Which Herbs Are Most Effective For Menopause?
Most of the menopause products are created based on 3 strategiess:
- a single supplement/herb wonder
- a combination of past researched supplements/herbs with an addition of the latest fad herb
- in most cases a newbie manufacturer/distributer copies another company’s product that is selling well
The result is that it is difficult for the consumer to determine what works. So how do you know what works?
Anybody can produce testimonials but long term repeatable, sustainable results are very challenging to produce. Even the research that is presented is not the full story but rather a spin on the research to move you to buy a particular product. In most cases, the manufacturer may truely believe they have a formula that will work based on misinformation on a herb’s benefits.
The right herbs for menopause will primarily 1) raise the body’s energy, 2) nourish the blood, 3) cool the body and 4) normalize the body’s thermostat. And indirectly, because the underlying imbalance is corrected, the menopause symptoms will begin to dissapate within 2 hours.
Most discoveries about herbs have come from Chinese herbal medicine but revealed to the American public in an incomplete manner. The American manufacturers share the info about an herb as a solution for everyone who has a particular symptom. Nevermind, all the body of Chinese medicine and theory that understands that there are different body types or constitutions that may accompany those symptoms. Menopause is a hot body type condition requiring specific emphasis on cooling the liver.
Chinese herbs which have proven to be effective for hundreds of years on millions of patients. Most Chinese master herbalists understand that after millions of subjects there isn’t much need to research what is obvious, tried and proven. Its essential to apply the right formula to the right constitution and symptoms, not just the symptoms. In addition, in order to discern this relationship between body constitution and herb formulation, it is essential to choose the most knowledgeable practitioner.
A Practicing Master Herbalist Knows More About Herbs Than Any Other Profession?
A seasoned master herbalist (10 years+) who works with herbs every day is the best source for herb medicine. The time element is critical to allow the practitioner to get the kinks out and test his/her knowledge. What is taught in our traditional Chinese herbs and herb medicine schools is only a beginning knowledge and needs to be tested. Better yet, graduates need long term apprenticeship before they are ready to correct imbalances with their clients. Medical doctors rely on their Physician’s Desk Reference for information on herbs which is truely a beginning base source. A one herb or multiple herb formula is not going to work for all. They may work for a quarter of the population or people who have a similar constitution but not everyone. For instance, Black Cohosh is a Chinese herb but is not appropriate for menopause. Its used for fevers. Still, American supplement manufacturers have found a way to exploit the misinformation supplied to the public and so the story continues. Never mind that its short term benefits decay in 2-3 weeks. A better option would be bupleurum combined with other balancing herbs.
In summary, the best choice of herbs for menopause will take into consideration the woman’s constitution or body type when constructing a formula. In addition, herbs that have a track record for hundreds to thousands of years must be regarded as a superior choice over herbs with a minor history. I encourage everyone to seek a seasoned source in herbal medicine.
