Natural Remedies for Hot Flashes

Here is a list of natural remedies for hot flashes including herbs for hot flashes. Find out what are hot flashes or hot flushes, what causes hot flashes and what are the symptoms of hot flashes.

A hot flash is a condition in which you experience a sensation of intense heat. When it happens your face will become red and flushed. Your upper body will perspire and at times the heat is so intense that your sweat will be dripping. You may also experience some kind of pressure in your head and rapid heartbeat may accompany the hot flushes. Once your body temperature cools down, you may experience cold shivers.

Hot flashes can also occur at night while you are asleep. When this happens, you will suddenly awaken, sometimes soaked in sweat. This condition is called night sweats.

Hot flashes and night sweats are two of the common symptoms of perimenopuase and menopause. Doctors haven't found the cause of hot flashes. But they believe that the withdrawal of estrogen during menopause interrupts the function of the hypothalamus and leads to menopausal hot flushes. One of the functions of the hypothalamus is to regulate the body's temperature. When it receives what it perceives as an abnormal message, it signals the blood vessel near the skin surface to act.

Menopausal and perimenopausal hot flashes and night sweats are not diseases and this means you don't need to find a cure. But hot flushes can be troublesome and cause inconvenience for some women. If they do bother you, here are some tips on how to stop hot flashes.

Herbal Remedies for Hot Flashes

Besides dealing with hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms, some of these herbs have secondary benefits such as reducing the risk of osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, arthritis and breast cancer.

1. There were many studies done to find out the effects of black cohosh in dealing with hot flashes. A study that involved 600 menopausal women found that black cohosh root extract helped treat hot flashes symptoms. Black cohosh is now widely used as a natural remedy for hot flashes.
   
   
   
2. Some studies indicate that red clover which contains isoflavones produce estrogen-like effects in the body. Since the estrogen level decreases with menopause, taking red clover extract may help as herbal remedy for hot flashes as it helps counterbalance the withdrawal of estrogen.
   
   
   
3. Maca root is another herb used as one of the natural remedies for hot flashes. It has the potential to treat menopausal symptoms. The compounds in maca root seem to trigger the secretion of estrogen when there is an imbalance.
   
   
   
4. Flaxseed contains phytoestrogen and omega-3 fatty acids. It has estrogenic and anti inflammatory properties. Besides reducing hot flashes, flaxseed helps alleviate mood swings and fatigue.
   
   
   
5. Dong quai has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat various ailments including menopausal symptoms and it also helps support blood pressure levels. It is also available combined with black cohosh as these two herbs seem to have the ability to effectively treat emotional problems associated with menopause.

Other herbs that you can take as natural remedies for hot flashes are chaste berry, evening primrose oil, ginseng and motherwort.

Controlling Hot Flashes

1. Eat foods that are high in vitamins B, C and E. Some examples are banana, broccoli, green leafy vegetables, nuts, sunflower seeds, tuna and wheat bran.
   
   
   
2. Soy products contain plant estrogen and may help as one of the natural remedies for hot flashes.
   
   
   
3. Use loose clothing or something that so that you can easily remove when the hot flashes occur.
   
   
   
4. Reduce or quit smoking and the intake of caffeine, alcohol and sugar. Drink at least 8 glasses of water, fresh, green coconut water and 2 glasses of diluted organic apple cider vinegar a day. Herbal teas such as catnip, chrysanthemum and sage will also help manage hot flashes.
   
   
   
5. Don't get uptight about the hot flashes or the other menopausal symptoms. To relax your body and mind, do regular stretching exercise such as yoga and Pilates and deep breathing exercises or meditation.
   
   
   
6. Keep yourself cool as much as possible. Take cool baths with essential oil that produces calming and sedative effects such as chamomile, lavender, frankincense and passion flower.

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