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.
AN INTRODUCTION TO HERBS
Menopause changes occur not only in the ovaries, but also in the adrenal,
thyroid, pancreas, pineal and pituitary glands. Herbal allies, used wisely,
provide micronutrients that strengthen the immune system, provide bone-building
minerals and endocrine-nourishing glycosides.
When using herbs we need to be alert and aware, just as we are when ingesting
any substance. It's best to identify all plants you intend to use by botanical
name, and buy only products labeled by botanical name. Using only one
herb at a time and learning all we can about it, we may begin with gentle
nourishing and tonifying herbal infusions and vinegars. Each of us is
unique, and although side effects are rare, it's recommended you watch
your reactions carefully during the first 24 hours when first using any
plant. Use herbal tinctures only after you have gained some familiarity
with herbs as foods and infusions. Start with a small, recommended dose
of the herb and increase slowly if needed.
Plants strong enough to act as stimulants, sedatives, and near-drugs
have powerful effects on both body and spirit and may be useful in very
small doses. Learn to respect the uniqueness of every plant, every person
and every situation as well as the differences between herbs.
Nourishing herbs rarely produce side
effects and may be taken in any quantity indefinitely. These herbs include
alfalfa, borage, calendula, chamomile, chickweed, cornsilk, comfrey, elder
blossoms or berries, fennel, fenugreek, lemon balm, mallows, nettles,
oatstraw, plantain, raspberry, red clover, seaweeds, sweet briar (rose
hips), St. John's wort, slippery elm and violet. All are considered especially
nourishing for the menopausal years.
Tonifying herbs act slowly in the body
and have a cumulative, rather than immediate, effect. These herbs are
most beneficial when used in small quantities for extended periods of
time. Side effects are more common with tonics. The more bitter they taste,
the less you need to take. Tonic herbs useful during the menopausal years
include birch, black cohosh, blackstrap molasses, chaste tree (Vitex),
dandelion, Dong quai, echinacea, false unicorn, ginseng, hawthorn, horsetail,
lady's mantle, motherwort, peony, sarsaparilla, spikenard, wild yam and
yellow dock.
Sedating/stimulating herbs usually cause
a wide variety of rapid reactions. Long-term use can lead to dependency,
so these herbs are best used in moderate doses for fairly short periods
of time. Side effects are frequent, and there may be loss of tone or a
rebound effect when the herb is no longer taken. Some parts of the body
may be stressed in order to help other parts. These herbs include catnip,
cinnamon, ginger, hops, licorice, myrrh, passion flower, poplar, primrose,
sage, skullcap, uva ursi, valerian, vervain, willow and wintergreen.
Toxicherbs are potential poisons and potent
medicines, but nevertheless have a place in healing. They activate intense
effort on the part of both body and spirit. As herbal "bullets" they are
taken in tiny amounts for very short periods of time, usually under supervision
of a qualified practitioner. If you are allergic to any foods or medicines,
it is especially important to check on the possible side effects of toxic
herbs. These herbs include cayenne, cotton root, goldenseal, liferoot,
poke root, rue, sweet clover (Melilot) and wormseed.
