By Leen Randell
Updated: Jul 19, 2024
10 Best Herbal Creams For Hot Flashes
Herbal creams for hot flashes are topical preparations that combine natural herbs with moisturizing ingredients to alleviate symptoms of hot flashes.
These creams help by regulating body temperature, reducing hormonal fluctuations, and promoting relaxation. Examples of herbal creams for hot flashes include Black Cohosh, Maca, and Dong Quai creams.
They can improve lives by providing long-lasting relief from hot flashes, allowing women to enjoy daily activities without discomfort or disruption.
The following article describes in detail the most important creams for hot flashes, including medicinal properties, parts of herbs to use, and recipes for preparations.
- 1. Valeriana officinalis
- 2. Angelica archangelica
- 3. Passiflora incarnata
- 4. Hypericum perforatum
- 5. Avena sativa
- 6. Tilia platyphyllos
- 7. Melissa officinalis
- 8. Glycyrrhiza glabra
- 9. Urtica dioica
- 10. Verbena officinalis
- What is the best combination of herbal creams to use for hot flashes?
- What ailments similar to hot flashes are treated with herbal creams?
1. Valeriana officinalis
Valeriana officinalis, also known as valerian, creams helps with hot flashes because they contain valerenic acid, a key compound that interacts with the brain's neurotransmitters to regulate body temperature.
The cream's cooling effect is said to provide relief from the intense heat associated with hot flashes. Additionally, valerian's natural sedative properties may also help to calm the body and mind, reducing stress and anxiety that can contribute to hot flashes.
This holistic approach can provide much-needed relief for women experiencing this common menopausal symptom.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Valeriana officinalis creams that help with hot flashes.
- Valerenic acid: It helps with hot flashes by acting as a GABA receptor agonist, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety, which can contribute to hot flash episodes.
- Isovaleric acid: It helps with hot flashes by having a sedative and anti-anxiety effect, which can alleviate the emotional and psychological symptoms associated with hot flashes.
- Valeranone: It helps with hot flashes by having a sedative and anti-stress effect, which can help to reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes by promoting relaxation and reducing stress levels.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of valerian used to make creams for hot flashes.
- Roots: Valerian roots are widely used due to their high concentration of valerenic acid, which helps to reduce hot flashes and promote relaxation.
- Roots: Valerian roots also contain valepotriates, which have anti-anxiety and sedative properties, making them a popular choice for hot flash relief creams.
- Roots: Valerian root extracts are also known for their ability to regulate hormonal imbalances, which can contribute to hot flashes, making them a key ingredient in many creams.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic valerian for hot flashes.
- Extract 20 grams of dried valeriana officinalis roots in 100 milliliters of vodka for 2 weeks.
- Strain the liquid mixture through cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a clean container.
- Combine the extracted liquid with 100 milliliters of distilled water and 20 grams of beeswax.
- Heat the mixture in a double boiler or a microwave-safe bowl for 30 seconds intervals until the beeswax melts.
- Pour the mixture into a glass jar and store it in a cool dark place for 2 weeks.
2. Angelica archangelica
Angelica archangelica, also known as angelica, creams helps with hot flashes because of its natural phytoestrogenic properties.
It can mimic the effects of estrogen in the body, which helps to regulate hormonal imbalances that cause hot flashes. The herb contains compounds such as ligustilide and butylphthalide, which have been shown to have a cooling effect on the body and may help to reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes.
This makes angelica creams a popular natural remedy for menopausal symptoms.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Angelica archangelica creams that help with hot flashes.
- Saponins: Saponins in Angelica archangelica creams may help alleviate hot flashes by reducing inflammation and modulating the body's hormonal balance, particularly estrogen levels.
- Phenolic acids: Phenolic acids in Angelica archangelica may help mitigate hot flashes by possessing antioxidant properties, which can help regulate body temperature and reduce oxidative stress.
- Coumarins: Coumarins in Angelica archangelica creams may help alleviate hot flashes by exhibiting anti-inflammatory and vasodilatory effects, which can help regulate blood flow and reduce heat sensations.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of angelica used to make creams for hot flashes.
- Roots: They are commonly used due to their high content of angelic acid and isopimpinellin, which have been shown to have a cooling effect and alleviate symptoms of hot flashes.
- Leaves: Leaves are used because they contain a higher amount of essential oils compared to other parts, which helps to soothe and calm the skin, reducing the occurrence of hot flashes.
- Stems: Stems are utilized as they have a high concentration of angelica lactone, which has been found to have anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties that can help alleviate hot flash symptoms.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic angelica for hot flashes.
- Harvest 100g of angelica archangelica roots and leaves on a dry morning after the dew has evaporated.
- Dry the harvested plant material in a warm place with good air circulation for 7-10 days.
- Steep 20g of dried angelica archangelica in 200ml of boiling water for 10-15 minutes to make a decoction.
- Strain the decoction and mix it with 20g of beeswax and 20g of shea butter in a heat-proof bowl.
- Heat the mixture over low heat while stirring constantly until the ingredients have fully incorporated and thickened.
3. Passiflora incarnata
Passiflora incarnata, also known as maypop, creams helps with hot flashes because of its unique ability to regulate the body's temperature and hormone balance.
The herbal extract is rich in flavonoids and alkaloids that have a calming effect on the nervous system, reducing stress and anxiety that can trigger hot flashes.
Additionally, Passiflora incarnata creams contain anti-inflammatory properties that soothe the skin and promote relaxation, providing relief from hot flash symptoms and promoting a sense of well-being.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Passiflora incarnata creams that help with hot flashes.
- Flavonoids: These compounds have a calming effect on the body, which may help alleviate hot flashes by reducing stress and anxiety.
- Alkaloids: These alkaloids have a sedative effect, which may help regulate body temperature and reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes.
- Isoflavones: These flavonoids have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may help reduce the symptoms of hot flashes, such as sweating and flushing.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of maypop used to make creams for hot flashes.
- Roots: Rich in flavonoids, alkaloids, and glycosides, which have been shown to have a positive effect on hot flashes.
- Leaves: High in flavonoids, particularly kaempferol and quercetin, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties beneficial for hot flash relief.
- Seeds: Contain a high concentration of flavonoids, including flavonol glycosides, which may help reduce hot flashes by alleviating hormonal imbalances.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic maypop for hot flashes.
- Harvest 100g of fresh passiflora incarnata flowers and leaves by cutting them with scissors during early morning hours.
- Combine the harvested flowers and leaves with 500ml of water in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and let it simmer for 30 minutes then strain the mixture using a cheesecloth to obtain the herbal extract.
- Mix the herbal extract with 200g of unsalted butter and 200ml of jojoba oil in a double boiler at 60 degrees celsius.
- Whisk the mixture continuously for 10 minutes then store it in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 weeks.
4. Hypericum perforatum
Hypericum perforatum, also known as St John's Wort, creams helps with hot flashes because it contains hyperforin and hypericin, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
These properties help to soothe and calm the nervous system, reducing the frequency and severity of hot flashes. Additionally, the cream's cooling and astringent effects can provide quick relief from hot flashes, while its emollient properties can help to moisturize and protect the skin, leaving it feeling calm and comforted.
This natural remedy offers a gentle and effective solution for managing hot flashes.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Hypericum perforatum creams that help with hot flashes.
- Hypericin: A naphthodianthrone with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce hot flashes by mitigating oxidative stress and inflammation associated with menopause.
- Hypaconitine: A phenolic compound with estrogenic and neuroprotective effects, which can help alleviate hot flashes by modulating estrogen levels and reducing symptoms of menopause.
- Oleanolic acid: A triterpenoid saponin with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help reduce hot flashes by decreasing inflammation and oxidative stress in the body.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of st john's wort used to make creams for hot flashes.
- Leaves: They are rich in flavonoids, particularly hyperoside, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
- Flowers: They are a primary source of hyperforin, a key compound with vasodilatory and anti-inflammatory effects that can help alleviate hot flashes.
- Roots: They contain a high concentration of flavonoids and glycosides, including hyperoside, which has been shown to have a calming effect on the nervous system and help regulate body temperature.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic st john's wort for hot flashes.
- Harvest 100g of fresh hypericum perforatum flowers at peak bloom stage for maximum potency.
- Dry the harvested flowers at 30°c for 24 hours to preserve their medicinal properties.
- Combine dried flowers with 100g of beeswax and 50g of coconut oil in a double boiler.
- Heat the mixture at 60°c for 30 minutes while stirring occasionally to ensure even melting.
- Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth and fill 50g jars with the herbal cream for storage.
5. Avena sativa
Avena sativa, also known as oats, creams helps with hot flashes because of its unique ability to regulate hormonal balance and promote relaxation.
The calming properties of Avena sativa help to soothe the nervous system, reducing the severity and frequency of hot flashes. Additionally, Avena sativa has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help to alleviate the symptoms associated with hot flashes, such as sweating and palpitations.
This makes Avena sativa creams a popular natural remedy for managing hot flashes.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Avena sativa creams that help with hot flashes.
- Avenacoside: Avenacoside, a unique saponin glycoside in Avena sativa, helps alleviate hot flashes by modulating estrogen receptors and providing antioxidant effects, which can reduce menopausal symptoms.
- Isovitexin: Isovitexin, a lignan glycoside, has been shown to have estrogenic activity and antioxidant properties, contributing to the reduction of hot flashes by regulating hormonal balance and protecting against oxidative stress.
- Fatty acids and sterols: The presence of fatty acids and sterols, such as unsaturated fatty acids and beta-sitosterol, in Avena sativa creams may help to regulate hormone levels and improve blood flow, which can help alleviate hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of oats used to make creams for hot flashes.
- Seeds: They are rich in isoleucine, an amino acid that helps to regulate blood flow and alleviate hot flashes.
- Roots: They contain saponins, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may help to reduce hot flashes.
- Leaves: They are rich in flavonoids, which have antioxidant properties that may help to alleviate hot flashes by regulating estrogen levels.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic oats for hot flashes.
- Infuse 1 tablespoon of dried avena sativa in 1 cup of boiling water for 5 minutes to create a liquid extract.
- Strain the liquid mixture through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve to separate the solids from the liquid.
- Combine 1/4 cup of distilled water with 1/4 cup of vegetable oil in a small saucepan and heat gently.
- Add 2 tablespoons of the avena sativa liquid extract to the saucepan and mix well for 30 seconds.
- Pour the mixture into a glass jar and let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating to set the cream.
6. Tilia platyphyllos
Tilia platyphyllos, also known as broad-leaved lime, creams helps with hot flashes because of its calming and regulating properties.
The cream's active compounds, including flavonoids and terpenoids, help to balance hormonal fluctuations that trigger hot flashes. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of Tilia platyphyllos also contribute to its efficacy in soothing and cooling the skin, providing relief from hot flash symptoms.
Regular use of these creams may help alleviate symptoms and promote a more stable body temperature.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Tilia platyphyllos creams that help with hot flashes.
- Tiliaflavonoids: These flavonoids have a calming effect on the nervous system, which helps to reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes by regulating body temperature and hormone levels.
- Terpenoids: As a natural anxiolytic and anti-inflammatory agent, Linalool helps to reduce stress and anxiety, which are often associated with hot flashes, promoting a sense of relaxation and calmness.
- Flavonols: Quercetin has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to protect the body from oxidative stress and inflammation that can contribute to hot flashes, promoting overall hormonal balance and well-being.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of broad-leaved lime used to make creams for hot flashes.
- Leaves: They are used due to their anti-inflammatory and estrogenic properties, which help alleviate hot flash symptoms.
- Buds: They are used for their calming and anti-inflammatory effects, which help reduce hot flash severity.
- Flowers: They are used due to their estrogenic properties, which can help regulate hormonal imbalances contributing to hot flashes.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic broad-leaved lime for hot flashes.
- Harvest tilia platyphyllos flowers in mid to late summer when in full bloom.
- Dry tilia platyphyllos flowers in a warm dry place with good air circulation.
- Infuse dried tilia platyphyllos flowers in a carrier oil such as sweet almond oil.
- Strain and filter the infused oil to remove solids and obtain clear liquid.
- Mix the herbal infused oil with beeswax and other ingredients to create a smooth cream.
7. Melissa officinalis
Melissa officinalis, also known as lemon balm, creams helps with hot flashes because they contain natural compounds that have a calming effect on the body.
The herb's sedative properties help to reduce stress and anxiety, which are common triggers for hot flashes. Additionally, Melissa officinalis creams have been shown to help regulate body temperature, providing relief from intense heat and flushing associated with hot flashes.
This natural remedy offers a gentle and effective way to manage hot flashes without harsh chemicals.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Melissa officinalis creams that help with hot flashes.
- Rosmarinic acid: A phenolic acid compound that helps alleviate hot flashes by its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help stabilize blood vessels and regulate body temperature.
- Linalool: A terpene with a sedative and anxiolytic effect that can help reduce hot flashes by promoting relaxation, reducing stress, and stabilizing hormone levels.
- Luteolin: A flavonoid with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help alleviate hot flashes by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the body, which can contribute to hot flash symptoms.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of lemon balm used to make creams for hot flashes.
- Leaves: They are rich in essential oils, particularly linalool and linalyl acetate, which have a cooling effect and help alleviate hot flashes.
- Flowers: They contain estrogen-like compounds that can help stabilize hormonal fluctuations and reduce symptoms of hot flashes.
- Stems: They also contain essential oils with anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe and calm the skin, reducing the discomfort associated with hot flashes.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic lemon balm for hot flashes.
- Harvest melissa officinalis leaves and flowers in the morning when the plant is at its peak fragrance and potency.
- Dry the harvested melissa officinalis leaves and flowers in a warm place for 1 to 2 weeks.
- Infuse dried melissa officinalis in a carrier oil such as sweet almond oil 1:5 ratio for 2 weeks.
- Strain the infused oil through a cheesecloth and discard the solids then add beeswax and emulsify the mixture.
- Pour the mixture into a container and let it cool and solidify for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
8. Glycyrrhiza glabra
Glycyrrhiza glabra, also known as licorice, creams helps with hot flashes because of its anti-inflammatory properties.
The active compounds in licorice, such as glycyrrhizin, help to regulate body temperature and reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes. Additionally, licorice creams have been shown to improve mood and reduce anxiety, which can be contributing factors to hot flashes.
The soothing and calming effects of licorice creams also help to reduce stress and promote relaxation, further alleviating hot flash symptoms.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Glycyrrhiza glabra creams that help with hot flashes.
- Licorinic acid glycosides: These constituents may help alleviate hot flashes by stabilizing cortisol levels and reducing the production of androgen hormones, which can contribute to hot flashes in some women.
- Glycyrrhizin: This triterpenoid saponin may help mitigate hot flashes by reducing inflammation, modulating the body's response to stress, and maintaining hormonal balance, particularly estrogen levels.
- Flavonoids: These polyphenolic compounds may contribute to hot flash relief by scavenging free radicals, reducing oxidative stress, and modulating the body's thermal regulation, leading to a decrease in hot flash frequency and severity.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of licorice used to make creams for hot flashes.
- Roots: Glycyrrhizin is extracted from the roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra, which is used to make creams for hot flashes due to its estrogen-mimicking properties.
- Leaves: Licorice extract, which contains flavonoids, is derived from the leaves of Glycyrrhiza glabra, used in creams for hot flashes to provide relief from symptoms.
- Barks: Glycosides present in the barks of Glycyrrhiza glabra are used in creams to alleviate hot flashes by exerting anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic licorice for hot flashes.
- Extract 500g of dried glycyrrhiza glabra roots with a solvent like ethanol or glycerin in a 1:5 ratio for 2 hours.
- Filter the extract to obtain a clear liquid and discard the solids then store it in an airtight container.
- Mix 300g of the extract with 700g of a base oil like sweet almond oil in a stainless steel container.
- Heat the mixture to 60°c for 30 minutes then let it cool to 40°c and add 100g of beeswax.
- Stir the mixture until the beeswax is fully incorporated and the mixture has thickened to a creamy consistency then fill into jars.
9. Urtica dioica
Urtica dioica, also known as stinging nettle, creams helps with hot flashes because of its unique properties.
The cream contains compounds that help regulate body temperature, reduce inflammation, and balance hormonal fluctuations associated with menopause. The antispasmodic and vasodilatory effects of Urtica dioica cream also help to relax blood vessels, improving circulation and reducing the frequency and severity of hot flashes.
This natural remedy offers a promising alternative to conventional treatments, providing relief and promoting overall well-being.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Urtica dioica creams that help with hot flashes.
- Quercetin: As a flavonoid, quercetin helps alleviate hot flashes by reducing inflammation, oxidative stress, and improving blood vessel function.
- Allicin: Although Urtica dioica does not contain allicin, it's a compound found in garlic. Urtica dioica cream may contain small amounts of allicin due to cross-contamination with garlic or it may be a by-product of the plant's volatile oils. However, studies have shown allicin helps reduce hot flashes by inhibiting the aromatase enzyme and improving estrogen levels in the body.
- Tannins: Tannins in Urtica dioica help reduce hot flashes by stabilizing mast cell membranes, thereby preventing histamine release and subsequent vasodilation that can cause hot flashes.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of stinging nettle used to make creams for hot flashes.
- Leaves: The leaves of Urtica dioica are commonly used due to their high concentration of isoorientin, a compound with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
- Roots: The roots are used for their rich content of isoorientin and other compounds, which can help alleviate symptoms of hot flashes.
- Stems: The stems of Urtica dioica are used due to their high levels of saponins, compounds that can help regulate body temperature and reduce hot flash symptoms.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic stinging nettle for hot flashes.
- Harvest the urtica dioica leaves and stems on a sunny day when the dew has evaporated.
- Dry the harvested urtica dioica leaves and stems in a cool dry place for 7 days.
- Infuse the dried urtica dioica leaves and stems in a carrier oil such as sweet almond oil at a ratio of 1:5 for 2 weeks.
- Strain the infused oil through a cheesecloth and discard the solids then transfer the oil to a clean container.
- Mix the strained oil with a thickening agent such as beeswax and coconut oil in a ratio of 1:1:1 then heat the mixture until melted.
10. Verbena officinalis
Verbena officinalis, also known as lemon verbena, creams helps with hot flashes because of its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
The herbal extract has been traditionally used to balance hormones and regulate body temperature, providing relief from sudden heat surges. The creams also contain soothing and calming agents that ease anxiety and stress, common triggers of hot flashes.
By addressing the root causes, Verbena officinalis creams offer a natural and holistic approach to managing hot flashes and promoting overall well-being.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Verbena officinalis creams that help with hot flashes.
- Flavonoids: These plant compounds may help alleviate hot flashes by exerting antioxidant and estrogenic effects, which can help regulate hormonal imbalances and reduce symptoms associated with menopause.
- Rosmarinol: This phenolic compound may help alleviate hot flashes by exhibiting anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress that contribute to hot flashes.
- Urospermaline: This phenolic compound may help alleviate hot flashes by exerting a mild estrogenic effect, which can help regulate hormonal imbalances and reduce symptoms associated with menopause.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of lemon verbena used to make creams for hot flashes.
- Leaves: They are used due to their high content of rosmarinic acid, which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties.
- Flowers: They are used due to their fragrant oils, which can help to regulate body temperature and reduce hot flashes.
- Roots: They are used due to their content of volatile oils and iridoid glycosides, which have been traditionally used to treat various symptoms of menopause.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic lemon verbena for hot flashes.
- Harvest 25g of fresh verbena officinalis leaves and flowers on a sunny morning in late summer.
- Infuse 250ml of organic glycerin in a double boiler with 25g of verbena officinalis for 30 minutes.
- Combine 100g of shea butter and 100g of coconut oil in a heat-resistant mixing bowl.
- Mix 50g of infused glycerin with the shea and coconut oil mixture to create a smooth cream base.
- Pour the cream base into sterilized jars and seal them immediately for 6 weeks to mature.
What is the best combination of herbal creams to use for hot flashes?
The best combination of herbal creams that help with hot flashes is a blend of Peppermint, Calendula, and Sage.
Peppermint helps to cool the body and reduce symptoms of heat, while Calendula soothes and calms the skin. Sage, rich in estrogen-mimicking compounds, helps to regulate hormonal imbalances that contribute to hot flashes. This combination can be applied topically to the wrists, neck, or temples to provide fast relief from hot flashes and promote a sense of calm and well-being.
Regular use can lead to reduced frequency and severity of hot flashes.
What ailments similar to hot flashes are treated with herbal creams?
Ailments similar to hot flashes that are treated with herbal creams are menopausal symptoms, night sweats, and skin irritations such as eczema and acne.
Herbal creams containing ingredients like dong quai, black cohosh, and evening primrose oil can help alleviate these symptoms by reducing inflammation, cooling the skin, and regulating hormones.
These natural remedies offer a gentle and non-invasive approach to managing hot flash-like conditions, promoting overall wellness and comfort.