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Remedies for Menopausal Symptoms
The Menopause Self Help Book
by Susan M. Lark, M.D.,
The Wild Rose Scientific Herbal by Terry Willard, Ph.D.,
Menopausal Years The Wise Woman Way by Susun S. Weed
are drawn heavily upon for this segment. All references are provided here.
 DIGESTIVE
DISTRESS
Menopausal constipation and indigestion are generally due to the slowing
of the gastrointestinal tract and heavy demands on the liver. Eating while
stressed, overeating, or eating too many 'junk' foods all contribute to
making our digestive life miserable. One common cause of poor digestion
is simply eating too fast.
The primary purpose of herbal tonics is to restore strength, particularly
to the digestive system, for the health of the entire body depends on
digestion, absorption and assimilation. Tonics are slow acting but considered
very effective in the long run. In his clinical practice Dr. Terry Willard
uses meadowsweet, goldenseal root, fennel seed, fenugreek seed, lobelia
and gentian in a combination formula for improved digestive function.35
Barberry and Oregon grape, Peruvian bark, while poplar, blessed thistle,
myrrh are also considered tonics in his Textbook of Modern Herbology.
Using digestive enzymes, acidophilus, herbal tonics, chewing food well
and keeping the digestive tract clean are all strategies that improve
digestion.
Digestive enzyme complex breaks down
food for storage in the liver or muscles for use when needed. There are
three main categories of digestive enzymes: amylase, protease and lipase.
Amylase breaks down carbohydrates and is found in saliva, pancreatic and
intestinal juices. Protease helps digest protein and is found in the stomach
juices and pancreatic and intestinal juices. Lipase aids fat digestion
and is found in the stomach and pancreatic juices and is also present
in food fats. Digestive enzymes should be taken after a meal, unless you
are eating processed and/or cooked foods, in which case it is best to
take them during the meal.1
Acidophilus relieves chronic constipation
and may be used freely. Capsules, or plain unsweetened yogurt containing
live and active culture, will help relieve digestive and gas pain, as
well as restore good levels of beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract.
Ginger as tea or in capsule form
aids digestion and helps prevent the formation of abdominal gas.35
Yellow dock contains anthraquinones
that promote bile needed for proper digestion and also tannins that counteract
the cathartic action on the bowel.13
Dandelion is a cholagogue used for
inflammation and congestion of the liver and gall bladder. It is one of
the best natural sources of potassium (up to 5%) and is the most bioavailable
source of iron from plants.13 The most prominent uses in Western
folk medicine include treatments for stomach upset and liver and kidney
disorders. Dandelion is commonly used to promote good digestion.23
Catnip is a powerful diaphoretic
and as a carminative with antispasmodic properties, catnip eases stomach
upsets, dyspepsia, flatulence and colic.31
Psyllium seeds are a healthful way
to keep the colon healthy and clean in case of constipation. The seeds
are covered with mucilage that swells into a gummy, gelatinous mass when
it absorbs fluid in the intestines, thus lubricating the gut wall. The
increased bulk stimulates the gut wall, encouraging peristalsis. In addition
to helping maintain regular and healthy bowel function, psyllium has been
found to lower cholesterol.23
Avoid the use of bran for relief of constipation as it prevents
absorption of calcium.31
Avoid the use of aloe, senna, cascara sagrada or combinations
containing them, as they are addictive and destroy intestinal muscle tone.
For constipation, drink more fluids and eat soft foods such as prunes
or prune juice, rhubarb with maple syrup, or figs.31
Researched and written by the ProjectAWARE group, 2000
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