10 Best Herbal Creams For Hot Flashes

Herbal creams for hot flashes are topical treatments that incorporate natural ingredients such as sage, chamomile, and lavender to help alleviate the discomfort associated with menopausal symptoms.

These creams are often marketed as a gentler alternative to hormone replacement therapy, offering a more natural approach to managing body temperature fluctuations. While some studies suggest that certain herbs may have a cooling effect on the skin, scientific evidence supporting their efficacy for hot flashes remains limited. Many users report feeling a soothing sensation from the application, which can provide temporary relief and a sense of comfort.

However, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before using herbal creams, especially if you have allergies or are taking other medications.

1. Vitex agnus-castus

Vitex agnus-castus, commonly known as chasteberry, is a herbal remedy often used in the form of creams to help alleviate symptoms of hot flashes, particularly in women experiencing menopause.

These creams are formulated with extracts from the Vitex agnus-castus plant, which is believed to support hormonal balance by influencing the pituitary gland and regulating estrogen levels. While some studies suggest that chasteberry may reduce the frequency and intensity of hot flashes, more research is needed to fully understand its efficacy and long-term effects. Herbal creams containing Vitex agnus-castus are typically applied topically, offering a non-hormonal alternative for those seeking natural relief from menopausal symptoms.

As with any herbal product, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider before use, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.

2. Cimicifuga racemosa

Cimicifuga racemosa, commonly known as black cohosh, is a herbal remedy often used in the form of creams to alleviate the symptoms of hot flashes associated with menopause.

These creams are typically applied topically to the skin, where the active compounds may help regulate body temperature and reduce the intensity of sudden heat sensations. While some studies suggest that black cohosh may have a mild estrogen-like effect, the effectiveness of topical creams compared to oral formulations remains a topic of ongoing research. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider before using these creams, as they may interact with other medications or cause side effects in some individuals.

Despite its popularity as a natural remedy, the long-term safety and efficacy of cimicifuga racemosa creams for hot flashes require further clinical investigation.

3. Glycyrrhiza glabra

Glycyrrhiza glabra, commonly known as licorice root, is often incorporated into herbal creams for its potential to alleviate symptoms of hot flashes, which are common during menopause.

These creams typically contain extracts of licorice root, which may help regulate hormonal imbalances and reduce inflammation in the body. The anti-inflammatory and soothing properties of licorice root may provide relief from the discomfort associated with hot flashes by calming the skin and reducing irritation. While some studies suggest that licorice may have mild estrogen-like effects, more research is needed to confirm its efficacy for this specific use.

As with any herbal remedy, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional before incorporating licorice-based creams into a treatment regimen for hot flashes.

4. Urtica dioica

Urtica dioica, commonly known as stinging nettle, has been traditionally used in herbal medicine for its potential health benefits, including relief from hot flashes.

Herbal creams containing Urtica dioica are formulated to harness the plant's anti-inflammatory and cooling properties, which may help soothe the skin and provide a calming effect. These creams are often recommended as a natural alternative for women experiencing menopausal symptoms, offering a non-hormonal approach to managing hot flashes. The active compounds in stinging nettle, such as flavonoids and lignans, are believed to support hormonal balance and reduce skin irritation associated with hot flashes.

While more research is needed, many users report a noticeable improvement in comfort and skin sensitivity when using Urtica dioica-based topical treatments.

5. Zingiber officinale

Zingiber officinale, commonly known as ginger, has been traditionally used for its warming and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a popular ingredient in herbal creams for alleviating hot flashes.

These creams often combine ginger extract with other natural ingredients like lavender, chamomile, or calendula to enhance their soothing effects on the skin. When applied topically, ginger-based creams may help reduce the intensity and frequency of hot flashes by improving circulation and providing a cooling sensation. While scientific evidence supporting their efficacy is limited, many women report feeling a temporary relief from the discomfort associated with menopausal symptoms.

As with any topical treatment, it is advisable to perform a patch test and consult with a healthcare provider before using ginger herbal creams, especially if you have sensitive skin or existing medical conditions.

6. Equisetum arvense

Equisetum arvense, also known as field horsetail, is a traditional herbal remedy that has been used for centuries to support women's health, particularly in managing symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes.

This plant is rich in silica and other bioactive compounds that may help regulate hormonal imbalances and reduce the frequency and intensity of hot flashes. Herbal creams infused with Equisetum arvense are formulated to provide topical relief, offering a natural alternative to conventional treatments. These creams are often combined with other herbs like sage or black cohosh to enhance their effectiveness.

While more research is needed, preliminary studies suggest that Equisetum arvense may offer a safe and supportive option for women seeking holistic approaches to menopausal symptoms.

7. Silybum marianum

Silybum marianum, also known as milk thistle, is a herbal remedy that has been explored for its potential benefits in managing hot flashes, a common symptom of menopause.

While scientific research on its direct effects on hot flashes is limited, some studies suggest that the active compound silymarin may support hormonal balance and reduce inflammation, which could indirectly alleviate menopausal symptoms. Herbal creams containing silybum marianum are often marketed as natural alternatives to conventional treatments, appealing to those seeking holistic approaches. These creams may be applied topically to soothe skin irritation associated with hot flashes, though their efficacy in reducing the frequency or intensity of flashes remains inconclusive.

As with any herbal supplement, it is important to consult a healthcare provider before use to ensure safety and appropriateness for individual health conditions.

8. Lavandula angustifolia

Lavandula angustifolia, commonly known as English lavender, is often incorporated into herbal creams designed to alleviate the symptoms of hot flashes, which are common during menopause.

These creams typically contain essential oils extracted from lavender flowers, known for their calming and soothing properties. The anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of lavender may help reduce the intensity and frequency of hot flashes by promoting relaxation and reducing stress, a known trigger for these episodes. Clinical studies suggest that topical application of lavender-based creams can provide localized relief, though more research is needed to fully understand their efficacy.

As a natural alternative to conventional treatments, lavender herbal creams offer a potentially gentle and aromatherapy-enhanced approach to managing menopausal discomfort.

9. Hypericum perforatum

Hypericum perforatum, commonly known as St. John's wort, is a herbal remedy that has been traditionally used for its potential benefits in managing symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes.

Herbal creams containing Hypericum perforatum are formulated to provide topical relief by potentially reducing the intensity and frequency of hot flashes through localized anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These creams may offer a natural alternative for women seeking non-hormonal options to alleviate menopausal discomfort. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before using these products, as they may interact with other medications.

While some studies suggest possible efficacy, more research is needed to fully understand their effectiveness and safety for long-term use.

10. Curcuma longa

Curcuma longa, commonly known as turmeric, has been traditionally used in herbal medicine for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Recent studies suggest that curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, may help alleviate symptoms of hot flashes by modulating hormonal balance and reducing inflammation in the body. Herbal creams containing curcuma longa are increasingly being used as a natural alternative to conventional treatments for menopausal symptoms. These creams can be applied topically to the skin, offering localized relief and potentially reducing the severity of hot flashes.

While more research is needed, early evidence indicates that curcuma longa-based creams may provide a safe and effective complementary approach to managing hot flashes.