When it comes to women’s health, menopause is one of the most commonly discussed topics. Each woman will experience menopause at a different point in her life, but typically it happens during her 40s or 50s. It’s usually diagnosed after 12 months have passed with a menstrual period. Symptoms can be mild, or they can be a bit more uncomfortable. There are many natural remedies for menopause out there that could provide some relief. Teas, such as camomile tea and oolong tea are two of them. Understanding menopause and considering your symptoms can help you choose the tea that might best benefit you.
Symptoms of Menopause
There are both physical and emotional symptoms that appear when a woman goes through menopause. Knowing what to expect is important because it allows you to talk to your doctor and get a diagnosis of menopause so that you can treat your symptoms and make it as painless as you can. Symptoms of menopause include vaginal dryness, hot flashes, chills, night sweats, irregular periods, mood changes, sleep disturbances, a slower metabolism, weight gain, thinning hair, dry skin and a loss of breast tissue.
Camomile Tea
One of the top benefits of camomile tea is its menopause related relief. This type of tea contains antioxidants and other nutrients that can help with headaches associated with menopause and may help reduce the severity of hot flashes. Research has found that camomile tea health benefits can be enhanced by combining it with dong quai, which can help balance a woman’s hormones by regulating estrogen levels and reduce cramping and other pelvic pain associated with menopause. There are many other benefits of camomile tea, including helping with anxiety and sleep disturbances.
Oolong Tea
Oolong is another type of tea that can help with menopause. Whether you choose tea bags or loose leaf oolong, you’ll note some significant benefits, which include a lower risk of osteoporosis, a disease that many menopausal women face. Loose leaf oolong and other versions have also shown some weight loss benefits in research studies. Since menopause often brings about weight gain, it makes sense that adding oolong tea to your routine is one of many natural remedies that can help keep it under control.
Black Cohosh Root Tea
When it comes to women’s health, black cohosh root tea is another with some pretty nice perks during menopause. It’s been associated with a reduced incidence of both vaginal dryness and hot flashes. Many women choose black cohosh root tea as an alternative to hormone replacement therapy. It’s not recommended for women with blood pressure or liver problems so discuss it with your doctor before using it.
Red Clover Tea
Drinking red clover tea may help with hot flashes and night sweats, two symptoms that get quite a few complaints among menopausal women. The tea works because it contains phytoestrogens, which help balance hormones during menopause. It has also been linked to a lower risk of weak bones, high blood pressure and offers an immunity boost.
Valerian Tea
Valerian tea offers a whole host of health benefits and can be used to treat insomnia, headaches, stress and anxiety. At the same time, it’s a great choice for treating menopause symptoms. It helps prevent osteoporosis and can help you turn off your menopausal brain at night and get some sleep. Valerian tea is generally safe, but if you choose to take it via a supplement, avoid alcohol and talk to your doctor first.
Liquorice Tea
If you’ve never enjoyed liquorice tea, menopause may be the time to give it a try. It’s another type of tea that may reduce the severity of your hot flashes, as well as reducing how long they last. It’s also good for regulating estrogen levels and can help ease the stress and worry that surrounds going through menopause. If you’re taking any prescription drugs, talk to your doctor before you use liquorice tea as it can interfere with the effectiveness of certain medications.
Green Tea
Is there anything green tea can’t do? This tea is one of the most popular kinds out there and has all kinds of health benefits due to the antioxidants it contains. It’s especially effective for ensuring that your bones stay healthy and strong during menopause, lowering the risk of fractures and the development of osteoporosis. This one is a good choice for bedtime since it doesn’t contain caffeine like so many others on this list do.
Other Menopause Tips
Herbal tea isn’t the only natural remedy you can use to treat your menopause symptoms. To help get good sleep, eat a light meal before bed and sleep in cotton clothes in case you end up with night sweats. Try to cut back on meat and dairy and eat more vegetables and plant sources of calcium. Watch your sugar and salt intake and limit your use of alcohol and tobacco. You can also talk to your doctor about medical treatments for menopause.
Part of the reason why herbal tea is such a great idea for menopause is that the ritual of preparing it can really relax you and take the focus off of the discomfort you may be feeling. If the tea doesn’t work, talk to your doctor about other natural remedies you can try.