Alternative or Herbal Remedies for Hot Flashes
Hot flashes or flushes are a common symptom perimenopause. These usually last from about 30 seconds to a couple of minutes. A hot feeling may be felt from the torso up and is believed to be a symptom of hormonal imbalance.
The following herbal remedies have been used as alternative remedies for hot flashes.
- Phytoestrogens
These are weak but effective estrogen-like chemical compounds that are found in plants (specifically in soy and lentils). These relieve hot flashes and other (but not all) symptoms of perimenopause.
Many may claim that since these come from plants, these are all-natural and are therefore safe to take. Unfortunately, there are no scientific researches done on these substances so its “safeness” is still an ongoing debate.
Soy is said to “fight” hot flashes because it contains phytoestrogen and isoflavone (type of phytochemicals found in plants that has antioxidant properties and is said to prevent illness and encourages a person’s well-being). Not much research has been made on this, but a study showed that a daily, regular consumption of soy-based products was effective in reducing hot flashes.
Tofu, tempeh, soy milk, miso, soy nuts, and TVP (or texturized vegetable protein) are just some of the soy-based foods that are rich in phytoestrogens. (Contrary to popular belief, soy sauce is full of sodium, not isoflavones and phytoestrogens.)
Soy also lowers cholesterol, and reduces the risk of contracting illnesses like osteoporosis, heart disease, breast and other cancers. Too much soy however, can also lead to brain aging, which can lead to possible Alzheimer’s disease. Intake of this must always be in moderation.
It is recommended to take 50 up to 160 mg of soy isoflavones per day.
- Vitamin E
Also known as d-alpha tocopherol and an antioxidant, these can be found in supplements, seeds, nuts and polyunsaturated vegetable oil, and functions like a weak estrogen when introduced to the body. These are said to provide relief for hot flashes.
It is recommended to take no more than 400 IU of this. If you think you need more, get a doctor’s okay on this first.
Some doctors let their patients take up to 1200 IU of vitamin E, taken throughout the day (not all at once) for severe hot flashes. When symptoms have lessened, the dosage will usually be set back to 400 IU. (Taking more of this has been reported to be unsafe due to studies made that a greater dosage may leave you at an increased risk for cardiovascular illness.)
Whole grain cereals and breads, some varieties of fish (like mackerel and herring), vegetables (such as lettuce, peas, cucumber and asparagus), unprocessed vegetable oils (soybean oil, safflower, sesame and peanut oil), liver, dried beans, and mangoes are best sources of this vitamin.
Page Two: More Herbal Remedies for Hot Flashes (Alternative or Herbal Remedies for Hot Flashes continued)
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