Unlock the Hidden Benefits of Adaptogenic Herbs for Menopause Relief.
Menopause is a natural phase in a woman’s life, it is not something we need to be afraid of and it is not something we need to ‘cure’.
However, many women experience some or all of the 34 symptoms of menopause (plus many more unofficial symptoms) which can be annoying at best or downright debilitating making them feel that life will never be the same again.
I don’t believe that HRT is a magic bullet.
HRT can replace your sex hormones but many symptoms experienced by women can be down to thyroid hormones, high cortisol, and insulin levels and many more possibilities.
These imbalances can be affected by lifestyle such as;
- Stress
- Poor Sleep
- Imbalance in gut bacteria
- Sluggish liver
- Restrictive dieting
- Lack of muscle mass and more.
Those who can’t or don’t want to use HRT often seek natural remedies to alleviate these symptoms, and one promising avenue is the use of adaptogenic herbs.
In this post, I am going to dive deeper into the world of adaptogenic herbs to provide you with more knowledge and understanding to make your own choices.
What Are Adaptogenic Herbs?
Adaptogenic herbs have a rich history spanning centuries and across various cultures.
Traditionally, these herbs were valued for their ability to help the body adapt to stressors and restore balance. From Ayurveda in India to traditional Chinese medicine, adaptogens have played a significant role in supporting overall well-being.
Adaptogenic herbs are plants and mushrooms that help your body respond to stressors by ‘adapting’ to suit your individual needs, for instance, if you are tired but wired they will calm you but if you are tired and sluggish they will provide energy.
They aim to provide balance within the body and bring it back to homeostasis.
Top 12 Adaptogenic Herbs
- Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera):
- Known for its stress-relieving and rejuvenating properties, Ashwagandha is a popular adaptogen in Ayurvedic medicine. It is believed to support the nervous system and promote overall well-being.
- Rhodiola Rosea:
- This adaptogen is known for its ability to enhance physical and mental performance, reduce fatigue, and support the body’s response to stress. It is commonly used in traditional medicine in regions like Siberia.
- Holy Basil (Tulsi):
- Holy Basil is revered in Ayurvedic medicine for its adaptogenic and anti-inflammatory properties. It is known to help the body cope with stress and has antioxidant effects.
- Maca Root (Lepidium meyenii):
- Hailing from the Andes mountains, Maca root is believed to have hormone-balancing effects, supporting the endocrine system. It’s often used for energy, stamina, and hormonal balance.
- Schisandra Berry (Schisandra chinensis):
- Schisandra is an adaptogen with a long history in traditional Chinese medicine. It is known for its ability to support the body’s stress response, enhance endurance, and promote liver health.
- Panax Ginseng:
- Panax ginseng, particularly the Korean variety (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer), is a well-known adaptogen that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine. It is believed to enhance energy, improve cognitive function, and reduce stress.
- Eleuthero (Siberian Ginseng):
- Eleuthero is another adaptogen from the ginseng family. It is believed to enhance endurance, improve stress resistance, and support overall vitality.
- Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus):
- Astragalus is used in traditional Chinese medicine to strengthen the immune system, increase energy, and promote overall vitality. It is considered an adaptogen for its stress-protective effects.
- Licorice Root (Glycyrrhiza glabra):
- Licorice root is known for its adaptogenic and anti-inflammatory properties. It is often used to support the adrenal glands and help regulate cortisol levels.
- Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis):
- Cordyceps is a fungus that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. It is believed to enhance stamina, improve energy, and support the respiratory system.
- Bacopa Monnieri (Brahmi):
- Bacopa is recognised for its adaptogenic properties that support cognitive function, reduce stress, and promote overall mental well-being. Bacopa is believed to enhance memory and cognitive performance, making it a valuable adaptogen for those looking to manage stress and maintain cognitive vitality during periods of hormonal changes, such as menopause.
- Reishi Mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum):
- Reishi is a medicinal mushroom with adaptogenic properties. It is believed to enhance immune function, support the nervous system, and promote overall well-being.
Holistic Support for Menopausal Symptoms
Adaptogenic herbs stand out as an holistic and natural approach to managing the diverse range of symptoms that accompany menopause.
Adaptogens, with their unique properties, play a crucial role in supporting the body’s stress response system, facilitating a smoother adaptation to the physiological and emotional shifts associated with menopause.
These herbs also offer holistic support, addressing not just isolated symptoms but also taking into account the interconnectedness of the body’s systems.
This approach aims to enhance overall well-being and resilience during the challenging menopausal transition by;
Balancing Hormonal Fluctuations:
- One of the key benefits of adaptogens is their potential to balance hormonal fluctuations. Menopause is characterised by a decline in estrogen levels, leading to various symptoms such as hot flashes and mood swings. Adaptogens, by modulating the endocrine system, may contribute to overall hormonal balance (not just sex hormones), helping alleviate these distressing symptoms.
Addressing Mood Swings and Emotional Well-Being:
- Menopausal women often experience mood swings, anxiety, and irritability due to hormonal changes. Adaptogenic herbs, known for their impact on neurotransmitters and the nervous system, offer support in stabilising mood and promoting emotional well-being. This can lead to a more positive and balanced mental state during this phase of life.
Boosting Energy Levels:
- Fatigue is a common complaint during menopause, partly due to hormonal imbalances. Adaptogens such as Rhodiola and Ashwagandha are recognised for their energy-boosting properties, helping women navigate through daily activities with increased vitality and stamina.
Adapting to Physiological Changes:
- Menopause brings about various physiological changes, including changes in metabolism and bone density. Adaptogens, through their regulatory effects on the body’s systems, assist in adapting to these changes, promoting overall physical resilience and supporting the body’s ability to maintain optimal function.
Promoting Stress Resilience:
- Menopausal symptoms can be exacerbated by stress. Adaptogenic herbs play a pivotal role in promoting stress resilience by regulating the HPA axis and cortisol levels. This not only helps in managing stress but also prevents its potential negative impact on menopausal symptoms.
In conclusion, adaptogenic herbs offer a multifaceted and holistic approach to supporting women during the menopausal journey.
By addressing hormonal fluctuations, mood swings, energy levels, and overall stress resilience, adaptogens contribute to a more balanced and empowered experience during this transformative phase of life.
Women need to explore these natural options with guidance from healthcare professionals, tailoring their approach to individual needs and preferences.
How To Use Adaptogenic Herbs
I have had the privilege of working alongside two amazing businesses looking to improve women’s health and well-being through the use of adaptogenic herbs and making this process simple.
Adaptogenic Apothecary
Adaptogenic Apothecary provides ready-to-use sachets of premixed herbs to support the menopause journey.
If you still have a cycle, supporting the release and excretion of the right hormones at the right time will support your body to function optimally along with relieving symptoms of PMT and menopause.
HARMONY is the range that will aim to align your cycle.
Based on a 28-day cycle the Harmony Monthly supply comes with 28 sachets to support you through all four phases of your menstrual cycle. If your cycle differs in length you can purchase top-up sachets.
FREEDOM is the range which will support menopause if you no longer have a cycle or you have an irregular cycle. As you progress through perimenopause it isn’t unusual to skip a few months of your cycle.
The Freedom sachets include ingredients to support a whole host of menopause symptoms such as hot flushes, anxiety, fatigue, low libido, brain fog, bone loss, ageing skin and sleep issues to name a few.
I have tried these sachets and love how easy they are to add to my daily life. Blend, mix, sprinkle or stir the premeasured amount into your food or drinks.
Check out Adaptogenic Apothecary’s website for other products and subscribe and save discounts.
London Nootropics
Nootropics Adaptogenic Coffee.
I was a little dubious to start with as I love my coffee and don’t enjoy ‘instant’ coffee however, these taste freshly brewed with the added benefit of adaptogenic herbs in three different formulas;
ZEN – with CBD & Ashwagandha
MOJO – with Cordyceps & Ginseng
FLOW – with Lions Manes & Rhodiola
You can purchase boxes with 12 sachets. There are mixed sachet options as well as bigger box options and subscribe and save. Use this link to learn more and if you purchase don’t forget to use the code NNF15 for 15% off.
You can also find these products in my Christmas Gift Guide for the Menopausal Woman You Love.
Start your journey to menopause harmony by joining my 5-day Menopause Nutrition Challenge.
Discover how to reduce your menopause symptoms naturally through food.
Join HERE, we start the next round on Tuesday 20th February 2024.
