Sage

Sage has a powerful hormone-balancing effect, making it beneficial in menopausal symptoms such as night sweats, hot flushes and insomnia. It has tannins which have a toning effect on the tissues and may help to reduce peri-menopausal flooding. It is high in antioxidants, so it helps protect  from the effects of stress. It is also a nervine making it helpful for nervous anxiety and stress-related problems such as headaches and migraines. 

Black cohosh

Black cohosh is a most valuable aid to women during the menopause. It was renowned among Native Americans for its benefits to women’s reproductive health. With its ability to promote  relaxation of smooth muscle contractions and spasms and balance hormone levels, black cohosh is indicated to ease various menopausal symptoms, including hot flushes, anxiety, night sweats, headaches, palpitations, dizziness and low libido. It is one of the most extensively researched herbs for managing menopausal symptoms. Although there is ample evidence of these effects, research has yet to determine the exact pathways through which this herb works its wonders on the body. It is likely to be through modulating the oestrogenic pathways, and mimicking the actions of our natural neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine. 

Wild yam

Once the sole source of the chemicals used as the raw materials for contraceptive hormone manufacturing, wild yam contains a chemical called diosgenin that’s similar to the steroid hormones that are naturally produced by the body. It regulates levels of oestrogen and progesterone, and relieves tension and cramps in the uterus and ovaries. It is recommended to balance hormones and as a nourishing tonic in low libido — and specifically to soothe menopausal symptoms including hot flushes, night sweats, mood swings and insomnia. It also helps calm anxiety, lift depression and ease muscle tension. 

Tulsi

The wonderful ‘queen of herbs’ tulsi, otherwise known as holy basil, is one of the most sacred herbs in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. It is uplifting and strengthening, containing a wide range of vitamins and minerals. It boosts immune system function and has a calming and pain relieving effect on the nervous system, lifting foggy-mindedness. It is a vitalizing, rejuvenating herb with an ability to increase physical and mental endurance and resilience to stress — also known as an adaptogen. It also lowers blood sugar, cholesterol and triglyceride levels, supports the body in dispelling infections and relieves anxiety. 

Burdock root

Burdock helps to regulate hormones and supports liver function and the breakdown of hormones. It is often indicated to alleviate menopausal symptoms. It also gently supports the body’s natural detoxifying processes and balances blood sugar levels. It has a mild laxative effect, and with its natural antimicrobial actions, it helps to clear toxins from the gut and regulate the gut flora. Burdock also acts as a mild diuretic, aiding the elimination of toxins via the urine. 

Calendula

Calendula is a gentle but powerful healer. Among its wide range of beneficial effects, it is hormone balancing — so it helps relieve menopausal symptoms. It is also a natural antiseptic, so it can help prevent or support the body in dealing with infections, and it is also extremely gentle and soothing to the mucous membranes lining the respiratory, digestive and urinary tracts. It supports lymph flow, reduces congestion, enhances immune function  and supports the natural elimination of toxins.

Rose

Beautiful in both look and smell, rose is wonderful for calming anxiety, relieving irritability and lifting the spirits. Rose decongests, soothes and tones the reproductive system. Its cooling effect is particularly beneficial for menopausal hot flushes and night sweats, and it also eases mood swings. As a nervine (a plant which has a beneficial effect on the nervous system), it promotes healthy, restful sleep. Rose also supports digestive health, relieves nausea and promotes  healthy gut flora. It reduces inflammation and has a mild diuretic and antiseptic action, helping to relieve urinary tract infections and fluid retention.