We are all part of the spiral of life, a natural cycle of change and growth, and sometimes transitions are hard. The transition of menopause can be especially challenging for women as we experience physical and emotional shifts.
How can we move through menopause with greater ease?
My herb mentor Jane Richmond talks about menopause as an opportunity to transform and reconnect with what we loved when we were children. What did you like to do when you were younger? Paint, sing, swim, dance, bake? This is the perfect moment to come full circle and take those passions to heart again. Do what you love ~ and step into your wisdom.
Navigating through menopause also means addressing physical changes. One of the most common of these is the hot flash, the rising electrical heat and sometimes accompanying sweat that lets us know this transition is occurring.
Herbal allies for healing
Herbal medicine has some powerful options for supporting women during this time. Phytoestrogens, plant-derived estrogens, are present in some herbs like red clover Trifolium pratense and sage Salvia officinalis. These modulate estrogen based on our body’s needs and can mitigate menopause symptoms like hot flashes.
Other herbs such as chaste berry Vitex agnus-castus have a normalizing effect on pituitary function and can also assist us hormonally. Herbs from Ayurvedic medicine like Shatavari Asparagus racemosus have known benefits too. Shatavari is viewed as a supreme female rejuvenative tonic. This aphrodisiac is phytoestrogenic, cooling, and moistening, strengthens the liver, and improves the body’s response to stress.
Other helpful herbs in combination include black cohosh Cimicifuga racemosa, dong quai Angelica sinensis, and milk thistle Silybum marianum.
Relaxation, please
Moving through menopause is also easier when the nervous system is strong. Motherwort Leonurus cardiaca and linden Tilia platyphyllos are useful in relieving nervousness and relaxing tension. Skullcap Scutellaria lateriflora can help mitigate insomnia and stress. The healing properties of rose Rosa spp., lavender Lavandula officinalis, and lemon balm Melissa officinalis can help lighten our moods. Nourishing oat Avena sativa is perfect to strengthen nerves.
Reconnect
If you haven't already, reconnect with nature. Many of us loved playing outside as children, hiking in the woods, swimming in the ocean, and hiding in the trees. If you have lost that, find it again ~ Connection with one another and nature is our greatest source of happiness.
Keep that flowing.
In peace, Sally
Opening art: @amycharlette
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