Hot flashes are experienced by 85% of all women at some point in their lives. They may start in your thirties and extend 3 to 4 years after the end of menopause. It has to do with the hypothalamus and its ability to regulate body heat along with the autonomic nervous system that affects the blood vessels. There are estrogen receptors in the hypothalamus; again the diminished estrogen.
Estrogen replacement therapy can be effective to stop hot flashes but has its own signs of side effects and does not address the cause. When the causes are solved, the problem goes away and so do the side effects of hormone replacement therapy.
Medical strategies for hot flashes use hormone replacement therapy that may create a dependency, breast cancer risks, toxicity and may delay menopause.
For women going into menopause, hormonal production shifts from the ovaries to the adrenal glands. The adrenals then produce estrogen to prevent wrinkling of the skin, sagging breasts, vaginal dryness, and of course hot flashes.
Natural Remedies for hot flashes include Calcium Iproflavones, derivatives of soy to help rebuild bones, Magnesium is important for the muscles to relax, and Vitamin D-3 for bone and immune health (3,000 to 5,000 IU a day or as your doctor recommends).
Herbs for Hot Flashes
Herbs are plants valued for their specific strengthening/ tonifying properties.
Herbal therapies for hot flashes include formulas such as Change-O-Life (Nature’s Way).
Use herbs for hot flashes individually or make your own combination with one or two adaptogen herbs. Use 1 teaspoon per 8 ounces of hot water (tea) or two capsules 3 times a day. The following individual herbs work with hot flashes:
Black cohosh helps in supporting estrogen production and reducing hot flashes.
Dong quai works to dissolve breast fibroids and keeps the skin soft.
Panax ginseng supports the adrenals, hormone balancing and is also for energy and stress.
Passion flower herb for hot flashes is also for stress and nervous condition.
Red raspberry leaf is also for colds and flu as well as hormonal health, especially for the uterus.
Sage is an herb for menopause in general; effective herb to reduce hot flashes.
Sarsaparilla is also a blood purifier and helps reduce skin problems.
Suma is an adaptogen to help adrenals do their job; balancing hormones.
Contributor: Alexandra Madsen
Cell Salts to Help with Hot Flashes
To make a cell salt solution, put up to 10 tablets of each cell salt in a 16- to 24-ounce bottle; fill with water and swirl to dissolve tablets. Sip throughout the day.
#4 Ferr phos 6X – hot flashes, heat flushes and inflammatory conditions
#6 Kali phos 6X – hot flashes with nervous irritability
#7 Kali sulph 6X – hormonal issues associated with liver imbalances
Hot Flash Homeopathic Remedies
Homeopathic remedies are non-toxic natural medicines safe for everyone including infants and pregnant or nursing women. You may use 6X, 30X, 6C or 30C potencies.
Argentum nit – gas and bloating; craving sweets, whole body hot flashes; anticipation, panic, claustrophobia; fear of doctor, flying.
Calcarea carb – hot flashes in heavier women; weak joints, weight gain; over worker, doesn’t like to hear bad news.
Gelsemium – hot flashes with chills (feels like the flu); fears; apathy; mononucleosis; inner trembling.
Graphites – hot flashes in those with skin problems; obesity; dirty looking skin; discharge behind the ears.
Lachesis – hot flashes to the head; person doesn’t like tight clothing or something around neck; mostly left sided problems; talkative, jealous.
Pulsatilla – changing symptoms in hot flashes; worse in stuffy rooms; whiny weepy, needs consolation; mild person.
Sepia – sudden hot flashes with weakness and sweat; aversion to family, loss of sex drive; period feels like something is going to fall out, prolapse; uterine fibroids or polyps.
Sanguinaria – hot flashes; burning of palms and soles in menopause; right sided remedy; headaches;
Sulphur – hot flashes with redness of cheeks, burning soles of feet, love to stick feet out of the covers; worse from bathing, better in dry warm weather.
Mercurius solubis – exhausting hot flashes alternate with chills; human thermometer (sensitive to cold and hot); breath smells foul; changes mind constantly; poor self confidence.
Source: Dave’s Healing Notes
