By Leen Randell
Updated: Jul 10, 2024
10 Best Herbal Capsules For Menopause
Herbal capsules for menopause are a natural alternative to traditional hormone replacement therapy, providing relief from symptoms associated with menopause.
These capsules contain a blend of herbs such as black cohosh, dong quai, and chasteberry, which help alleviate hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. By using these herbal capsules, women can experience improved sleep quality, reduced anxiety, and enhanced overall well-being. For example, a study showed that women taking black cohosh capsules reported a significant reduction in hot flash frequency and severity.
This natural approach to menopause management has been shown to improve daily life, allowing women to enjoy their golden years with renewed energy and vitality.
The following article describes in detail the most important capsules for menopause, including medicinal properties, parts of herbs to use, and recipes for preparations.
- 1. Actaea racemosa
- 2. Angelica sinensis
- 3. Trifolium pratense
- 4. Vitex agnus castus
- 5. Panax ginseng
- 6. Glycyrrhiza glabra
- 7. Curcuma longa
- 8. Hypericum perforatum
- 9. Valeriana officinalis
- 10. Eleutherococcus senticosus
- What is the best combination of herbal capsules to use for menopause?
- What ailments similar to menopause are treated with herbal capsules?
1. Actaea racemosa
Black cohosh capsules helps with menopause because it targets the root causes of symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings.
The herb contains compounds that mimic estrogen's effects on the body, helping to regulate hormonal imbalances and alleviate uncomfortable symptoms. Additionally, black cohosh has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce vaginal dryness and discomfort.
By addressing these physical changes, black cohosh capsules provide a natural and effective way to manage menopausal symptoms and improve overall quality of life.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Actaea racemosa capsules that help with menopause.
- Alkaloids: Helps alleviate menopause symptoms by exhibiting antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and estrogen-regulating properties, which can reduce hot flashes and mood swings.
- Phenolic glycosides: Assist in alleviating menopause symptoms by modulating the body's stress response, reducing inflammation, and improving sleep quality, which can help alleviate hot flashes, anxiety, and fatigue.
- Isoflavones: May help alleviate menopause symptoms by binding to estrogen receptors in the body, which can reduce hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness, and also exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of black cohosh used to make capsules for menopause.
- Roots: The roots of Actaea racemosa are commonly used in menopause capsules due to their high concentration of active compounds, such as triterpene glycosides, which help alleviate menopausal symptoms.
- Rhyzomes: The rhyzomes of Actaea racemosa are also used in menopause capsules because they contain similar active compounds to the roots, which can help reduce hot flashes and night sweats.
- Seeds: Although less common, Actaea racemosa seeds are sometimes used in menopause capsules due to their reported ability to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation, although more research is needed to confirm their effectiveness.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic black cohosh for menopause.
- Gather 1200 grams of dried root material and grind it into a fine powder using a coffee grinder.
- Mix 30 grams of the ground root powder with 30 grams of vegetable fiber and 10 grams of gelatin.
- Add 10 milliliters of glycerin to the mixture and blend it well using a spoon.
- Fill empty gelatin capsules with the mixture and seal them using a capsule sealer.
- Store the capsules in a cool dry place for up to two years.
2. Angelica sinensis
Dong quai capsules helps with menopause because they contain a powerful blend of herbs that specifically target the symptoms associated with this stage of life.
The capsules work to regulate hormonal imbalances, alleviate hot flashes and night sweats, and provide relief from vaginal dryness and itchiness. Additionally, dong quai has been shown to improve overall energy levels and mood, reducing feelings of anxiety and depression that can be common during menopause.
By addressing these symptoms, dong quai capsules help women feel more balanced and comfortable as they navigate this transition.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Angelica sinensis capsules that help with menopause.
- Ligustilide: This sesquiterpene lactone has anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties, which may help alleviate menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats.
- Butylphthalide: This sesquiterpene has a sedative effect, which can help reduce hot flashes and anxiety associated with menopause.
- Senkyunolide a: This sesquiterpene lactone has a sedative and anti-inflammatory effect, which may help alleviate menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood disturbances.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of dong quai used to make capsules for menopause.
- Roots: They are used to make capsules for menopause because they are rich in ferulic acid and other compounds that help alleviate hot flashes and night sweats.
- Stems: They are used to make capsules for menopause because they contain a higher concentration of ferulic acid than roots, which helps to reduce symptoms of menopause.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic dong quai for menopause.
- Harvest 500g of dried angelica sinensis roots from a trusted supplier or cultivate them yourself.
- Grind the dried roots into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle for about 30 minutes.
- Mix 20g of the angelica sinensis powder with 100g of starch or cellulose to form a uniform blend.
- Fill a capsule machine with the powder and starch mixture and assemble the capsules according to manufacturer's instructions.
- Store the herbal angelica sinensis capsules in an airtight container in a cool dry place for up to 2 years.
3. Trifolium pratense
Red clover capsules helps with menopause because they contain isoflavones, a type of phytoestrogen that mimics the effects of estrogen in the body.
During menopause, hormone levels decline, leading to symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats. Red clover's isoflavones can help alleviate these symptoms by binding to estrogen receptors, regulating hormonal imbalances and providing relief from menopausal discomforts.
Additionally, red clover's antioxidants may also help protect against chronic diseases that are more common in postmenopausal women.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Trifolium pratense capsules that help with menopause.
- Isoflavones: These plant-based estrogens help alleviate menopausal symptoms by mimicking the effects of estrogen in the body, reducing hot flashes, and improving overall menopausal health.
- Phenolic acids: Quercetin has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress associated with menopause, which can contribute to symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings.
- Coumarins: These compounds have a mild estrogenic effect and help alleviate menopausal symptoms by reducing hot flashes and improving sleep quality.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of red clover used to make capsules for menopause.
- Leaves: They are used to make capsules for menopause due to their isoflavone content, which helps alleviate hot flashes and night sweats.
- Seeds: They are used to make capsules for menopause due to their high isoflavone content, particularly coumestrol and formononetin, which help reduce menopause symptoms.
- Flowers: They are used to make capsules for menopause due to their isoflavone content, particularly coumestrol and formononetin, which help alleviate hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic red clover for menopause.
- Harvest trifolium pratense flowers in late summer when they are fully open and dry completely in a warm dark place for 1-2 weeks.
- Dry the flowers further in a low-temperature oven at 150-200f for 1-2 hours to preserve their potency and flavor.
- Mix 1 part of the dried flowers with 2 parts of a carrier like cellulose or plant-based cellulose powder in a bowl.
- Fill a capsule machine with the mixture and follow the manufacturer's instructions to create capsules with 500mg of the mixture per capsule.
- Store the capsules in a cool dark place to preserve their potency and shelf life for up to 2 years.
4. Vitex agnus castus
Chaste tree capsules helps with menopause because they contain Vitex agnus-castus, a natural herb that has been used for centuries to alleviate symptoms of hormonal imbalance.
By regulating estrogen levels and promoting progesterone production, chaste tree capsules can help reduce hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings associated with menopause.
Additionally, the herb has been shown to improve sleep quality, alleviate joint pain, and boost libido, making it a natural and effective solution for women navigating this life transition.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Vitex agnus castus capsules that help with menopause.
- Iridoid glycosides: These compounds help regulate hormonal balance, particularly estrogen levels, which is crucial in alleviating menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and mood swings.
- Agnuside: This iridoid glycoside derivative has been found to have a positive effect on the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, which helps regulate the menstrual cycle and reduce symptoms of menopause.
- Vitexin: A flavonoid glycoside found in Vitex agnus castus, vitexin has been reported to have estrogenic activity, which may help alleviate menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of chaste tree used to make capsules for menopause.
- Flowers: They are the primary source of iridoid glycosides, which are believed to be responsible for the herb's therapeutic effects, including menopausal relief.
- Seeds: The seeds are used to extract the iridoid glycosides, which are then used to make capsules for menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes and night sweats.
- Leaves: The leaves of Vitex agnus castus also contain iridoid glycosides, which are used to make capsules for menopausal symptoms and are considered a secondary source of the active compounds.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic chaste tree for menopause.
- Dry the vitex agnus castus flowers and leaves in a low-temperature oven for 2 hours at 150 degrees fahrenheit.
- Crush the dried vitex agnus castus flowers and leaves into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle.
- Mix 500 milligrams of the powdered vitex agnus castus with 50 milligrams of filler material to create a uniform blend.
- Fill gelatin capsules with the uniform blend of powdered vitex agnus castus using a capsule filler machine.
- Store the filled capsules in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 6 months.
5. Panax ginseng
Ginseng capsules helps with menopause because they contain compounds that help alleviate hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings.
The herbs in ginseng capsules, such as Asian ginseng and American ginseng, have been shown to regulate hormonal imbalances and reduce inflammation in the body. Additionally, ginseng is believed to improve energy levels and reduce fatigue, which can be a significant issue for women during menopause.
By taking herbal ginseng capsules regularly, women may experience a significant improvement in their overall well-being and quality of life during this transition.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Panax ginseng capsules that help with menopause.
- Ginsenosides: These triterpenoid saponins may help alleviate menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats by modulating the body's stress response and hormone levels.
- Ginsenol: This lignan component may have estrogen-like effects, potentially helping to balance hormonal fluctuations during menopause and alleviating symptoms such as vaginal dryness and mood changes.
- Panasinsenoside rg3: This ginsenoside has been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and other health issues associated with menopause.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of ginseng used to make capsules for menopause.
- Roots: The roots of Panax ginseng are commonly used for their adaptogenic properties and to alleviate menopausal symptoms.
- Leaves: Panax ginseng leaves are used for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which can help alleviate menopausal symptoms.
- Fruits: Panax ginseng fruits are used for their potential to improve menopausal symptoms, although their use is less common than the roots.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic ginseng for menopause.
- Dry the panax ginseng roots in a low-temperature oven at 150°f for 2 hours.
- Grind the dried roots into a fine powder using a coffee grinder or mortar.
- Sift the powder through a 100-mesh sieve to remove any lumps or large particles.
- Mix the sifted powder with a binding agent such as starch or gelatin in a 1:1 ratio.
- Fill empty gelatin capsules with the powder mixture using a capsule filler.
6. Glycyrrhiza glabra
Licorice capsules helps with menopause because they contain glycyrrhizin, a compound that has been shown to alleviate symptoms of menopause.
Glycyrrhizin has estrogen-like properties, which can help to balance hormone levels and reduce hot flashes and night sweats. Additionally, licorice root has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may help to soothe vaginal dryness and irritation commonly experienced during menopause.
By regulating hormonal imbalances and addressing physical symptoms, licorice capsules may provide relief for women experiencing the challenges of menopause.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Glycyrrhiza glabra capsules that help with menopause.
- Saponins: Saponins in Glycyrrhiza glabra capsules may help alleviate menopause symptoms by reducing inflammation and promoting estrogen balance, which can lead to improved mood and reduced hot flashes.
- Glycyrrhizin: Glycyrrhizin, a triterpenoid saponin, may help with menopause symptoms by reducing cortisol levels, which can contribute to anxiety, insomnia, and weight gain associated with menopause.
- Liquiritin and liquiritigenin: These isoflavone glycosides in Glycyrrhiza glabra capsules may help alleviate menopause symptoms by mimicking estrogen and reducing hot flashes, night sweats, and other menopausal symptoms.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of licorice used to make capsules for menopause.
- Roots: Glycyrrhizin, a compound found in the roots, is known to have anti-inflammatory properties and can help alleviate symptoms of menopause.
- Roots: Licorice root extract from the roots is used to reduce hot flashes and night sweats in menopausal women due to its estrogen-like effects.
- Roots: Glycyrrhizin in the roots is also used to help with mood swings, anxiety, and depression associated with menopause.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic licorice for menopause.
- Harvest 50 grams of dried glycyrrhiza glabra roots from a trusted supplier or cultivate them yourself in a well-drained field.
- Grind the dried roots into a fine powder using a coffee grinder or mortar and pestle for 5 minutes.
- Mix 10 grams of the ground root powder with 10 grams of vegetable cellulose powder in a bowl for 2 minutes.
- Fill 100 empty gelatin capsules with the root and cellulose mixture using a small spoon for 10 minutes.
- Store the filled capsules in an airtight container in a cool dark place for up to 2 years.
7. Curcuma longa
Turmeric capsules helps with menopause because of its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
As women approach menopause, their hormone levels fluctuate, leading to symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, and joint pain. Curcumin, a compound found in turmeric, has been shown to alleviate these symptoms by reducing inflammation and promoting hormonal balance. Additionally, curcumin's antioxidant properties help protect against oxidative stress, which is thought to contribute to menopause-related symptoms.
By taking herbal turmeric capsules, women can experience relief from menopause symptoms and improve their overall quality of life.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Curcuma longa capsules that help with menopause.
- Curcumin: Helps alleviate menopausal symptoms by reducing inflammation and modulating hormonal balance, particularly estrogen levels.
- Demethoxycurcumin: May help alleviate hot flashes and night sweats by inhibiting the production of neurotransmitters involved in thermoregulation.
- Bisdemethoxycurcumin: Has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help protect against estrogen-induced oxidative stress and cell damage associated with menopause.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of turmeric used to make capsules for menopause.
- Rhyzomes: Curcuma longa rhyzomes are used to make capsules for menopause as they contain a high concentration of curcumin, a compound with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
- Roots: Curcuma longa roots are used to make capsules for menopause as they are a rich source of curcumin and other bioactive compounds that help alleviate menopausal symptoms.
- Stems: (Note: This is less commonly used than the previous 2 but could potentially be used)
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic turmeric for menopause.
- Harvest 10-15 dried curcuma longa roots 500-750 mg each for a high-quality capsule content.
- Dry the harvested roots in a low-temperature oven at 50-60°c for 3-4 hours.
- Grind the dried curcuma longa roots into a fine powder using a coffee grinder or mill.
- Fill empty gelatin capsules with the ground curcuma longa powder 500-750 mg each.
- Seal the capsules using a capsule sealer or ask a pharmacist to help you.
8. Hypericum perforatum
St John's Wort capsules helps with menopause because they have been traditionally used to alleviate symptoms such as hot flashes, anxiety, and mood swings.
The herb contains hyperforin, a compound that has been shown to regulate hormonal imbalances associated with menopause.
By balancing estrogen levels, St John's Wort capsules can help reduce the severity and frequency of menopausal symptoms, allowing women to manage their transition into post-menopause with greater ease and comfort.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Hypericum perforatum capsules that help with menopause.
- Hypericin: Helps alleviate menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and mood swings due to its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Hyperforin: Exhibits estrogenic activity, which can help balance hormonal fluctuations and alleviate symptoms like vaginal dryness and decreased libido associated with menopause.
- Flavonoids: Possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may help reduce the severity and frequency of hot flashes, as well as alleviate mood-related symptoms like anxiety and depression.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of st john's wort used to make capsules for menopause.
- Leaves: Rich in hypericin and hyperforin, compounds that help alleviate symptoms associated with menopause, such as hot flashes and mood swings.
- Flowers: Contain hypericin and other bioactive compounds that contribute to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, useful in managing menopause symptoms.
- Seeds: Rich in flavonoids and other compounds that may help reduce the severity of menopausal symptoms, such as anxiety and hot flashes.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic st john's wort for menopause.
- Harvest 30-50 grams of fresh or dried hypericum perforatum flowers at peak bloom for optimal potency.
- Dry the harvested flowers in a single layer at 50-60 degrees celsius for 2-3 hours.
- Grind the dried flowers into a fine powder using a coffee grinder at a low speed.
- Fill empty gelatin capsules with 250-500 milligrams of the powdered hypericum perforatum using a scoop.
- Store the filled capsules in an airtight container in a cool dark place for up to one year.
9. Valeriana officinalis
Valerian capsules helps with menopause because they address several symptoms that women experience during this life stage.
The root of the valerian plant has been used for centuries to promote relaxation and reduce stress, which can be particularly helpful during menopause when anxiety and insomnia are common. Valerian also helps to regulate hormones and alleviate hot flashes and night sweats, allowing women to sleep better and wake up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
Additionally, it may help to improve mood and reduce irritability, leading to a overall sense of well-being and balance.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Valeriana officinalis capsules that help with menopause.
- Isovaleric acid esters: These valerenic acid compounds have a sedative and anxiolytic effect, helping to reduce hot flashes and anxiety commonly experienced during menopause.
- Valerenic acid: This sesquiterpene acts as a GABA receptor agonist, promoting relaxation and reducing symptoms of insomnia and restlessness associated with menopause.
- Valerenol: This sesquiterpene has been shown to have a calming effect on the nervous system, which may help alleviate symptoms of menopause such as mood swings and irritability.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of valerian used to make capsules for menopause.
- Roots: Valerian roots are widely used due to their high concentration of valerenic acid, which helps to reduce hot flashes and promote relaxation.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic valerian for menopause.
- Harvest valeriana officinalis roots and clean them thoroughly with distilled water for 10 minutes to remove any impurities.
- Dry the roots in a dehydrator at 40 degrees celsius for 24 hours to remove moisture content.
- Grind the dried roots into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle or coffee grinder with 1:1 ratio.
- Mix 250 milligrams of powder with 250 milligrams of filler material like vegetable cellulose and 10 milligrams of magnesium stearate.
- Fill empty gelatin capsules with the powder mixture and seal them using a capsule filling machine for 2 minutes.
10. Eleutherococcus senticosus
Siberian ginseng capsules helps with menopause because they contain adaptogenic properties that help the body cope with the physical and emotional changes associated with this stage of life.
The herb's ability to increase energy levels, reduce fatigue, and improve sleep quality can alleviate common symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats.
Additionally, Siberian ginseng has been shown to stabilize mood swings, anxiety, and depression that often occur during menopause, promoting a sense of balance and well-being.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Eleutherococcus senticosus capsules that help with menopause.
- Eleutherosides: These saponin glycosides have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may help alleviate menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats.
- Sesquiterpenes: These compounds have been shown to have adaptogenic effects, helping the body adapt to stress, which can be beneficial during menopause when hormonal changes can cause stress and anxiety.
- Phenolic acids: These compounds have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help protect against oxidative stress and inflammation associated with menopause, such as thinning of the vaginal epithelium.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of siberian ginseng used to make capsules for menopause.
- Roots: Eleutherococcus senticosus roots are rich in bioactive compounds that help alleviate menopause symptoms, such as hot flashes and night sweats.
- Barks: The bark of Eleutherococcus senticosus contains various bioactive compounds that aid in stress relief, mood balance, and hormonal regulation, making it beneficial for menopause management.
- Leaves: Eleutherococcus senticosus leaves are used in traditional medicine to improve overall health and well-being, and may help alleviate menopause symptoms such as fatigue and mood swings.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic siberian ginseng for menopause.
- Harvest 20-30 mature roots of eleutherococcus senticosus in late summer or early fall after the foliage has died back.
- Clean the roots thoroughly with a soft brush to remove any debris or dirt.
- Dry the roots in a single layer at 50-60°c for 24-48 hours to prevent fermentation.
- Grind 4-6 grams of dried roots into a fine powder using a coffee grinder or spice mill.
- Fill empty gelatin capsules with 500-750 milligrams of the powder and seal securely.
What is the best combination of herbal capsules to use for menopause?
The best combination of herbal capsules that help with menopause is Black Cohosh, Red Clover, and Maca.
Black Cohosh reduces hot flashes and night sweats, while Red Clover provides estrogen balance and promotes bone health. Maca, an adaptogenic herb, helps alleviate mood swings, fatigue, and vaginal dryness. This synergy of herbs can alleviate menopause symptoms naturally, promoting hormonal balance and overall well-being.
Consult a healthcare professional before using any herbal supplements to determine the best dosage and combination for individual needs.
What ailments similar to menopause are treated with herbal capsules?
Ailments similar to menopause/capsules.html">menopause/capsules.html">menopause that are treated with herbal capsules are peri-menopause, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, and adrenal fatigue.
These conditions often exhibit symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, insomnia, and hormonal imbalances, which can be alleviated by natural remedies like black cohosh, St. John's Wort, Dong quai, and chasteberry.
Herbal capsules may help regulate hormone production, reduce inflammation, and promote overall well-being in women experiencing these conditions.