This Natural Product contains three types of herbs that are useful for Women's Menopause Health
Black cohosh is used for medicinal purposes. Black cohosh root contains several chemicals that might have effects in the body. Some of these chemicals work on the immune system and might affect the body’s defenses against diseases. Some might help the body to reduce inflammation. Other chemicals in black cohosh root might work in nerves and in the brain. These chemicals might work similar to another chemical in the brain called serotonin. Scientists call this type of chemical a neurotransmitter because it helps the brain send messages to other parts of the body.
Black cohosh root also seems to have some effects similar to the female hormone, estrogen. In some parts of the body, black cohosh might increase the effects of estrogen. In other parts of the body, black cohosh might decrease the effects of estrogen. Estrogen itself has various effects in different parts of the body. Estrogen also has different effects in people at different stages of life. Black cohosh should not be thought of as an “herbal estrogen” or a substitute for estrogen. It is more accurate to think of it as an herb that acts similar to estrogen in some people.
- Menopause
Black cohosh menopause effects are primarily responsible for the herb’s popularity in the last century. Research has found the estrogen-like response in black cohosh increases the low levels of estrogen most menopausal women experience. For this reason, it is believed to act as a natural hormone replacement. Studies have also credited the root with treating several menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes.
The University of Maryland Medical Center cites a study following 120 menopausal women taking black cohosh supplements. It found the herb was more beneficial than the prescribed antidepressant fluoxetine, also known as Prozac, in controlling hot flashes and night sweats. Along with other studies, some researchers believe the plant extract can be a safe alternative to medical hormone replacement therapy and also help with sleeping issues in menopausal women.
- Menstrual Cycle
Premenstrual symptoms and irregular periods may be treated with black cohosh. Studies suggest it allows muscles to relax, easing tension that causes muscle cramps. Black cohosh may also help encourage bleeding in those who have irregular periods.
- Spasmodic Pain
The ancient use of the herb was primarily to treat pain from nerve tension, muscle strain, and injuries. It has been used to help ease muscle tension and ensure nerve function by preventing spasms and cramping.
- Inflammation
Inflammation of body tissue may be treated and possibly prevented with regular use of black cohosh. It contains salicylic acid that some say can replace the use of aspirin for headaches and body pains. Arthritis patients may find less joint pain and inflammation with the use of the natural alternative. Other anti-inflammatory uses may include high blood pressure, congestion, sore throats, cardiovascular disease, and blood clot prevention.
- Digestion
Black cohosh has been credited with helping digestive issues by increasing the function of nutrient absorption and promoting regular waste removal. With these abilities, you may have less cramping, constipation, nausea, bloating, and gas build-up.
- Pain
Black cohosh is used by many for pain management as it has natural analgesic properties.
- Sleep
For times when daily worries rob us of sleep, black cohosh may help. As a natural sedative, herbalists believe this herb relaxes the tension from anxiety, insomnia, and stress to promote a sound sleep. It may assist in creating a regular sleep routine. The powerful components call for the plant to be used on its own— not in conjunction with other sleep aids.
- Mood
As shown in studies of menopause hormone effects, black cohosh may balance hormones. This may aid in the release and management of hormones for a stable mood, preventing mood swings. As such, it is thought to help with cases of depression and tension from stress.
- Weight Loss
The possible black cohosh weight loss effects vary depending on the study. As the body increases fat cell production for estrogen access when estrogen levels drop during menopause, it is thought some women gain weight during this time. Those taking it have shown weight loss during this time. Weight loss at any time in life can help prevent high blood pressure, heart disease, high cholesterol, diabetes, and stroke.
Horsetail is used for “fluid retention” (edema), kidney and bladder stones, urinary tract infections, the inability to control urination (incontinence), and general disturbances of the kidney and bladder.
It is also used for balding; tuberculosis; jaundice; hepatitis; brittle fingernails; joint diseases; gout; osteoarthritis; weak bones (osteoporosis); frostbite; weight loss; heavy menstrual periods; and uncontrolled bleeding (hemorrhage) of the nose, lung, or stomach.
The chemicals in horsetail may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
- Reduces Menopausal Symptoms
When estrogen levels fall, especially as during menopause, isoflavones in Red Clover can have positive effects in reducing symptoms related to estrogen loss — such as hot flashes, trouble sleeping, weight gain, bone loss, bone fractures or osteoporosis, cardiovascular problems, and inflammation of the joints.
-Helps Maintain Bone Strength
Research has shown that the most common type of osteoporosis is bone loss associated with ovarian hormone deficiency at menopause, which is why there’s evidence that diets that contain high levels of phytoestrogenic isoflavones are associated with a low incidence of osteoporosis and other menopausal complications. Thus, red clover makes a great addition to any osteoporosis diet.
Evidence suggests that red clover helps with bone healing and reduces the risk for osteoporosis, especially in post-menopausal women who are at the greatest risk for fractures and bone loss. A woman’s risk for developing osteoporosis goes up during menopause because estrogen is important for bone mineralization. Pre-menopausal women with low estrogen levels or low bone density (such as underweight women or athletes suffering from female athlete triad, which causes an increased risk for osteoporosis due to an energy deficit) can also benefit from red clover supplementation.
- Improves Cardiovascular Health
As a result of increased life expectancy, coupled with the fact that many women diet, under-eat and don’t consume enough essential nutrients, it’s estimated that many women today spend more than one-third of their lives in a state of estrogen deprivation, which leads to a number of significant long-term changes. Abnormally low estrogen levels not only increase the likelihood of developing osteoporosis, but also raise cardiovascular risk, can cause vasomotor episodes, and often result in sleep disturbances.
Studies have shown that red clover can help improve arterial health, reduce the risk for atherosclerosis
- Lowers the Risk for Certain Cancers
Isoflavones are now being studied in regard to their natural effects on cancerous cells and tumor formation. Researchers have found that isoflavones seem to help stop cancer cells from multiplying or growing and also might be able to induce apoptosis (self-destruction of cancer cells). The types of cancer most likely impacted by red clover use include those related to hormonal changes, such as prostate, breast and endometrial cancer.
- Fights Respiratory Infections
Red clover is used for prevention and treatment of respiratory conditions like whooping cough, colds, asthma and bronchitis. It has natural cleansing effects within the body, reduces anxiety and discomfort during illness, and has the ability to loosen phlegm. Because it can calm bronchial spasms, improve sleep quality, and help flush extra mucus and fluids from the respiratory system, it’s beneficial to take as soon as you feel an illness coming on.
FAQ:
S1: What is black cohosh and what are its effects on menopause?
A1: Black cohosh is a medicinal herb that contains chemicals that can have effects on the immune system, inflammation, nerves, and the brain. It can increase or decrease the effects of estrogen in different parts of the body. Black cohosh has been popularly used to alleviate menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats by increasing low estrogen levels.
S2: Can black cohosh be used for menstrual cycle issues?
A2: Yes, black cohosh may be used to treat premenstrual symptoms, relax muscles, ease tension, and encourage bleeding in those with irregular periods.
S3: What are the potential benefits of using black cohosh?
A3: Black cohosh may help with various conditions, including spasmodic pain, inflammation, digestion issues, pain management, sleep problems, mood stabilization, and weight loss. It has been used traditionally for its analgesic, sedative, and hormone-balancing properties.
S4: What is horsetail used for and what are its effects?
A4: Horsetail is used for fluid retention, kidney and bladder stones, urinary tract infections, and various other conditions. It may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
S5: How does red clover benefit menopausal women?
A5: Red clover contains isoflavones that can help reduce menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, trouble sleeping, weight gain, bone loss, cardiovascular problems, and joint inflammation. It may also support bone strength and cardiovascular health.
S6: Can red clover lower the risk of certain cancers?
A6: Red clover, with its isoflavones, is being studied for its potential effects on cancer cells. It may help stop the multiplication and growth of cancer cells and induce their self-destruction. Hormonal-related cancers such as prostate, breast, and endometrial cancer may be impacted.
S7: Does red clover have benefits for respiratory infections?
A7: Yes, red clover has been used for the prevention and treatment of respiratory conditions like whooping cough, colds, asthma, and bronchitis. It has cleansing effects, reduces anxiety during illness, and can help loosen phlegm.
