By Leen Randell
Updated: Jul 10, 2024
10 Best Herbal Tinctures For Hot Flashes
Herbal tinctures for hot flashes are liquid extracts made from plants, shrubs, or trees that have been traditionally used to alleviate symptoms of menopause-related hot flashes.
These tinctures help to regulate body temperature and ease sweating by interacting with the body's hormonal balance. Examples include black cohosh, dong quai, and passionflower, which can be taken sublingually (under the tongue) or added to water.
By using these herbal tinctures, women can experience a significant reduction in hot flash frequency and severity, improving their overall quality of life by increasing comfort, confidence, and emotional well-being.
The following article describes in detail the most important tinctures for hot flashes, including medicinal properties, parts of herbs to use, and recipes for preparations.
- 1. Valeriana officinalis
- 2. Hypericum perforatum
- 3. Paeonia lactiflora
- 4. Melissa officinalis
- 5. Avena sativa
- 6. Passiflora incarnata
- 7. Lavandula angustifolia
- 8. Glycyrrhiza glabra
- 9. Crataegus monogyna
- 10. Cyperus scariosus
- What is the best combination of herbal tinctures to use for hot flashes?
- What ailments similar to hot flashes are treated with herbal tinctures?
1. Valeriana officinalis
Valerian tinctures helps with hot flashes because it has a calming effect on the body, which can help to reduce feelings of heat and anxiety associated with menopause.
The herb has been traditionally used as a natural relaxant, and its compounds have been shown to interact with the brain's neurotransmitters to promote relaxation and reduce stress.
By soothing the nervous system, valerian tinctures can help to alleviate hot flash symptoms, providing relief from sudden temperature changes and discomfort.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Valeriana officinalis tinctures that help with hot flashes.
- Valerenic acid: This sesquiterpene acts as a GABA receptor agonist, helping to calm the nervous system and reduce hot flash episodes by promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety.
- Isovaleric acid: As a valerenic acid precursor, isovaleric acid may contribute to the sedative and anxiolytic effects of Valeriana officinalis, potentially alleviating hot flash symptoms by reducing stress and promoting relaxation.
- Valerenol: This sesquiterpene has been shown to possess anxiolytic and sedative properties, which can help alleviate hot flash symptoms by reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation, ultimately leading to a decrease in hot flash frequency and severity.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of valerian used to make tinctures for hot flashes.
- Roots: Valerian roots are the most commonly used part due to their high concentration of valerenic acid and valepotriates, which contribute to their sedative and relaxing properties.
- Seeds: Valerian seeds are sometimes used in tinctures, although less frequently than roots, as they contain alkaloids that help to reduce anxiety and hot flashes.
- Leaves: Valerian leaves may be used in some tinctures, but their use is less common than roots or seeds, as they contain smaller amounts of active compounds and are often considered a secondary choice.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic valerian for hot flashes.
- Harvest 1:8 ratio of dried root of valeriana officinalis in late summer or early fall.
- Clean the dried root thoroughly with a brush to remove any dirt or debris.
- Use a glass jar to steep 1 part of the root in 2 parts of 80-proof vodka for 2 weeks.
- Strain the liquid from the root using a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another glass jar.
- Label and store the tincture in a cool dark place for up to 2 years.
2. Hypericum perforatum
St John's Wort tinctures helps with hot flashes because its bioactive compounds, particularly hyperforin and flavonoids, have a significant impact on hormonal balance.
The herb has been shown to regulate estrogen levels, which is essential in alleviating symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes.
As the body produces less estrogen during this stage, St John's Wort tinctures can help mitigate the sudden changes by stabilizing hormone levels and reducing inflammation, leading to a significant reduction in hot flash frequency and severity.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Hypericum perforatum tinctures that help with hot flashes.
- Hyperforin: Hyperforin, a phenolic compound, has been shown to have a regulating effect on the body's thermoregulatory mechanisms, which may help reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes.
- Flavonoids: These flavonoids, also known as phenolic compounds, have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may help mitigate the oxidative stress and inflammation associated with hot flashes.
- Naphthodianthrone: These naphthodianthrones have been reported to exhibit estrogenic activity, which may help alleviate hot flashes by regulating estrogen levels and modulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of st john's wort used to make tinctures for hot flashes.
- Flowers: They contain flavonoids and phenolic acids, which help alleviate hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms.
- Leaves: They possess similar compounds as the flowers, including flavonoids and phenolic acids, which contribute to their therapeutic effects.
- Roots: They contain hyperforin and adhyperforin, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may help alleviate hot flashes.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic st john's wort for hot flashes.
- Harvest the hypericum perforatum flowers and leaves when they are in full bloom and the plant is at its peak potency.
- Chop the fresh hypericum perforatum flowers and leaves into small pieces using sharp scissors or a herb cutter.
- Mix 1 part of chopped hypericum perforatum with 2 parts of 80 proof vodka in a clean glass jar.
- Store the jar in a cool dark place for 2 to 6 weeks, shaking it every few days to aid extraction.
- Strain the tincture through cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass jar, discard the solids.
3. Paeonia lactiflora
Chinese peony tinctures helps with hot flashes because they contain potent anti-inflammatory compounds that soothe and calm the body's heat.
The herb has been traditionally used to relieve symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes, night sweats, and anxiety. When taken as a tincture, Chinese peony root extracts can help regulate hormonal balance and reduce blood flow to the skin, alleviating the intense heat and discomfort associated with hot flashes.
As a natural remedy, it offers a safe and effective way to manage menopausal symptoms and promote overall well-being.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Paeonia lactiflora tinctures that help with hot flashes.
- Isoquercetin: A flavonoid glycoside that helps alleviate hot flashes by reducing inflammation and improving blood vessel function, which can lead to decreased vasomotor symptoms.
- Paeoniflorin: A monoterpene glycoside that acts as a GABA receptor agonist, which can help calm the nervous system and reduce hot flash frequency and severity.
- Paeonol: A phenolic compound that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help alleviate hot flashes by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of chinese peony used to make tinctures for hot flashes.
- Roots: The roots of Paeonia lactiflora are primarily used to make tinctures for hot flashes because they contain paeonol and other compounds with anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties that help alleviate symptoms.
- Flowers: The flowers of Paeonia lactiflora are used to make tinctures for hot flashes because they contain isoflavones and other phytoestrogens that help regulate hormonal balance and reduce menopausal symptoms.
- Barks: The barks of Paeonia lactiflora are used to make tinctures for hot flashes because they contain alkaloids and other compounds with sedative and anti-anxiety properties that help manage hot flashes and related stress.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic chinese peony for hot flashes.
- Harvest 2-3 pounds of fresh paeonia lactiflora roots in the fall after the first frost for maximum potency.
- Clean the roots thoroughly with water and slice them into thin pieces about 1/8 inch thick.
- Place the sliced roots in a clean glass jar and cover them with 80 proof vodka at a 1 part plant to 2 parts liquid ratio.
- Store the jar in a cool dark place and let it steep for 4-6 weeks shaking the jar every day.
- Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass bottle discarding the solids and store the tincture in a cool dark place.
4. Melissa officinalis
Lemon balm tinctures helps with hot flashes because its calming properties can help regulate hormonal imbalances, reducing the frequency and severity of hot flashes.
The herb's ability to soothe and calm the body can also ease anxiety and stress that often accompanies hot flashes. Additionally, lemon balm's antioxidant properties may help protect against oxidative stress, which is thought to contribute to menopausal symptoms like hot flashes.
By promoting relaxation and reducing inflammation, herbal lemon balm tinctures provide a natural and effective solution for managing hot flashes during menopause.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Melissa officinalis tinctures that help with hot flashes.
- Rosmarinic acid: A polyphenolic compound that acts as a vasodilator, helping to reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes by relaxing blood vessels and improving blood flow.
- Menthone: A terpene that has a cooling effect on the body, which may help alleviate hot flash symptoms by reducing body temperature and promoting relaxation.
- Limonene: A terpene with anxiolytic and antidepressant properties that may help reduce stress and anxiety associated with hot flashes, leading to a decrease in their frequency and severity.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of lemon balm used to make tinctures for hot flashes.
- Leaves: The leaves of Melissa officinalis are commonly used to make tinctures for hot flashes because of their high concentration of rosmarinic acid, which has a cooling effect on the body.
- Flowers: Melissa officinalis flowers are used for their calming and antispasmodic properties, helping to alleviate hot flash symptoms.
- Roots: The roots of Melissa officinalis are employed for their ability to regulate hormonal imbalances, which can contribute to hot flashes.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic lemon balm for hot flashes.
- Harvest melissa officinalis flowers and leaves in the morning after dew has evaporated for optimal potency.
- Chop 1 part of fresh melissa officinalis plant material with 1 part of vegetable glycerin in a clean container.
- Steep the mixture in a glass jar with a lid for 2 to 6 weeks in a cool dark place.
- Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve into a clean glass container discarding solids.
- Store the melissa officinalis tincture in a cool dark place for at least 4 weeks before use allowing flavors to mature.
5. Avena sativa
Oats tinctures helps with hot flashes because they contain a unique combination of saponins and flavonoids that have been shown to help regulate body temperature.
The saponins in oats tinctures are believed to work by blocking the release of certain hormones, such as estrogen and adrenaline, which can contribute to hot flashes. Meanwhile, the flavonoids help to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, further contributing to a sense of calm and reduced heat sensation.
As a result, oat tinctures may provide relief from hot flashes, helping to alleviate symptoms and improve overall quality of life.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Avena sativa tinctures that help with hot flashes.
- Avenanthramides: These phenolic compounds help alleviate hot flashes by reducing inflammation and modulating the body's response to hormonal changes.
- Ferulic acid: As a phenolic compound, ferulic acid has antioxidant properties that help mitigate oxidative stress, which can contribute to hot flashes, and also has anti-inflammatory effects.
- Secoisolariciresinol diglucoside: This lignan has been shown to have a positive effect on estrogen receptors, which can help regulate hormonal imbalances that lead to hot flashes.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of oats used to make tinctures for hot flashes.
- Seeds: Avena sativa seeds are commonly used in tinctures to alleviate hot flashes due to their high concentration of isovitexin, a saponin compound that helps to regulate hormonal balance.
- Roots: Avena sativa roots are often used in tinctures to treat hot flashes because they contain a variety of flavonoids and phenolic acids that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help to reduce symptoms.
- Flowers: Avena sativa flowers are frequently used in tinctures for hot flashes due to their high content of flavonoids and other bioactive compounds that have a soothing effect on the nervous system and can help to regulate hormonal fluctuations.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic oats for hot flashes.
- Harvest 1 part of avena sativa roots and stems, clean them thoroughly and dry them completely in a well-ventilated area.
- Chop 1 part of dried avena sativa into small pieces and combine with 2 parts of high-proof neutral spirit in a clean glass jar.
- Seal the jar and place it in a dark cupboard for 2 to 6 weeks, shaking the jar every day.
- Strain the liquid mixture through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass container, discarding the solids.
- Store the avena sativa tincture in a cool dark place, away from children and pets, after diluting it with water if desired.
6. Passiflora incarnata
Maypop tinctures helps with hot flashes because of its unique combination of phytochemicals, specifically flavonoids and glycosides.
These compounds have a natural ability to interact with the body's hormonal system, reducing the frequency and severity of hot flashes.
The maypop plant has been traditionally used for centuries to alleviate menopausal symptoms, and studies have shown that its tincture can help stabilize hormone levels, leading to a significant decrease in hot flash episodes.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Passiflora incarnata tinctures that help with hot flashes.
- Flavonoids: These flavonoids have been shown to exhibit estrogenic activity, which can help regulate hormonal imbalances associated with hot flashes.
- Alkaloids: Harmine, a beta-carboline alkaloid, has been found to possess sedative and antispasmodic properties, which can help alleviate the anxiety and discomfort often experienced during hot flashes.
- Terpenoids: Rotundifuran, a terpene found in Passiflora incarnata, has been identified as a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound that may help reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of maypop used to make tinctures for hot flashes.
- Leaves: The leaves of Passiflora incarnata are commonly used to make tinctures for hot flashes due to their rich content of flavonoids and alkaloids.
- Flowers: The flowers of Passiflora incarnata are used to make tinctures for hot flashes because they contain a high concentration of flavonoids and other bioactive compounds.
- Roots: The roots of Passiflora incarnata are used to make tinctures for hot flashes due to their high content of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids and alkaloids.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic maypop for hot flashes.
- Harvest 20 grams of fresh passiflora incarnata flowers and leaves on a sunny morning after the dew has evaporated.
- Chop the harvested material into small pieces and combine with 40% ethanol as a solvent to create tincture.
- Place the chopped plant material and solvent in a clean glass jar and seal it tightly for 4 weeks.
- After four weeks strain the mixture through a cheesecloth into another clean glass container discarding the solids.
- Filter the liquid tincture through a coffee filter into dark glass bottles for storage and label accordingly.
7. Lavandula angustifolia
English lavender tinctures helps with hot flashes because it has a calming effect on the body, reducing feelings of anxiety and stress that often accompany these episodes.
The herb's sedative properties work to soothe the nervous system, regulating body temperature and promoting a sense of relaxation.
Additionally, lavender's estrogen-mimicking effects may help alleviate symptoms of menopause-related hot flashes by gently modulating hormone levels, providing natural relief from uncomfortable heat and sweating.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Lavandula angustifolia tinctures that help with hot flashes.
- Linalool: This terpene helps with hot flashes by promoting relaxation and reducing stress, which can contribute to the frequency and severity of hot flashes.
- Linalyl acetate: This ester of linalool has a similar effect, as it has been shown to reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes by regulating estrogen levels and improving sleep quality.
- Caffeic acid: This phenolic acid has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help alleviate hot flashes by reducing oxidative stress and promoting overall hormonal balance.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of english lavender used to make tinctures for hot flashes.
- Flowers: They are the most commonly used part for hot flashes due to their high concentration of linalool and linalyl acetate, which have a calming effect.
- Leaves: They are also used for their similar chemical composition to flowers, providing a soothing and calming effect.
- Stems: Although less commonly used, stems are sometimes employed for their ability to provide a more sustained release of the active compounds compared to flowers and leaves.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic english lavender for hot flashes.
- Harvest 100g of fresh dried lavandula angustifolia flowers in the peak of their fragrance.
- Combine the harvested flowers with 50% vodka as a menstruum in a clean glass jar.
- Store the mixture in a cool dark place for 2 to 6 weeks to allow for extraction.
- Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth into another glass container to separate the plant material.
- Bottle the final tincture in dark glass bottles and store in a cool dark place.
8. Glycyrrhiza glabra
Licorice tinctures helps with hot flashes because of its ability to soothe and calm the nervous system, reducing stress and anxiety that can exacerbate hot flash symptoms.
The tincture's glycyrrhizin content has anti-inflammatory properties that help alleviate redness, swelling, and discomfort associated with hot flashes. Additionally, licorice root has been shown to balance hormones, which can contribute to a reduction in frequency and severity of hot flashes.
As a result, herbal licorice tinctures offer a natural and effective way to manage hot flash symptoms, promoting overall well-being and comfort.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Glycyrrhiza glabra tinctures that help with hot flashes.
- Glycyrrhizin: A triterpenoid saponin, glycyrrhizin has anti-inflammatory and hormone-regulating properties that help alleviate hot flashes by reducing the frequency and severity of symptoms.
- Isoflavones: These phenolic compounds have estrogen-like effects, which can help regulate hormonal imbalances and reduce hot flashes by mimicking the actions of estrogen in the body.
- Licoricidin: A flavanone glycoside, licoricidin has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help mitigate hot flashes by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of licorice used to make tinctures for hot flashes.
- Roots: Licorice root is the most commonly used part of Glycyrrhiza glabra to make tinctures for hot flashes because it contains glycyrrhizin, which has anti-inflammatory and estrogen-balancing properties.
- Leaves: Glycyrrhiza glabra leaves are used to make tinctures for hot flashes because they contain flavonoids and phenolic acids that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
- Flowers: Glycyrrhiza glabra flowers are used to make tinctures for hot flashes because they contain saponins, which may help to balance hormone levels and reduce hot flash symptoms.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic licorice for hot flashes.
- Harvest 10 grams of dried root of glycyrrhiza glabra on a dry sunny day in late summer.
- Chop the harvested root into small pieces and combine with 50ml of 95 percent ethanol in a glass jar.
- Steep the mixture in a cool dark place for 2-3 weeks, shaking the jar every day.
- Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth into another glass jar, discard the solids, and squeeze the cheesecloth to extract the remaining liquid.
- Filter the tincture through a coffee filter into a clean glass bottle, and label it with the date and ingredients used.
9. Crataegus monogyna
Hawthorn tinctures helps with hot flashes because they contain flavonoids, particularly oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPCs), which have been shown to relax blood vessels and improve cardiovascular health.
This relaxation of blood vessels can help alleviate hot flash symptoms by reducing vasodilation, or the widening of blood vessels that can lead to a sudden increase in body temperature.
Additionally, hawthorn's antioxidant properties may also help protect against oxidative stress, which can contribute to hot flashes.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Crataegus monogyna tinctures that help with hot flashes.
- Flavonoids: They help alleviate hot flashes by acting as estrogen receptor modulators and antioxidants, which can reduce the severity and frequency of hot flashes.
- Quercetin: This flavonoid helps by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, which contribute to the occurrence of hot flashes, and also has a calming effect on the nervous system.
- Triterpenoids: They help by exhibiting anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can reduce the symptoms associated with hot flashes, such as sweating and flushing.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of hawthorn used to make tinctures for hot flashes.
- Fruits: Fruits are used because they are believed to have estrogenic properties, which can help alleviate hot flashes symptoms.
- Leaves: Leaves are used because they contain flavonoids and other compounds that can help stabilize blood vessels and regulate hormonal imbalances related to hot flashes.
- Buds: Buds are used because they are rich in flavonoids and other compounds that can help reduce inflammation and alleviate hot flashes symptoms.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic hawthorn for hot flashes.
- Gather 250 grams of fresh or dried crataegus monogyna leaves and flowers and clean them thoroughly.
- Combine the cleaned crataegus monogyna with 750 milliliters of 40% ethanol in a clean glass container.
- Steep the mixture for 2-6 weeks in a cool dark place with occasional shaking.
- Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or coffee filter into a clean glass container.
- Bottle the tincture in dark glass bottles and store it in a cool dark place for up to 2 years.
10. Cyperus scariosus
Rice grass tinctures helps with hot flashes because of its natural ability to regulate hormonal imbalances, which are often at the root of these uncomfortable symptoms.
The tincture's phytoestrogens mimic the effects of estrogen in the body, helping to normalize hormonal fluctuations and reduce hot flash frequency and severity.
Additionally, rice grass tinctures contain anti-inflammatory compounds that can help soothe the body during heat waves, providing a sense of relief and relaxation for women experiencing menopausal symptoms.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Cyperus scariosus tinctures that help with hot flashes.
- Saponins: These compounds help alleviate hot flashes by modulating hormonal balance, particularly estrogen levels, which play a significant role in regulating body temperature.
- Flavonoids: Flavonoids in Cyperus scariosus have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes by protecting against oxidative stress and inflammation.
- Coumarins: Coumarins in this herb have a potential role in reducing hot flashes by modulating the body's thermoregulatory mechanisms and improving sleep quality, both of which are often disrupted in menopausal women.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of rice grass used to make tinctures for hot flashes.
- Roots: Roots are used because they contain compounds like flavonoids and alkaloids, which are believed to have a cooling effect on the body.
- Leaves: Leaves are used because they are rich in flavonoids and other bioactive compounds that may help to reduce hot flashes by stabilizing hormone levels and improving blood flow.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic rice grass for hot flashes.
- Harvest cyperus scariosus roots and stems in the early morning after the dew has dried completely.
- Clean the harvested plant material thoroughly with distilled water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Chop the plant material into small pieces and combine with a solvent such as 80% ethanol or glycerin in a ratio of 1:2.
- Store the mixture in a glass jar and let it steep in a cool dark place for 2-4 weeks shaking the jar daily.
- Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another glass container and discard the solids.
What is the best combination of herbal tinctures to use for hot flashes?
The best combination of herbal tinctures that help with hot flashes is Black Cohosh and Red Clover.
Black Cohosh has been traditionally used to alleviate symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes, due to its estrogen-balancing properties. Red Clover, rich in isoflavones, helps to reduce hot flash frequency and intensity by mimicking estrogen's effects on the body. Blending these two tinctures may provide a synergistic effect, offering relief from hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms.
Consult a healthcare professional before using any herbal remedies.
What ailments similar to hot flashes are treated with herbal tinctures?
Ailments similar to hot flashes that are treated with herbal tinctures are menopausal symptoms, such as night sweats and mood swings.
Other conditions treated with herbal tinctures include anxiety, insomnia, and migraines. Black cohosh and dong quai are commonly used to alleviate hot flash symptoms, while passionflower and valerian root can help with anxiety and sleep disorders.
St. John's Wort is often used for mild depression and mood stabilization.