the individual.
Although men and younger women sympathise with those older gals going through the change of life, they will not truly be able to understand the discomforts experienced. Of course, the men folk will never know, but most women will eventually reach those pre menopause symptoms. Early menopause symptoms might kick off with things such as the menopause night sweats. Another unwelcome guest is the dreaded menopause weight gain which will affect some, but not all, females. But all this aside, it is those spontaneous and unwelcome hot flashes that cause so much discomfort and embarrassment when out and about. The good news is that there has been some evidence where some women are reacting well to menopause herbal remedies to treat these hot flushes. Such herbs go by the name of lack cohosh and dong quai.
This might surprise you to read, but stress actually plays a major part in triggering and reactivating the hot flush. That doesn't sound too good when stress, to a greater or lesser degree, is evident in the lives of almost everyone in the modern world. That's the bad news! The good news is that one of the most natural remedies for menopause is controlling stress levels, and this is not only doable, but also very beneficial to general health and wellbeing. Herbal menopause remedies might sound really cute, but taking control of your stress levels is by far the best exercise you could ever treat both your body and your mind to.
Let's not forget that natural cures and remedies don't necessarily have to be in the form of physical medication. There's a lot that can be cured by actions (doing something), inactions (stop doing something), and attitude (a change in mental outlook towards a condition of illness). One lady wrote in to say she didn't need herbal menopause remedies for her hot flashes, or any hocus-pocus form or spiritual healing. She managed her hot flushes by managing her stress levels.
The opposite or hot is cold, and although no woman want to walk around feeling freezing all day long just to relieve or prevent the onset of a hot and face flushing flash, it is wise to stay as cool and as comfortable as possible. This can be achieved simply by wearing thin, breathable, and loose fitting garments, preferably made of 100% cotton. In some cases when a hot flash becomes too hot and too uncomfortable, some women get fast relief by placing their head in the freezer compartment, although this is not a recommendation coming from Oriental Cures you understand.
Many women prepare themselves in advance of that menopausal period, and unlike our grandparent's generation, not only do we know a lot more about it all, but we can manage the menopause much better too. We now know that it's healthier to reduce the risk of the hot flush using preventative measures such as cutting out caffeine and spicy foods, than it is to desperately search for conventional or natural cures for hot flashes after the condition has reared its ugly head. Also, it's of little use to dig around for natural remedies for menopause while continuing with bad habits such as smoking or drinking alcohol excessively in some twisted notion that these 2 things will somehow lesson the problems.
Often times, men folks will hear the ladies chatting yet when they inquire as to what they're talking about, they will most likely get a response along the lines of, 'Oh, it's nothing. Just 'women's' talk'. They're not likely to tell the men folk that they were discussing natural remedies for menopause or even ask if the man himself could recommend herbal menopause remedies or similar. Whether conventional or natural cures for hot flashes, or any other treatments for the change in life, this is still one period of a women's life where the man is kept at bay, even though communication between the sexes is far, far more open and honest than at any time ever. Ladies, if you're reading this and are amid or approaching the menopause, do not walk the path alone. There is a plethora of help out there compared to a generation of two ago, and so you would be wise to use it for the good of both yourself and those around you.
What is the Menopause? (explanation for men!)
A lot of doting husbands are sympathetic nowadays when their wife reaches menopause, and this 'change' as they often refer it to, is not really understood other than he anticipates mood swings, hot flashes, and a few other goings-on that may manifest during this time. So for any of you men out there coping in ignorance, here is a brief explanation as to why your wife is the way she is. Knowing how something works, or why it occurs, often reinforces tolerance and compassion.
So, your wife has arrived at a permanent cessation of the primary functions of her ovaries. The word "menopause" quite literally translates to mean the 'end of monthly cycles', so your wife is no longer able to become pregnant, nor will she have her monthly periods.
The menopause is a gradual process that can last for some years in certain cases. It happens when a lady's ovaries start to make less oestrogen and progesterone. As a consequence, her lifetime supply of eggs becomes depleted. This hormonal change is what often what causes all the issues associated with the menopause. It's not her fault, there are treatments, and if this stage in her life is troublesome, a little extra thought, love and understanding, will go a long, long, way.
What is the Menopause? (explanation for women!)
The Menopause. The Beginning of the End
Generally speaking, when a middle-aged woman has gone a full 12 months (consecutive), without a period, it is fair to assume that she's reached her menopause. This is the end of her childbearing life and the beginning of a lifestyle that no longer requires the cost and inconvenience of the monthly period. The risk of an accidental pregnancy is no more and some new freedoms are acquired as she enters the next chapter in her life. It's the end of how things were and the start of how things are to be, and when approached with a positive outlook, today's women can prepare to enjoy the years ahead with a new freedom and a new happiness.
Oh Oh, not the Menopausal Mood Swings!
Actually, it's good we can talk about these issues nowadays without having our head bit off (if you'll forgive the pun). Around 50% of all women will experience mood swings as the approach menopause. It's nothing to do with getting old and intolerant but associated with actual significant hormonal changes. The reason it used to be such a major issue and the cause of many family rifts was because it was a taboo subject and no one, including women, would talk about it. Thankfully for all involved, there are many different ways t0 manage mood swings during this transitional time for middle aged women.
Showing Understanding is not always Wise!
Lending a listening and sympathetic ear is not always the best approach for women having a tough time of the menopause and the reason for that is the sufferer is either in denial that there is anything wrong with her, or she doesn’t want the fuss. Over the years men have taken a lot of flak for their insensitivity to the menopause crisis but there are many occasions where it is the women herself who creates tension in the home by some stubborn refusal to accept the problem and seek professional help. Sorry to write this, but it is a fact so needs noting down with all the issues surrounding this topic.
Can a Simple Liquorice Pill help with Hot Flashes?
According to researchers it can, and those tests showed that liquorice could reduce the amount of hot flushes experienced in menopausal women by up to 80%. How's that for a natural remedy that will have zero side effects, unless of course someone has an allergy to liquorish? The study makes an interesting read and you can find the full piece here.
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