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Important Herbs Used for Menopausal Problems

Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis)
Dong Quai is a well-known Chinese herb that aids in estrogen replacement, or, more precisely, hormone balance. It contains iron and vitamin E. Often rubbed the "female tonic."

In Asia, angelica has been used to treat menopausal symptoms (especially hot flashes), as well as such conditions as dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), amenorrhea (lack of menstruation), and rnetrorrhagia (too frequent menstruation), and to assure a healthy pregnancy and easy delivery. Dong quai has demonstrated good uterine tonic activity, causing an initial increase in uterine contraction, followed by relaxation. In addition, administration of dong quai to mice resulted in an increase of uterine weight and increase of glucose utilization by the liver and uterus. These effects reflect estrogenic activities.

Dong Quai’s effectiveness in relieving hot flashes may be a combination of dong quai's mild estrogenic effects coupled with other components that act to stabilize blood vessels.

Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa)
Black Cohosh contains a natural precursor to estrogen (i.e., the body uses these elements as raw materials to produce its own hormones and only in the amount it needs), an antispasmodic, and emmenagogue. It was widely used by the American Indians and later by American colonists for the relief of menstrual cramps and menopause. Recent scientific investigation has upheld the use of black cohosh in treating both dysmenorrhea and menopause.

A special extract of Cimicifuga racemosa, standardized to contain 1 mg of triterpenes calculated as 27-deoxyacteine per tablet is the most widely used and thoroughly studied natural alternative to hormone replacement therapy in menopause.

In 1997, over ten million monthly units of this extract were sold in Germany, the United States, and Australia. Clinical studies have shown that this Cimicifuga extract relieves not only hot flashes, but also depression and vaginal atrophy.

In a large open study involving 131 doctors and 629 female patients, cimicifuga extract produced clear improvement in menopausal symptoms in over eighty percent of patients within six to eight weeks. As shown in the table, both physical and psychological symptoms were relieved.

Most patients reported noticeable benefits within four weeks after the initiation of cimicifuga therapy. After six to eight weeks, complete resolution of symptoms was achieved in a large percentage of patients. Cimicifuga was well tolerated; there was no discontinuation of therapy, and only seven percent of patients reported mild transitory stomach complaints.

In a double-blind study, sixty patients were given either cimicifuga extract (two tablets twice per day, providing a daily dosage of 4 mg 27-deoxyacteine), conjugated estrogens (0.625 mg daily), or diazepam (a Valium-like drug) (2 mg daily) for twelve weeks. Results showed a clear advantage of using cimicifuga extract over both drugs. Cimicifuga's effect in relieving the depressive mood and anxiety associated with menopause was far superior to either conjugated estrogens or diazepam.