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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.
 SORE
ALL OVER
Physical distress seems to be more common during menopause. Loss of sleep
can leave you feeling sore all over, and lack of calcium can make your
bones ache. Thyroid issues and fibromyalgia often occur in many women
at onset of menopause. Diet becomes very important.
Relief is often found in conventional aids such as aspirin and NSAIDs;
however, one side effect of these drugs that is often not mentioned is
their inhibition of cartilage repair and acceleration of cartilage destruction.3,
2, 22, 27, 28 Natural remedies can often provide relief without
the harsh side effects of drugs.
Try listening to a relaxation tape, try yoga, acupuncture (especially
moxibustion), and massage to release muscle aches and stimulate circulation.
Dong quai may bring warmth to achy
muscles in spasm. Try 10-20 drops of root tincture once daily for 4-6
weeks. Do not use during menstruation if bleeding is heavy or if you have
fibroids. Do not use if you regularly take aspirin or blood-thinning drugs,
or if you experience extreme breast tenderness or soreness.31
St. John’s Wort tincture stops
and prevents muscle aches, says Susun Weed. Use before exercise too. Try
25-30 drops of the tincture.31 Traditionally, oil of St. John’s
Wort has been applied topically on wounds, bruises, sores and other skin
disorders, penetrating the nerve endings and relieving pain.31
Moxibustion (controlled burning
of moxa, an Artemisia) over areas of the worst soreness is a remedy
often used by acupuncturists or practitioners of TCM (traditional Chinese
medicine). It helps warm and soothe all the muscles31 but is
not necessarily a helpful approach for those who have fibromyalgic aches
and pains.
Garden sage leaf infusion or tincture
has been used in folklore to prevent joint aches and improve circulation.
Note: Do not use excessively or if
you have dry mouth or very dry vaginal tissues.31
5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan), especially
well absorbed in sublingual form, increases serotonin levels in a safe
way for improved rest patterns and may help relieve fibromyalgic
pain. One of the primary symptoms of fibromyalgia involves feeling sore
all over. Oral capsules may also be used, but must compete with the digestive
system for absorption. Rarely, nausea may occur when the oral form is
taken, but 5-HTP is virtually free of side effects.20
Homeopathic Arnica is suitable
for the consequences of various types of trauma and muscular strain. If
the bed feels too hard, or you have painful muscles or muscular fatigue
aggravated by the slightest touch, or have skin bruises of traumatic origin,
arnica may help. Full strength herbal arnica (e.g. tincture) is used only
topically and is not considered safe for internal use.
Homeopathic arnica can be safely used internally. The main clinical uses
include aftereffects of various types of trauma such as sprains, painfully
healing fractures, bruising, muscular aches, prevention of postsurgical
complications, and consequences of prolonged effort (training for sports).14
Researched and written by the ProjectAWARE group, 2000
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