Grandma’s remedies for hot flashes

Hot flashes are almost always associated with menopause. And although they do occur very often during this particular period of women’s lives, they can also have other causes: pregnancy, hyperthyroidism, menstruation, diabetes but also a pituitary gland disorder or intense stress. . Hot flashes are characterized by a feeling of intense and sudden heat, particularly in the face, neck and sometimes the chest. They can occur during the day or at night and are sometimes accompanied by other symptoms such as palpitations, chills, night sweats, redness, excessive sweating. Hot flashes last from a few seconds to several minutes and while they affect women more, they sometimes affect men.

Hot flashes and menopause: how to explain this phenomenon?

Menopause is marked by the cessation of ovulation and periods. It is accompanied by intense hormonal upheavals which are precisely responsible for the occurrence of hot flashes. It is particularly the drop in the level of estrogen, hormones in particular responsible for thermal regulation, which causes them. The treatment of hot flashes is above all that of their cause. When they are caused by menopause, drug treatment consists of the prescription of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). However, these are only prescribed when menopause induces symptoms. But there are also other natural treatments and tips to reduce hot flashes.

Plants effective against hot flashes: advice from the naturopath

“For hot flashes, the support strategy must be comprehensive so that women find real comfort in life.”, Explains Ketty Orain-Ferella. For the naturopath, several plants can therefore be used simultaneously depending on the problems encountered.

• Sage: essential plant for women

“It accompanies both irregular cycles and painful periods and hot flashes of menopause”, Observes Ketty Orain-Ferella. “The ancients understood this well and sage herbal tea is an essential part of the natural first aid kit to accompany women at the different stages of their life.”, She adds. But then what is its mode of action and why is this plant so effective? Sage has a balancing effect on the hormonal system by compensating for the drop in estrogen responsible for hot flashes. “I often recommend it to women whose hot flashes are accompanied by a drop in libido.”, Specifies the naturopath. Be careful, however, caution is required if there is a history of breast cancer or hormone-dependent. “In this case, I recommend instead the black cohosh which presents no danger for these women because its activity is not estrogenic.. ”, She adds.

• Hops to complete the care

Hot flashes can be accompanied by other symptoms, including trouble sleeping. The naturopath then recommends pairing sage or black cohosh with hops. “With the hops have acted on three aspects of the problem: the hot flashes in itself but also the insomnia and the nervous tension.. ”, Explains Ketty Orain-Ferella. Hawthorn is also an interesting plant because if it has no hormonal action, it is however effective against palpitations and anxiety.

Herbal medicine for hot flashes: how to use plants?

Sage is a miraculous plant which in addition to acting on hormonal disorders has an action on perspiration, digestion and is also antiseptic. A very complete plant that can be used in different ways. “Regarding officinal sage, I prefer its traditional use, so in the form of herbal tea. We will take between 1 and 3 g at the rate of 3 cups per day”, Advises the naturopath. However, drinking hot can be painful when you have hot flashes. In this case, there are sage extracts in the form of mother tincture in particular. “A few drops diluted in water will be very effective. I advise to inquire about the dosage according to the chosen liquid extract”, She adds. “For black cohosh, the naturopath recommends favoring standardized extracts in the form of capsules or tablets which guarantee a certain amount of active ingredients. “Finally for the hops, as for the sage, one will choose according to its preference and its tolerance between the infusion and the tincture.”, Advises Ketty Orain-Ferella. In any case, do not hesitate to consult a naturopath or a herbalist to ensure the correct form and dosage.

Hot flashes: taking care of yourself and watching your diet

In addition to these different herbs and grandmother’s remedies, it is important to take care of her diet and to banish certain bad habits. The effectiveness of plants will indeed be potentiated by the implementation of an adapted hygiene of life. “In the first place, I advise to avoid the “bad pupils” which one knows well: the refined sugar and the alcohol in particular which, by modifying the glycemia, accentuate the phenomenon of the hot flashes.”, Recommends the naturopath. The latter also suggests limiting coffee consumption to avoid increased nervous tension. “I emphasize this point because I have often observed in consultation that we very poorly assess the consequences of this drink when consumed for years.. ”, She adds. Finally, the naturopath suggests temporarily limiting the consumption of spices: without being deleterious, they are very warming for the body and cause additional discomfort.
However, certain foods can be beneficial. This is for example the case of fish rich in omega 3, in particular salmon, mackerel, tuna, sardines, anchovies and herring. “Omega 3s have an important hormonal influence and if we do not consume fish, it is necessary to turn either to food supplements or to vegetable sources: I am thinking in particular of linseed oil or camelina oil. ”, Explains the specialist.
Certain foods are rich in phytoestrogens and will compensate for the drop in hormones observed during peri-menopause and menopause. This is the case with soybeans, alfalfa, parsley in particular (be careful, however, with soybeans because it is not suitable for women with a history of breast cancer). “Finally, I encourage the consumption of all cabbages because they balance hormones, especially through their action on the liver.. ”, Adds Ketty Orain-Ferella.
Finally, maintaining physical activity is essential to reduce the frequency and intensity of hot flashes. You don’t have to be in the performance, walking daily or even doing yoga regularly will make a difference.

Homeopathy preferable for pregnant women

Pregnant women also sometimes have hot flashes. But during pregnancy, it is essential to be very vigilant with the taking of drugs but also herbal medicine and the use of essential oils. The naturopath instead recommends that expectant mothers to turn to homeopathy if they have hot flashes. Lachesis muta 9CH and Glonoïnum 9CH are particularly indicated but it is always preferable to consult a midwife or a doctor trained in homeopathy before starting.

Thanks to Ketty Orain-Ferella, naturopath

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