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Home Remedies Index
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Natural treatment for hot Flashes
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Home Remedy For Hot Flashes
Almost 80 percent of menopausal women experience hot
flashes,sudden episodes of warmth that begin on the
chest, neck, or face and spread throughout the body. Hot
flashes are caused by the dilation of peripheral blood
vessels, which raises skin temperature byseveral degrees.
The skin becomes red and warm for a few seconds to a
couple of minutes and is usually accompanied by sweating,
which for some women can be profuse. As the flush of heat
subsides, cold chills often follow as perspiration
evaporates and cools the body.The intensity and frequency
of hot flashes varies greatly,and while most women
experience approximately one hot flash daily, some are
troubled by numerous flashes throughout the day and
night. I have friends who refer to their hot flashes as
"power surges."
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This is a great example of choosing to see the physiological changes of menopause in a positive light! But even
with a positive attitude, these fluctuations in body temperature can be extremely uncomfortable. Other
symptoms that often accompany hot flashes include increased heart rate, heart palpitations, breathlessness,
headache, dizziness, fatigue, insomnia, weakness, numbness of hands and arms, and itchy skin. Hot flashes that
occur during the night disturb normal sleep patterns and can cause insomnia, fatigue, and irritability.
Although the exact reason for hot flashes is not known for certain, they appear to be caused by the natural
decrease in estrogen and progesterone that occurs during menopause. The drop in hormones affects the
pituitary and hypothalamus, the glands that regulate temperature. Hot flashes are often the first sign of
menopause and appear to reflect the body's efforts to adjust to a different balance of hormones. They tend to
begin while a woman is still having menstrual periods, and usually occur during the menstrual flow. Hot flashes
typically cause the most discomfort during the first year or two of menopause and tend to subside as the body
adapts to lower levels of estrogen. However, some women still experience hot flashes almost a decade after
completing menopause.
Eating to Relieve Hot Flashes
Eating foods rich in phytoestrogens, especially soy foods, has been shown to decrease the intensity of hot
flashes by helping to balance estrogen levels. Try to eat one or two servings of soy foods such as tofu, tempeh,
and soy milk each day. Dietary supplements that help to relieve hot flashes include vitamin E and bioflavonoids.
In clinical studies, vitamin E has been shown to reduce the incidence of hot flashes. Take 400 to 800 I.U.S of
natural vitamin E in the form of d-alpha tocopherol daily. If you suffer from hypertension or diabetes, check with
your doctor before taking large amounts of vitamin E. Bioflavonoids are found abundantly in citrus fruits,
especially in the white inner rind and pulp. Bioflavonoids have phytoestrogenic activity and have been shown to
markedly reduce the incidence of hot flashes. Eat one or two servings of fresh citrus fruits daily, including as
much of the white inner peel as possible. In addition, take supplemental bioflavonoids combined with vitamin C,
which helps to strengthen adrenal function. Take 1,000 units of vitamin C combined with bioflavonoids three
times a day.
Herbal Relief for Hot Flashes
Herbs have been used for centuries by women to prevent and relieve hot flashes. Cool herbal teas can be
sipped throughout the day to keep your body well-hydrated. Try fragrant herbs such as chamomile, linden flower,
and mint, which make delicious teas and have a calming and soothing effect on the mind and body. Many herbs,
such as black cohosh and the Chinese herb dong quai, are rich in phytoestrogens, plant estrogens which help to
normalize hormone levels. Taking these herbs regularly helps to balance hormones and prevent hot flashes.
A cup of sage tea is a time-honored remedy for relieving hot flashes, particularly those that occur at night.
Ease Hot Flashes with Aromatherapy
Relaxing baths ease physical and emotional tension and are a wonderful treat for relieving the discomfort of hot
flashes. Avoid hot water, which can raise body temperature and trigger hot flashes. Draw a tub of tepid water,
and add one cup of baking soda as a skin soother. Essential oils add fragrance and subtle healing properties.
Lavender, geranium, clary sage, and rose essential oils all help to balance hormones and promote relaxation.
Add 5 to 10 drops total of one or more essential oils to a tubful of water.
You can enjoy the cooling and relaxing benefits of aromatherapy throughout the day by carrying a spray bottle
filled with a refreshing facial mist.
General guide line for Hot Flashes
Simple measures can help to alleviate hot flashes. Avoid overheating your home or workplace, and dress in
layers that make it easy to add or remove clothing as needed. Natural fibers such as silk and linen help to
maintain a comfortable body temperature by allowing perspiration to evaporate quickly. Keep a small paper or
bamboo fan handy for quick cooling during a hot flash. Natural-fiber bedding will help to keep you comfortable
during the night. Use pure cotton or linen sheets, and instead of one heavy blanket or comforter, sleep with thin
layers of cotton or wool blankets and a lightweight down comforter that can be added or removed as needed.
Emotional stress is often a trigger for hot flashes. Practices such as deep rhythmical breathing and meditation
create a calm internal environment that keeps your body and emotions in balance. You can also relieve
emotional and physical tension with regular exercise such as a daily half-hour brisk walk. Avoid walking in the hot
sun, though, because excessive heat can bring on a hot flash. During hot weather, walk in the early morning or
evening. Other types of exercise that have a calming and cooling effect are swimming, tai chi, and yoga. The
long, slow stretches of yoga and the gentle, flowing movements of tai chi are excellent for creating a deep sense
of peace and relaxation and are wonderful practices for bringing the body and mind into harmony.
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Hot Flash Relief Tea
2 tablespoons garden sage
1 tablespoon motherwort
2 teaspoons anise seeds
2 cups water
Pour boiling water over herbs, cover, and let steep until cool. Strain,
and drink one cup of cool tea before bed.
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The aromatic oil that gives garden sage (Salvia
officinalis) its characteristic scent and flavor has
strong astringent properties that reduce
perspiration by up to 50 percent. Motherwort is
a wonderful herbal ally for menopausal women; it
has relaxing properties and helps to calm the
heart palpitations that often accompany
middleof-the-night hot flashes. Anise seeds are a
source of phytoestrogens and add a pleasant
sweetness to the tea that helps to soften the
bitterness of the motherwort. Insomnia often
accompanies hot flashes that occur at night. If
you are troubled by sleeplessness, add to the
formula one tablespoon of passionflower, a
pleasant-tasting herb that has gentle relaxing
properties.
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Cooling Aromatherapy Facial Mist
1/4 cup aloe vera juice
1/4 cup rosewater
5 drops rose or lavender essential oil
Combine ingredients in a glass spray bottle and
shake well. Mist skin as often as desired.
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