By Leen Randell
Updated: Jul 19, 2024
10 Best Herbal Creams For Menopause
Herbal creams for menopause are topical products infused with natural herbs and plant extracts that help alleviate menopausal symptoms.
These creams typically contain ingredients such as black cohosh, dong quai, and wild yam, which have been shown to reduce hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness.
Examples include Blackmores Menopause Relief Cream and Yumurtaci's Menopause Cream, which improve sleep quality, reduce irritability, and promote overall well-being, allowing women to regain control over their lives during this transition.
The following article describes in detail the most important creams for menopause, including medicinal properties, parts of herbs to use, and recipes for preparations.
- 1. Actaea racemosa
- 2. Angelica sinensis
- 3. Panax ginseng
- 4. Trifolium pratense
- 5. Hypericum perforatum
- 6. Vitex agnus castus
- 7. Glycyrrhiza glabra
- 8. Curcuma longa
- 9. Salvia officinalis
- 10. Oenothera biennis
- What is the best combination of herbal creams to use for menopause?
- What ailments similar to menopause are treated with herbal creams?
1. Actaea racemosa
Actaea racemosa, also known as black cohosh, creams helps with menopause because they target the root causes of symptoms.
The active compounds in black cohosh, such as actein and triterpenoid saponins, have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help alleviate hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings associated with menopause.
By regulating hormonal imbalances and promoting relaxation, these creams can also reduce anxiety, insomnia, and other menopausal symptoms, providing relief and improving overall well-being.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Actaea racemosa creams that help with menopause.
- Isoflavonoids: These compounds help alleviate menopausal symptoms by reducing hot flashes and night sweats through their estrogen-like activity and antioxidant effects.
- Phenolic glycosides: These compounds may help regulate hormonal imbalances and reduce menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and mood changes by modulating the body's response to estrogen fluctuations.
- Triterpenoid saponins: These compounds have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce menopausal symptoms such as joint pain and mood changes by reducing inflammation and promoting relaxation.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of black cohosh used to make creams for menopause.
- Roots: Actaea racemosa roots are used due to their high content of actein and cicutin, which are believed to have anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate menopausal symptoms.
- Leaves: Actaea racemosa leaves are used because of their ability to act as a natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, which can help soothe and calm the skin, often affected by menopausal symptoms.
- Rhyzomes: Actaea racemosa rhyzomes are used for their reported anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties, which can help alleviate menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic black cohosh for menopause.
- Harvest 50 grams of dried actaea racemosa root and clean it thoroughly with a soft brush under cold running water for 5 minutes.
- Steep 25 grams of the cleaned actaea racemosa root in 500 milliliters of cold-pressed jojoba oil for 4 hours.
- Strain the infused jojoba oil through a cheesecloth into a clean glass container and discard the solids after 30 minutes.
- Add 10 grams of beeswax and 5 grams of shea butter to the infused oil and melt the mixture in a double boiler at 180 degrees fahrenheit for 10 minutes.
- Pour the cooled mixture into sterilized glass containers and allow it to solidify at room temperature for 2 hours before use.
2. Angelica sinensis
Angelica sinensis, also known as dong quai, creams helps with menopause because they contain anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that soothe and calm the skin.
The cream's active ingredients, such as ferulic acid and ligustilide, help to regulate hormonal imbalances associated with menopause. Additionally, dong quai has been traditionally used to support women's health, particularly in relation to menstrual cycles and hormone regulation.
As a result, these creams can provide relief from hot flashes, night sweats, and other menopausal symptoms.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Angelica sinensis creams that help with menopause.
- Icariin: Icariin is a flavonoid glycoside that helps alleviate menopause symptoms by promoting estrogen balance and reducing hot flashes.
- Ligustilide: Ligustilide is a sesquiterpene lactone that helps alleviate menopause symptoms by reducing inflammation, improving blood circulation, and alleviating hot flashes and night sweats.
- Z-ligustilide: Z-Ligustilide is an isomer of ligustilide that helps alleviate menopause symptoms by reducing oxidative stress, improving estrogen metabolism, and alleviating menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and mood disturbances.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of dong quai used to make creams for menopause.
- Roots: The roots of Angelica sinensis are commonly used in creams for menopause due to their high content of ferulic acid, which has anti-inflammatory properties.
- Stems: The stems of Angelica sinensis are used in creams for menopause because they contain a high amount of isoflavones, which can help alleviate menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes.
- Roots: The roots of Angelica sinensis are also used in creams for menopause due to their ability to regulate estrogen levels and improve sleep quality.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic dong quai for menopause.
- Dry angelica sinensis roots in a low-temperature oven at 150°f for 2-3 hours to preserve medicinal properties.
- Grind 1 tablespoon of dried angelica sinensis roots into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle.
- Combine the ground powder with 2 tablespoons of beeswax and 2 tablespoons of coconut oil in a double boiler.
- Heat the mixture in the double boiler at 180°f for 10-15 minutes to melt the wax and oil.
- Strain the mixture into a clean bowl and allow it to cool before whipping into a smooth cream.
3. Panax ginseng
Panax ginseng, also known as ginseng, creams helps with menopause because it's rich in adaptogenic properties that help regulate hormonal imbalances and reduce symptoms associated with menopause.
The cream may help alleviate hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness by promoting blood flow and increasing estrogen levels. Additionally, ginseng has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe and calm the skin, reducing irritation and discomfort.
This natural remedy may also promote relaxation and reduce stress, making it a popular choice for menopausal women seeking a natural solution.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Panax ginseng creams that help with menopause.
- Ginsenosides: These triterpene saponins have been found to have estrogen-like properties, helping to alleviate menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats by regulating estrogen levels and improving overall hormone balance.
- Panaxynol: A triterpene alcohol, panaxynol has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce menopausal symptoms such as mood swings, anxiety, and depression by modulating neurotransmitter activity and reducing oxidative stress.
- Ginseng phenolic acids: These compounds, including ginsenoside and ginseng phenol, have been found to exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, which may help protect against cell damage, improve cardiovascular health, and alleviate menopausal symptoms such as fatigue, insomnia, and osteoporosis.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of ginseng used to make creams for menopause.
- Roots: As the primary part used in ginseng products, roots contain bioactive compounds that have been shown to alleviate menopausal symptoms.
- Barks: The barks of the Panax ginseng plant contain compounds that are believed to have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help alleviate menopausal discomfort.
- Leaves: The leaves of the Panax ginseng plant contain antioxidants and other compounds that may help to reduce hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic ginseng for menopause.
- Harvest 100g of dried panax ginseng roots from a reputable supplier or cultivated source.
- Extract the active compounds from the ginseng roots by steeping them in 500ml of distilled water for 1 hour.
- Strain the mixture and combine the resulting liquid with 100g of beeswax and 100g of coconut oil.
- Heat the mixture in a double boiler at 60c to 70c for 30 minutes to create a smooth consistency.
- Add 5ml of vitamin e oil to the mixture and stir well before pouring it into containers for storage.
4. Trifolium pratense
Trifolium pratense, also known as red clover, creams helps with menopause because of its isoflavone content, particularly genistein and daidzein.
These compounds have been shown to mimic the effects of estrogen in the body, alleviating menopause symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats. Additionally, red clover cream has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help to soothe and calm the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles associated with menopause.
This natural remedy promotes overall well-being and comfort during this life stage.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Trifolium pratense creams that help with menopause.
- Isoflavones: Isoflavones, particularly genistein and daidzein, help alleviate menopause symptoms by mimicking estrogen in the body, reducing hot flashes and night sweats.
- Phenolic acids: Phenolic acids, such as ferulic acid, act as antioxidants and may help alleviate menopause symptoms like hot flashes by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.
- Saponins: Saponins, such as ononin, have been found to have estrogen-like properties, which may help alleviate menopause symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats, as well as improve bone density.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of red clover used to make creams for menopause.
- Flowers: Isolated from Trifolium pratense flowers, isoflavones, particularly genistein and daidzein, are used in creams for menopause due to their potential to alleviate hot flashes and night sweats.
- Leaves: Trifolium pratense leaves contain isoflavones that may help reduce menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness.
- Seeds: Trifolium pratense seeds are a rich source of isoflavones, which are used to create creams for menopause relief, addressing symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and mood changes.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic red clover for menopause.
- Harvest 1 cup of dried trifolium pratense flowers at peak potency usually between june and september.
- Steep 2 teaspoons of the dried flowers in 1 cup of carrier oil such as coconut oil for 2 hours.
- Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth into a clean glass container and discard the solids.
- Add 2 tablespoons of beeswax and 2 teaspoons of vitamin e oil to the mixture and melt the beeswax.
- Stir the mixture well and pour it into a tin or jar to cool and solidify completely within 30 minutes.
5. Hypericum perforatum
Hypericum perforatum, also known as St John's Wort, creams helps with menopause because they contain hypericin and hyperforin, which are known to interact with neurotransmitters, promoting a sense of well-being and reducing anxiety and depression commonly associated with menopause.
The cream may also help alleviate hot flashes and night sweats due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can soothe the skin and promote relaxation.
This can lead to improved sleep quality and overall quality of life for menopausal women.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Hypericum perforatum creams that help with menopause.
- Hyperforin: It helps alleviate menopause symptoms by acting as a serotonin reuptake inhibitor, reducing anxiety and depression associated with hormonal imbalances during menopause.
- Emodin: It possesses anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce hot flashes and night sweats commonly experienced during menopause by modulating the body's inflammatory response.
- Quercetin: It acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound, which may help alleviate menopause symptoms such as mood swings, fatigue, and joint pain by protecting against oxidative stress and inflammation.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of st john's wort used to make creams for menopause.
- Flowers: They are used due to their high content of hypericin and hyperforin, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties.
- Leaves: They are used due to their rich content of flavonoids and phenolic acids, which have been found to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
- Buds: They are used due to their high concentration of bioactive compounds, including hyperforin and other phenolic acids, which may help alleviate menopause symptoms.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic st john's wort for menopause.
- Harvest 10-20 grams of fresh hypericum perforatum flowers and leaves from a sunny location with good air circulation.
- Dry the harvested material in a well-ventilated area at 30-40°c for 1-2 weeks to remove excess moisture.
- Combine 5 grams of dried hypericum perforatum with 100 grams of emulsifying wax in a double boiler.
- Add 50 grams of beeswax and 50 grams of coconut oil to the mixture and heat until melted and smooth.
- Remove the mixture from the heat and stir in 10 milliliters of distilled water and 5 milliliters of vegetable oil.
6. Vitex agnus castus
Vitex agnus castus, also known as chaste tree, creams helps with menopause because it supports the body's natural hormonal balance.
The cream's active compounds stimulate the pituitary gland to regulate estrogen levels, alleviating symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep disturbances. Additionally, Vitex agnus castus has been shown to have a positive effect on the menstrual cycle, helping to regulate periods and reduce the severity of menopausal symptoms.
This natural remedy offers a holistic approach to managing menopause.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Vitex agnus castus creams that help with menopause.
- Iridoids: These compounds may help alleviate menopause symptoms by regulating hormonal imbalances and modulating the body's response to stress.
- Phenolic acids: These antioxidants may help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation associated with menopause, which can contribute to hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep disturbances.
- Flavonoids: These plant compounds may help stabilize hormonal fluctuations by influencing the body's production of estrogen and progesterone, thereby alleviating symptoms like mood swings, irregular periods, and vaginal dryness.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of chaste tree used to make creams for menopause.
- Flowers: They are rich in iridoids, which are believed to have a balancing effect on hormonal imbalances and reduce symptoms associated with menopause.
- Leaves: They contain flavonoids and iridoids, which have anti-inflammatory properties and may help alleviate hot flashes and other menopause symptoms.
- Seeds: They are a source of iridoid glycosides, which may help regulate hormonal imbalances and reduce symptoms of menopause, such as mood swings and anxiety.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic chaste tree for menopause.
- Extract 30 grams of dried vitex agnus castus flowers from a clean source into a stainless steel container.
- Combine the dried flowers with 500 milliliters of carrier oil such as sweet almond oil in a double boiler.
- Heat the mixture over low heat for 2 hours then remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
- Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth into a clean glass container discarding the solids.
- Mix 10 grams of beeswax with 20 grams of shea butter then add to the herbal oil mixture and whip until smooth.
7. Glycyrrhiza glabra
Glycyrrhiza glabra, also known as licorice, creams helps with menopause because they contain anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that soothe and balance the skin.
The creams also help to regulate hormonal imbalances, which can alleviate symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats. Additionally, licorice root has been shown to have a positive effect on the adrenal glands, which can become overactive during menopause, leading to fatigue and mood swings.
This natural remedy can provide relief and promote overall well-being during this transition.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Glycyrrhiza glabra creams that help with menopause.
- Liquiritigenin: This flavonoid compound helps alleviate menopause symptoms by acting as a phytoestrogen, which can help balance estrogen levels and reduce hot flashes.
- Glycyrrhizin: This triterpene saponin has anti-inflammatory properties and helps regulate cortisol levels, which can help alleviate menopause-related anxiety and mood swings.
- 18α-glycyrrhetinic acid: This triterpenoid saponin has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help reduce menopause-related inflammation and oxidative stress, leading to improved overall health and well-being.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of licorice used to make creams for menopause.
- Roots: The roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra are used to make creams for menopause due to their rich content of glycyrrhizin, which helps alleviate menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and mood swings.
- Barks: The barks of Glycyrrhiza glabra are used to make creams for menopause due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help soothe skin irritations and reduce symptoms of menopause.
- Leaves: The leaves of Glycyrrhiza glabra are used to make creams for menopause due to their ability to regulate hormonal imbalances and reduce stress, which can contribute to menopausal symptoms.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic licorice for menopause.
- Harvest 500 grams of dried glycyrrhiza glabra roots from a trusted supplier and clean them thoroughly.
- Infuse 200 grams of the cleaned roots in 2 liters of carrier oil such as sweet almond oil at 65 degrees celsius for 2 hours.
- Strain the infused oil through cheesecloth and discard the solids then transfer the filtered oil to a clean container.
- Add 100 grams of distilled water to the filtered oil and mix it well with a gentle stirring device for 5 minutes.
- Add 10 grams of beeswax and 5 grams of emulsifying wax to the mixture and heat it at 60 degrees celsius until the waxes are fully dissolved.
8. Curcuma longa
Curcuma longa, also known as turmeric, creams helps with menopause because of its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
The active compound, curcumin, has been shown to alleviate symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings associated with menopause. By reducing inflammation and promoting hormonal balance, curcuma longa creams can provide relief and comfort to women experiencing menopausal symptoms, promoting a better quality of life.
Its natural and gentle approach makes it an attractive alternative to traditional treatments.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Curcuma longa creams that help with menopause.
- Curcumin: Curcumin, a polyphenolic compound, helps with menopause symptoms by reducing inflammation and modulating hormonal imbalances, thereby alleviating hot flashes and night sweats.
- Demethoxycurcumin: DMC, a curcuminoid, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce the severity of menopause symptoms, including mood swings and vaginal dryness.
- Caffeic acid: Caffeic acid, a phenolic compound, exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities that may help to alleviate menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood disturbances.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of turmeric used to make creams for menopause.
- Rhyzomes: They are rich in curcumin, a bioactive compound that helps alleviate menopause symptoms such as hot flashes and inflammation.
- Roots: The roots of Curcuma longa contain curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help soothe and calm the body during menopause.
- Stems: The stems of Curcuma longa contain a compound called gingerol, which has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce menopause symptoms such as joint pain and inflammation.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic turmeric for menopause.
- Infuse 1 teaspoon of dried curcuma longa root in 2 cups of hot water for 5 minutes.
- Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl.
- Mix 1/4 cup of beeswax with 1/4 cup of shea butter in a double boiler.
- Combine the infused curcuma longa mixture with 1/4 cup of coconut oil and 2 tablespoons of honey in a bowl.
- Whip the mixture with an electric mixer until it thickens and forms a smooth cream.
9. Salvia officinalis
Salvia officinalis, also known as sage, creams helps with menopause because they contain high levels of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, particularly rosmarinic acid and carnosic acid.
These active ingredients have been shown to alleviate menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings.
The anti-inflammatory properties of Salvia officinalis creams also help to balance hormone levels and promote relaxation, making it a natural and effective remedy for menopausal women seeking relief from these common symptoms.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Salvia officinalis creams that help with menopause.
- Rosmarinic acid: A phenolic compound that may help alleviate menopausal symptoms by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, which can contribute to hot flashes and night sweats.
- Carnosic acid: A diterpene that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may help mitigate menopausal symptoms such as mood swings, anxiety, and sleep disturbances.
- Ursolic acid: A triterpene that has estrogen-like effects, which may help alleviate menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness by binding to estrogen receptors in the body.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of sage used to make creams for menopause.
- Leaves: They are rich in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties, which help alleviate menopause symptoms.
- Flowers: They are used for their sedative and anti-anxiety effects, which can help reduce hot flashes and night sweats associated with menopause.
- Roots: They contain compounds that help regulate hormonal balance and reduce stress, which can contribute to menopause relief.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic sage for menopause.
- Harvest fresh salvia officinalis leaves and flowers in the early morning or late afternoon when essential oils are most concentrated.
- Dry the harvested salvia officinalis leaves and flowers in a warm place for 2-3 weeks to reduce moisture content.
- Steep 1:2 ratio of dried salvia officinalis leaves in 200ml of carrier oil such as coconut or olive oil at room temperature for 2 weeks.
- Strain the infused oil and mix it with 20% beeswax and 10% shea butter in a double boiler to melt the mixture.
- Remove the cream from heat and let it cool and solidify before filling into jars for storage and use.
10. Oenothera biennis
Oenothera biennis, also known as evening primrose, creams helps with menopause because they contain gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid that helps balance hormone levels.
This can alleviate symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings associated with menopause. The anti-inflammatory properties of Oenothera biennis also help to soothe and calm the body, reducing stress and promoting relaxation.
Additionally, its rich antioxidant content helps to protect the skin and body from oxidative damage, promoting overall well-being during menopause.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Oenothera biennis creams that help with menopause.
- Isoorientin: Isoorientin is a flavonoid glycoside that helps alleviate menopausal symptoms by exerting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, thereby reducing hot flashes and improving overall well-being.
- C-aryophyllene: C-aryophyllene is a sesquiterpene that has been found to have a positive effect on menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes and anxiety, by acting as a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) and reducing oxidative stress.
- Oenotherin: Oenotherin is a triterpenoid saponin that has been shown to possess estrogenic activity, which helps alleviate menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness by promoting estrogen balance and improving estrogen receptor sensitivity.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of evening primrose used to make creams for menopause.
- Roots: They are rich in isoflavones, which may help alleviate menopause symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats.
- Seeds: They are a good source of isoflavones, particularly genistein, which has been shown to have estrogen-like properties that may help reduce menopause symptoms.
- Flowers: They are used for their estrogenic properties, which can help alleviate symptoms such as hot flashes and mood swings associated with menopause.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic evening primrose for menopause.
- Infuse 1 cup of fresh oenothera biennis flowers in 2 cups of carrier oil such as grapeseed oil for 2 weeks.
- Strain the infused oil through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter to separate the solids from the liquid.
- Weigh 100 grams of the infused oil and mix it with 20 grams of beeswax and 20 grams of shea butter.
- Melt the mixture in a double boiler or a heat-proof bowl set over a pot of simmering water for 10 minutes.
- Pour the melted mixture into a clean glass jar and allow it to cool and solidify completely before use.
What is the best combination of herbal creams to use for menopause?
The best combination of herbal creams that help with menopause is a blend of Wild Yam, Evening Primrose, and Black Cohosh.
Wild Yam helps alleviate hot flashes and night sweats, while Evening Primrose oil reduces inflammation and promotes hormone balance. Black Cohosh soothes mood swings and vaginal dryness. This trio works synergistically to alleviate menopausal symptoms, promoting a smoother transition and improved overall well-being.
Regular application can lead to noticeable relief from menopause-related discomfort and improve the quality of life.
What ailments similar to menopause are treated with herbal creams?
Ailments similar to menopause/creams.html">menopause/creams.html">menopause that are treated with herbal creams are perimenopause, postpartum hormonal changes, and adrenal fatigue.
These conditions often present with symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep disturbances.
Herbal creams containing ingredients like black cohosh, chasteberry, and red clover may help alleviate these symptoms by balancing hormones and reducing inflammation.