Menopause is a period of transition and metamorphosis, like puberty. It consists of three stages: isolation, melt down, and emergence. Each stage calls forth new energies and new perceptions of ourselves. Each stage has different demands, different tasks, and different needs. (Susun Weed)

One of the most common menopausal symptoms is heat, specifically hot flashes and night sweats.  Women can also experience these symptoms premenstrually.  When the heat is on we NEED relief.

Summer can be a rough time for hot flashes and night sweats.  There are some things you can do to cool down.

• Avoid hot, spicy food
• Wear light weight cotton clothing
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine
• Manage stress and anxiety
• Eat light meals with cooling food
• Use air conditioning and fans when indoors

A hot flash centers around the face and neck area.  If all else fails, when experiencing a hot flash, open your freezer and put your face close to the cold air until it passes.  Sound crazy to stick your head in a freezer?  Try it.  You’ll do it too!

Of course, our herbal allies are always there waiting to rescue us.  Prepare a tea using Salvia officinalis (sage), Actaea racemosa (black cohosh), Trifolium pretense (red clover) and Mentha spicata (spearmint).  These herbs are all indicated for easing hot flashes and night sweats.  There are some additional benefits.

• Black cohosh helps with memory loss, depression and mood swings. It is one of the best-studied traditional herbs for menopause.
• Red clover helps maintain bone strength, improves cardiovascular health and lowers the risk for certain cancers.
• Spearmint is cool, refreshing and adds a nice flavor to the tea

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your doctor

References:

Weed, Susun S., Menopausal Years, the Wise Woman Way, Susun S. Weed, Ash Tree Publishing, 2002