Hot flashes are a common symptom of menopause that many women experience. We’ll tell you what causes hot flashes, and give you five home remedies to try.
Hot flashes are a common symptom of menopause. When you have a hot flash you may experience sudden body heat, flushing, and sweating. Hot flashes are sudden and spontaneous, and are usually felt on the chest, neck, and face. Other symptoms that may go alongside hot flashes include depression, weight gain, mood swings, and loss of libido.
Research suggests that hot flashes occur when decreased estrogen levels cause your hypothalamus to become more sensitive to slight changes in body temperature. A hot flash therefore is your body’s way of trying to cool you down. Hot flashes can be particularly disrupting to your life if you experience them at night, as they can keep you awake. We’ll give you five natural home remedies for hot flashes to try in order to reduce the symptoms.
1. Black Cohosh
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Black cohosh is a herb used to treat hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms, such as night sweats and mood swings. The root of the plant is extracted and is put into capsules to be taken as a supplement. Black cohosh has been shown to reduce hot flashes by up to 26 percent, which makes it a promising home remedy for hot flashes. The supplement helps to relieve symptoms related to reductions or imbalances in the hormone estrogen. You can find black cohosh supplements in health food stores, pharmacies, or you can even try to grow some yourself – it’s a native North American herb.
2. Hypnotherapy
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Hypnotherapy is another effective natural remedy for hot flashes. It has been found to reduce hot flashes by 70 to 80 percent. Hypnotherapy can be done with a qualified hypnotherapist, where you will be guided to a deep level of focused relaxation which will allow your mind to focus on suggestions on how to manage hot flashes. Some research suggests that this treatment can improve other symptoms of menopause too, including anxiety and depression.
3. Eating the Right Food
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If you experience hot flashes, you should fill your diet with foods that contain phytoestrogens, a substance that mimics estrogen, as this will help to balance your hormones. A 2016 study has found that use of soy extract reduced hot flashes by up to 38 percent. Foods that are high in phytoestrogens include:
- Garlic
- Peaches
- Flax seeds
- Berries
- Soy beans and edamame
- Broccoli
- Brussel sprouts
- Kale
4. Sage
(Foto: CC0 / Pixabay / congerdesign)
The herb sage has been traditionally used as natural remedy for menopause for hundreds of years, and it is known for helping to relieve the symptoms of hot flashes. A 2011 study found that women taking a daily supplement of fresh sage leaves experienced a reduction in hot flashes by 50 percent in four weeks, and after taking sage supplements for eight weeks this was reduced further to 64 percent. The study also found that sage can be helpful at relieving other symptoms of menopause such as irritability and mood swings by 47 percent.
5. Vitamin E
(Foto: CC0 / Pixabay / Buntysmum)
Vitamin E is another home remedy to try for hot flashes. A 2007 study published in the journal Gynaecologic & Obstetric Investigation found that menopausal women taking 400mcg of vitamin E every day for four weeks experienced fewer and less severe hot flashes. You can take vitamin E as a supplement, or you can get vitamin E naturally from food. Foods that are high in vitamin E include:
- Avocados
- Nuts and seeds
- Olive oil
Read on:
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- Sage Tea Benefits – and How to Make Sage Tea
- How to Reduce Sweating: 8 Natural Methods
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