Herbs, wild plants and other botanicals were our first medicines. Many of today’s prescription drugs are synthetic versions of active components of these plants. However, synthetically created medicines often have side effects that are not associated with use of the natural counterpart.
The safest and most effective alternative treatments for menopause are botanicals that have been used historically by native peoples.
In some cases, hundreds and possibly thousands of years of use by healers support the long term safety of natural menopause treatments. There are plants that have a “dark side”, so to speak, but when dosages are calculated for homeopathic or herbal remedies by experienced professionals, even mildly poisonous plants can sometimes be used safely for specific conditions.
By comparison, use of hormone replacement therapy or HRT is relatively new. Some studies related to long term use are still ongoing. Others were stopped early due to a “number of adverse events”.
The Women’s Health Initiative followed a group of women using HRT for over five years. They had intended to continue the study for 10 years, but stopped early because a number of the women in the group developed breast cancer, heart disease, stroke or pulmonary embolism. Researchers concluded that the health risks of HRT outweighed the benefits.
In 2003, the Rosenthal Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine expressed concern that none of the alternative treatments for menopause that showed promise had been evaluated for long term use. Since then, numerous studies have supported the safety and effectiveness of Black Cohosh, particularly for the relief of hot flashes.
Black Cohosh is one of the most popular natural menopause treatments. The plant grows wild throughout much of North America. Traditional Native American healers use the dried root to make a medicinal tea and have done so for hundreds of years. The tea is prescribed to correct hormonal imbalances, to relieve anxiety and high blood pressure, and for pain relief.
Current scientific studies support its use as one of the most effective alternative treatments for menopause. In 2006, the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Center of Excellence in Women’s Health in Chicago reported that Black Cohosh appears to be one of the most effective botanicals for the relief of vasomotor symptoms, the medical term for hot flashes or night sweats.
The symptoms of menopause vary from woman to woman. Some experience no symptoms at all. Others experience a wide variety of symptoms, believed to be related to falling levels of estrogen or other hormones. Some natural menopause treatments contain plant components that have an estrogen like effect. These components are called “phytoestrogens”.
Many researchers are concerned that taking phytoestrogens may be just as dangerous as HRT and some research has focused on the effects of active plant components on estrogen sensitive cancer cell lines. Studies relating to alternative treatments for menopause have shown that Black Cohosh has no effect on breast cancer cells or other estrogen sensitive cancer cells.
The most recent studies have concluded that the effectiveness of Black Cohosh is not caused by phytoestrogens. It is not believed that the plant contains phytoestrogens. Instead, it seems to improve serotonin activity. Serotonin, in the human body, regulates moods, body temperature, sleep, sexuality and appetite. Prescription anti-depressants are designed to improve serotonin activity.
Other studies have shown that black cohosh has antioxidant activity, scavenging free radicals. Free radicals can damage the DNA of normal cells, leading to the formation of cancerous tumors.
Another of the natural menopause treatments that may be recommended by some herbalists is Pasque Flower. It was used by Pliny, an ancient scholar, for pain relief. As a homeopathic remedy, it is used to treat headaches, migraine, insomnia, depression, anxiety, nervousness and general moodiness. It is only safe for use as an essence or homeopathic remedy. The plant itself is poisonous, causing skin irritation and contact dermatitis.
It is likely that the popularity of alternative treatments for menopause will continue to grow. And that science will continue to support the historical belief in the safety and effectiveness of these plants.
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Mila Sabido is editor of http://www.nutritional-supplements-information.com. Visit http://www.nutritional-supplements-information.com/alternative-treatments-for-menopause.html to learn more now about how you can alleviate menopause with supplements.
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