As a young woman, you likely welcomed your first menstrual cycle with some uneasiness or perhaps even joy for the initiation into womanhood.  Now, as you approach or are in your menopausal years, you may be feeling the mixed emotions that this transition also holds. Like our menstrual years, our society doesn't always make this transition inviting. Often, instead of embracing the menopausal years for what they are - wisdom, ease, and nurture - we associate them with more negative experiences. Instead of reclaiming this new cycle's power, we shun and resist it. Now, this isn't the case everywhere; in fact, many other cultures around the world look to their elders as the foundational part of their community, wisdom keepers to be highly respected. There is an embrace of stepping into this role and helping to pave the path for the new generations. Once we step away from Western society's beliefs on menopause and instead tune into the beautiful and profound transition that it is, we can feel more connected and in control than ever before. 

However, this is not to say that this transition doesn't have challenging aspects. Just as your body is changing, your life may be also. Career, relationships, the things that bring you joy, the pace of life, and other areas of your life might shift. Though these shifts are often positive and guide you closer to a life that is more aligned, change is always hard. Then, there are the common symptoms you may experience due to this change within your body. The most common being hot flashes, low energy, vaginal dryness, and emotional flux. However, it is essential to note how and to what level you may experience these, as they can vary greatly. Many women have positive experiences during menopause with barely any symptoms. This is to say you're not doomed to these symptoms, but let's shift into talking about herbal support you can lean on in case you do experience these symptoms or prevent them. 

Nutritive Herbs

Alongside a diet rich in vitamins & minerals, nutritive herbs can help give the body what it needs. How nutritionally nourished you are can mean all the difference between a smooth transition or not into menopause. Some of those key nutrients are calcium and iron. Calcium can help keep the bones healthy and hot flashes away, while iron will help keep energy levels up. However, I do not recommend supplementing these with synthetic forms. There are many other key nutrients you'll want alongside these, like vitamin E, magnesium, protein, B vitamins, vitamin K, and more, which is why making sure you're getting your vitamins and minerals through food and herbs can help assure you're getting all the nutrients necessary. My top herb in this category is nettles, but some others are oat straw, dandelion leaf, chickweed, horsetail, wheatgrass, moringa, and watercress. Many of these herbs, like nettles and dandelion leaf, can also help with water retention, another symptom some women may experience. Making daily tea infusions and capsules or incorporating these herbs into your meals can all positively enhance your menopausal experience. Many of these following symptoms we go through could all be addressed through nutrition, which is why it is crucial to have this as the foundational piece in your protocol for menopause. And also why nettle is one of the main herbs in our Wise Women Herbal Tea Blend made for menopause. 

Cooling Herbs

During these hormonal changes, our body temperature can suddenly spike, which is what leads to these undesired hot flashes and night sweats that occur in 85% of women during menopause. Many herbs can cool down the body temperature and bring relief during hot flashes. Two of my favorites are hibiscus and sage leaf.  Blue vervain, blessed thistle, and motherwort can also be considered here. Specifically for night sweats, combining any of these herbs with Hops or Valerian can help with a good night's rest. 

Cognitive & Adrenal Supporting Herbs

Brain fog, having a hard time focusing, or what is sometimes called a menopausal brain are all common symptoms of menopause. As things like Alzheimer's are more common in Women, it's also never a bad idea to support cognitive health, and why I always include them in formulas for menopause. As the amount of progesterone and estrogen in your body decreases, the adrenal glands start to take over the function of the ovaries. As the adrenals begin to take over this task, if they're already depleted due to long-term stress and high cortisol levels, they won't be able to take it on efficiently which can lead to more unwanted fatigue. Gotu kola is one of my go-to herbs for adrenal health and cognitive function. Not only does it increase cerebral circulation, aiding in mental fatigue, but it also strengthens the adrenals. In animal studies, it has been shown to decrease adrenaline and cortisol levels. It is also a nervine helping to reduce anxiety. Some other herbs I'd recommend specifically for the adrenals are shatavari, holy basil, schisandra, and sarsaparilla. 

Hormone Balancing Herbs + Liver Support

When talking about hormonal balancing herbs for menopause, it's important to note that we are not trying to stop or mask a vital process the body is undergoing, like in estrogen replacement therapy; rather, we are supporting the body in this natural process. Some lovely herbs to support the regulation of this process are black cohosh, Wild yam, and dong quai. Dong quai and wild yam aid in this regulation through their action on the liver. Ensuring your liver is productive at breaking down these hormones and whatever else comes its way is important during menopause. Black cohosh is commonly used in menopause due to its estrogenic qualities, but it is also great for any spasms, pain, or tension in the body.

Vaginal Dryness

Specifically for vaginal dryness, herbs like calendula, comfrey, slippery elm, aloe vera, and marshmallow can be utilized. Using salves, ointments, pastes, and suppositories with these can be helpful.

Menopause Supporting Tea Blend

You can find many of these herbs and more in our Wise Women Herbal Tea Blend. We've also included herbs like rose and motherwort to help awaken and nurture the feminine as you flow through this beautiful cycle. Motherwort is specific for anxiety felt within the heart and nurturing the one who nurtures everyone else. Rose helps open and uplift the heart center. It is time to take care of you!