For information on the effects, benefits, and precautions of the herbs listed below, we recommend checking the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare's eJIM or similar resources. https://www.ejim.ncgg.go.jp/public/index.html

 

There are herbs that have been used for thousands of years to relieve menopausal symptoms. Today, many are sold as supplements, and a considerable number of women find them genuinely helpful.

 

Sage Leaf Extract(Sage Leaf Extract)

Sage, a plant in the mint family, has been used for centuries to relieve hot flashes. In a Swiss study, 71 menopausal women were given sage preparations daily for 8 weeks and experienced fewer hot flashes, and when they did occur, they were less severe. In another clinical study involving 30 menopausal women who took sage and alfalfa (which contains plant estrogens) together, it was reported that 20 of them experienced a complete disappearance of hot flashes and night sweats.

 

Black cohosh(Black Cohosh)

This traditional North American herb has been used for centuries to reduce hot flashes. However, scientific evidence regarding its effectiveness remains mixed: some studies have shown no effect compared with a placebo, while others have shown symptom relief similar to that of menopausal hormone therapy. Since many women report that black cohosh has been quite helpful, it may be important to find a herbal supplement that suits you. Black cohosh is known to interact with other medications.

 

Soya Isoflavones(Soya Isoflavones)

Isoflavones are a type of plant estrogen known to have mild estrogen-like effects. Isoflavones are found in high concentrations in soy products such as soybeans, tofu, and miso. While taking isoflavones as a supplement is said to be about 40% less effective at relieving menopausal symptoms than HRT, it has been found that taking them for a sufficient period (about 48 weeks to achieve maximum benefit) can significantly reduce hot flashes and night sweats. Some clinical trials have also shown that soya isoflavones may help with weight loss. Research has also shown that soya isoflavones may help improve heart and bone health in postmenopausal women.

 

Red clover(Red Clover)

Red clover is a flowering plant that contains plant estrogens (plant compounds that act similarly to estrogen). While many clinical trials involving red clover showed no benefit compared with a placebo, other smaller studies have shown that it may increase bone density and collagen levels (which may help with skin aging and possibly vaginal elasticity). 2017 research concluded that a combination of red clover and probiotics administered to 62 menopausal women for 12 weeks improved hot flashes and night sweats compared with a placebo. This plant appears to be well tolerated(with a low degree of side effects), and further research into this popular treatment is needed.

 

Sea buckthorn oil(Sea Buckthorn Oil)

There is evidence that sea buckthorn supplements (oil extracted from the sea buckthorn plant, which contains antioxidants and omega3, 6, 7, and 9) help lubricate the entire body, including the eyes, mouth, and skin. Research involving postmenopausal women has also shown that taking sea buckthorn in supplement form can improve the condition of vaginal tissue.

 

St John’s wort(St John’s Wort)

This herbal treatment has traditionally been used to treat low mood, many of which are symptoms of menopause. 2013 trials investigated the intake of St John’s wort alone, black cohosh alone, and a combination of these 2 to relieve menopausal symptoms. Compared with a placebo, the combination of St John’s wort and black cohosh improved hot flashes. However, women taking tamoxifen, a breast cancer medication, must not take St John’s wort.

 

Valerian(Valerian)

Valerian root is another herb with plant estrogen effects. It has been used for centuries primarily to improve sleep, but it is also known to help reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes. 2013 research involving menopausal women who reported hot flashes showed that taking valerian root significantly reduced hot flashes. Reducing the severity and frequency of hot flashes and night sweats should also help improve sleep, and valerian has traditionally been used as a sleep aid. 2006 research published in the American Journal of Medicine found that this traditional herbal treatment improved sleep quality by 80% compared with a placebo. Another benefit of valerian is that it does not leave a groggy, hangover-like feeling, as seen with other sleep medications. 2011 research at the University of Tehran randomly assigned 100 menopausal women to take either valerian capsules at 2 capsules per day for 1 month or 2 placebos. Overall, 30% of women reported that valerian improved their sleep quality, compared with 4% in the placebo group.

 

Simple solutions

DR.VEGAN’s MenoFriend® (not available in Japan) contains clinically tested plant-based ingredients, minerals, and plant estrogens to relieve common menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, low mood, weight gain, night sweats, fatigue, and brain fog.   Formulated with 19 natural plant-derived ingredients, including dong quai, red clover (containing isoflavones), wild yam, maca root, and B vitamins, MenoFriend® helps regulate hormones and supports daily well-being, energy, sleep, and skin.

 

Herbal interactions

Many of us prefer to take natural products rather than medications. However, natural does not necessarily mean good, nor does it necessarily mean harmless. NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) guidelines state that herbal treatments not regulated by drug authorities are not considered safe. Check the supplement packaging for the THR (Traditional Herbal Remedy) logo to ensure that the product you are purchasing is approved. Also, if you are taking herbal supplements, tell your doctor, as they may interact with medications.