10 Best Herbal Decoctions For Menopause

Herbal decoctions for menopause are a natural way to alleviate symptoms associated with menopause, such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings.

By steeping dried herbs in hot water, these decoctions can be sipped throughout the day to provide relief from uncomfortable symptoms. Examples of herbal decoctions that help with menopause include peppermint tea to calm digestive issues, red clover tea to balance hormones, and valerian root tea to promote relaxation.

These decoctions not only improve physical symptoms but also boost overall well-being, allowing women to regain control over their lives and feel more confident and energetic during this life transition.

The following article describes in detail the most important decoctions for menopause, including medicinal properties, parts of herbs to use, and recipes for preparations.

1. Valeriana officinalis

Valerian decoctions helps with menopause because of its unique ability to soothe and calm the body's nervous system, reducing symptoms of hot flashes and night sweats.

The root extract also has a sedative effect on the body, promoting relaxation and improving sleep quality, which is often disrupted during this stage of life.

Additionally, valerian has natural estrogenic properties that can help alleviate vaginal dryness and itching, further enhancing its benefits for menopausal women seeking relief from these distressing symptoms.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Valeriana officinalis decoctions that help with menopause.

• Valerenic acid: Valerenic acid is a sesquiterpene alcohol that helps alleviate menopausal symptoms by acting as a GABA receptor agonist, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety.
• Isovaleric acid amide: Isovaleric acid amide is an amide that has sedative and anxiolytic properties, helping to reduce the severity of hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings commonly associated with menopause.
• Acidic phenolic compounds: Acidic phenolic compounds, such as valerian acid and 4-methoxyvalerenic acid, have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis associated with menopause.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of valerian used to make decoctions for menopause.

• Roots: Rich in valerenic acid, which is believed to have a sedative and anti-anxiety effect, helping to alleviate menopause symptoms.
• Leaves: Used for their antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help to reduce hot flashes and night sweats.
• Roots: Also used for their estrogenic properties, which may help to balance hormone levels and alleviate menopause symptoms.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic valerian for menopause.

1. Harvest 20-30 grams of dried roots of valeriana officinalis from a reliable source.
2. Crush the dried roots into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle.
3. Combine the powdered roots with 500 milliliters of boiling water in a saucepan.
4. Simmer the mixture for 10-15 minutes at a low heat to release the active compounds.
5. Strain the decoction through a cheesecloth or a fine mesh to remove the solids.

2. Hypericum perforatum

St John's Wort decoctions helps with menopause because they have a profound impact on hormonal balance.

The herb contains compounds that mimic estrogen, helping to alleviate symptoms of hot flashes and night sweats. Additionally, it has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce the severity of vaginal dryness and itching. The decoction also possesses adaptogenic qualities, allowing the body to cope better with stress, which is often exacerbated during menopause.

By promoting a sense of calm and relaxation, St John's Wort decoctions can improve overall quality of life for women going through this transitional phase.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Hypericum perforatum decoctions that help with menopause.

• Hyperforin: A phenolic compound that helps with menopause by acting as a serotonin reuptake inhibitor, thereby reducing hot flashes and anxiety associated with menopause.
• Hypericin: A naphthodianthrone with antispasmodic properties, which helps alleviate menopause symptoms such as night sweats and mood swings by reducing muscle spasms and promoting relaxation.
• Kaempferol: A flavonoid with antioxidant properties that helps protect against oxidative stress and inflammation associated with menopause, thereby reducing the risk of chronic diseases and promoting overall well-being.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of st john's wort used to make decoctions for menopause.

• Leaves: Rich in flavonoids and xanthones, which are believed to help alleviate menopause symptoms.
• Flowers: Containing flavonoids, alkaloids, and volatile oils, which may help reduce hot flashes and other menopausal issues.
• Roots: Acting as a reservoir for the plant's bioactive compounds, including flavonoids and phenolic acids, which may help regulate hormonal balance during menopause.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic st john's wort for menopause.

1. Gather 1-2 teaspoons of dried hypericum perforatum flowers and leaves for each 8-ounce serving of decoction.
2. Combine the dried herbs with 8 ounces of boiling water in a heat-resistant glass or ceramic container.
3. Reduce the heat to a simmer and let the decoction steep for 5-10 minutes.
4. Strain the decoction through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve into a clean container to remove the solids.
5. Discard the solids and let the decoction cool to room temperature before refrigerating or freezing for later use.

3. Melissa officinalis

Lemon balm decoctions helps with menopause because it addresses the hormonal fluctuations that occur during this stage of life.

The herb's natural estrogenic properties help to balance and regulate estrogen levels, alleviating symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats.

Additionally, lemon balm has a calming effect on the body, reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation, which can be particularly beneficial for women experiencing mood swings and emotional changes during menopause.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Melissa officinalis decoctions that help with menopause.

• Rosmarinic acid: A polyphenolic compound that acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, helping to alleviate hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms.
• Linalool: A monoterpene that has anxiolytic and sedative properties, which can help reduce stress and anxiety associated with menopause.
• Limonene: A monoterpene with a mild estrogenic effect, which may help alleviate menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and mood swings.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of lemon balm used to make decoctions for menopause.

• Leaves: The leaves of Melissa officinalis are widely used in decoctions to help alleviate menopausal symptoms due to their rich content of estrogenic compounds and phytoestrogens.
• Flowers: The flowers are used in decoctions to reduce hot flashes and night sweats, providing relief from menopausal symptoms due to their estrogenic and anxiolytic properties.
• Roots: The roots are used in decoctions to support the endocrine system, particularly during menopause, due to their content of saponins and other phytochemicals that help balance hormonal fluctuations.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic lemon balm for menopause.

1. Harvest melissa officinalis leaves and flowers in the morning after the dew has dried.
2. Chop the plant material into small pieces to release its essential oils and flavor.
3. Combine 2 teaspoons of the chopped plant material with 1 cup of boiling water in a pot.
4. Reduce heat and let the mixture simmer for 5 to 10 minutes to release its properties.
5. Strain the liquid and discard the solids to obtain the herbal melissa officinalis decoction.

4. Tilia x europaea

Lime decoctions helps with menopause because they offer a natural way to alleviate symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings.

The botanicals used in these decoctions, including herbs like ginger, peppermint, and lemongrass, have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help to regulate hormone imbalances and reduce stress.

Additionally, the citrus flavor of lime can stimulate digestion and boost energy levels, further contributing to improved overall health during menopause.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Tilia x europaea decoctions that help with menopause.

• Flavonoids: These help alleviate menopause symptoms by possessing anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can reduce hot flashes and other hormonal changes associated with menopause.
• Triterpenoids: These help with menopause symptoms by exhibiting estrogen-like effects, which can reduce the severity of hot flashes, night sweats, and other menopausal symptoms.
• Phenolic acids: These help alleviate menopausal symptoms by possessing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce oxidative stress and inflammation associated with menopause.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of lime used to make decoctions for menopause.

• Leaves: They are used for their calming and anti-inflammatory properties to help alleviate hot flashes and mood swings associated with menopause.
• Flowers: They are used to produce a soothing tea that helps to reduce anxiety and stress, promoting a sense of calm and well-being during menopause.
• Barks: They are used for their sedative and anti-anxiety properties to help regulate sleep patterns and reduce symptoms of insomnia and restlessness during menopause.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic lime for menopause.

1. Gather tilia x europaea flowers and leaves in equal parts to make a total of 50 grams of dried herb.
2. Combine the tilia x europaea with 1 liter of boiling water in a large pot to start the decoction process.
3. Reduce heat to a simmer and let the mixture steep for 10 to 15 minutes to release active compounds.
4. Strain the decoction through a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve into a clean container to remove solids.
5. Allow the decoction to cool to room temperature before storing it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

5. Paeonia lactiflora

Chinese peony decoctions helps with menopause because it targets the underlying hormonal imbalances that occur during this life stage.

The herbs in the decoction, such as radix paeoniae alba and radix astragali, help to nourish and balance the body's yin energy, which is often depleted during menopause. This can lead to relief from symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings.

Additionally, Chinese peony decoctions may also help to regulate menstruation and alleviate vaginal dryness, promoting overall women's health and well-being during this critical period.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Paeonia lactiflora decoctions that help with menopause.

• Iridoid glycosides: These compounds help alleviate menopausal symptoms by reducing hot flashes and night sweats through their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• Triterpenoids saponins: Triterpenoids saponins in Paeonia lactiflora decoctions have been found to exhibit anti-stress and anti-anxiety effects, which can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression often associated with menopause.
• Flavonoids: Flavonoids in Paeonia lactiflora decoctions possess estrogen-like properties, which can help alleviate hot flashes and night sweats by regulating the body's estrogen levels and maintaining hormonal balance.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of chinese peony used to make decoctions for menopause.

• Roots: The roots are used due to their high concentration of paeoniflorin, a compound believed to have anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety effects.
• Flowers: The flowers are used due to their rich content of flavonoids and alkaloids, which are thought to help alleviate menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and mood swings.
• Buds: The buds are used due to their high concentration of glycosides, which are believed to have a balancing effect on the body's hormonal systems.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic chinese peony for menopause.

1. Harvest fresh paeonia lactiflora roots and wash them thoroughly with cold water to remove any dirt.
2. Chop the roots into small pieces weighing about 15-30 grams and dry them in the shade for 2-3 days.
3. Combine the dried roots with 1 liter of water in a saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat.
4. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes to allow the active compounds to extract.
5. Strain the decoction through a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve into a clean container to discard the solids.

6. Ginkgo biloba

Maidenhair tree decoctions helps with menopause because of its ability to soothe and calm the hormonal fluctuations that occur during this transition.

The decoction's unique blend of compounds, such as flavonoids and lignans, has a regulatory effect on estrogen levels, reducing symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings. Additionally, the antioxidant properties in maidenhair tree help to protect against oxidative stress, which can exacerbate menopausal symptoms.

By promoting balance and stability in the body's hormonal system, maidenhair tree decoctions can bring relief and comfort during this transformative stage of life.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Ginkgo biloba decoctions that help with menopause.

• Bilobalide: Helps reduce hot flashes and night sweats associated with menopause by modulating neurotransmitter activity and improving blood vessel function.
• Quercetin: Acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, which may help alleviate menopausal symptoms such as mood swings, anxiety, and vaginal dryness by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.
• Isorhapontigenin: Exhibits estrogen-like properties, which may help alleviate menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness by modulating estrogen receptors and improving estrogen balance.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of maidenhair tree used to make decoctions for menopause.

• Leaves: The leaves are rich in flavonoids and terpenoids, which have been traditionally used to alleviate menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and mood changes.
• Roots: The roots are believed to have a balancing effect on the body's hormonal system, which can help alleviate symptoms associated with menopause, such as mood swings and anxiety.
• Seeds: The seeds are a rich source of ginkgolides, which have been traditionally used to treat various health issues, including menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic maidenhair tree for menopause.

1. Gather 20-30 grams of ginkgo biloba leaves and 1 liter of boiling water to create decoction.
2. Steep the ginkgo biloba leaves in boiling water for 10-15 minutes to release active compounds.
3. Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve to remove solids from decoction.
4. Measure 50-100 ml of the decoction and take 2-3 times a day as required by doctor.
5. Store any remaining decoction in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours to maintain freshness.

7. Panax quinquefolius

American ginseng decoctions helps with menopause because it has been shown to alleviate symptoms of hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings.

The decoction's adaptogenic properties allow it to balance hormones, reducing the intensity and frequency of these uncomfortable symptoms.

Additionally, American ginseng has anti-inflammatory effects that may help combat vaginal dryness and itching, making it a natural and effective way for women to manage their menopause symptoms without pharmaceutical intervention.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Panax quinquefolius decoctions that help with menopause.

• Ginsenosides: These triterpenoid saponins help alleviate menopausal symptoms by modulating the body's hormonal balance, reducing hot flashes and night sweats.
• Coumarins: Specifically, the coumarin scopoletin, helps in regulating estrogen levels and improving sleep quality in menopausal women.
• Lignans: These phenolic compounds have been shown to have estrogenic activity, which can help alleviate menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and mood swings.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of american ginseng used to make decoctions for menopause.

• Roots: The roots are most commonly used for menopause decoctions due to their high content of ginsenosides, which are believed to have anti-inflammatory and anti-estrogenic properties.
• Barks: The barks may also be used for menopause decoctions, as they contain ginsenosides and other bioactive compounds that can help alleviate menopausal symptoms.
• Leaves: The leaves of Panax quinquefolius may be used for menopause decoctions, as they are rich in antioxidants and have been traditionally used to treat various health conditions, including menopause symptoms.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic american ginseng for menopause.

1. Harvest 20-30 panax quinquefolius roots with a diameter of 1-2 cm and clean them thoroughly.
2. Chop the roots into small pieces and combine them with 1 liter of water in a pot.
3. Bring the water to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer for 1-2 hours.
4. Strain the decoction through a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve into a separate container.
5. Discard the solids and store the decoction in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

8. Foeniculum vulgare

Fennel decoctions helps with menopause because it has a number of benefits that can alleviate common symptoms.

The plant's estrogenic properties help to balance hormonal fluctuations, reducing hot flashes and night sweats. Its anti-inflammatory properties also soothe menstrual cramps and vaginal dryness, while its digestive-aiding compounds ease bloating and constipation. Additionally, fennel's phytoestrogens mimic the effects of estrogen in the body, helping to stabilize mood swings and reduce anxiety.

This natural remedy can provide a safe and effective way to manage menopausal symptoms.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Foeniculum vulgare decoctions that help with menopause.

• Ferulic acid: A phenolic compound that helps reduce hot flashes and night sweats by inhibiting the production of luteinizing hormone, which is often elevated during menopause.
• Anethole: A terpene that has estrogen-like effects, which can help alleviate symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes, mood swings, and vaginal dryness.
• Sesquiterpenes: These compounds have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help reduce the severity of menopause symptoms, including hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep disturbances.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of fennel used to make decoctions for menopause.

• Leaves: They are rich in estrogenic compounds that help alleviate menopausal symptoms.
• Seeds: Foeniculum vulgare seeds are a natural source of estrogenic activity and contain compounds that can ease menopausal discomfort.
• Roots: The roots of the plant contain a high concentration of volatile oils, including fenchone and anethole, which have been used to treat various menopausal symptoms.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic fennel for menopause.

1. Gather fresh foeniculum vulgare roots and stems weighing about 1/4 cup or 30 grams for decoction.
2. Cut the foeniculum vulgare into smaller pieces to release their active compounds for better extraction.
3. Combine the cut foeniculum vulgare with 2 cups of water in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
4. Simmer the foeniculum vulgare decoction for 5 to 7 minutes or until the liquid reduces by half.
5. Strain the foeniculum vulgare decoction through a cheesecloth or fine-mesh sieve into a cup for serving.

9. Urtica dioica

Stinging nettle decoctions helps with menopause because it addresses several symptoms that are common during this stage of life.

The herbal remedy is rich in antioxidants, flavonoids, and other bioactive compounds that help to alleviate hot flashes and night sweats by reducing inflammation and promoting hormonal balance.

Additionally, stinging nettle's ability to soothe the nervous system can help reduce anxiety and mood swings, while its anti-inflammatory properties may also help with joint pain and discomfort.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Urtica dioica decoctions that help with menopause.

• Isorhapontigenin: This flavonoid helps alleviate menopausal symptoms by inhibiting the production of inflammatory molecules and promoting the regulation of hormonal balance.
• Quercetin: Acting as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, quercetin helps reduce hot flashes, night sweats, and other menopausal symptoms by protecting against oxidative stress and modulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.
• Saponins: These triterpenoid compounds have been shown to have a beneficial effect on menopausal symptoms by regulating hormonal balance, improving sleep quality, and reducing inflammation, ultimately contributing to a better quality of life during menopause.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of stinging nettle used to make decoctions for menopause.

• Roots: They are rich in isoorientin, which may help alleviate menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats.
• Leaves: They contain a high amount of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids and alkaloids, which may help reduce menopausal symptoms like anxiety and insomnia.
• Flowers: They are used for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may help alleviate menopausal symptoms such as vaginal dryness and mood swings.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic stinging nettle for menopause.

1. Harvest fresh urtica dioica leaves and stems in the spring or early summer when they are at their peak potency.
2. Clean and dry the harvested plant material to prevent contamination and preserve its medicinal properties for up to 6 months.
3. Combine 1 teaspoon of dried urtica dioica with 1 cup of boiling water and let it steep for 5 to 10 minutes.
4. Strain the decoction through a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve to remove the plant material and discard the solids.
5. Store the prepared urtica dioica decoction in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain its potency and quality.

10. Crataegus monogyna

Hawthorn decoctions helps with menopause because they possess potent phytoestrogens, which can alleviate hot flashes and night sweats.

The flavonoids present in hawthorn also help to soothe nervous tension and anxiety, common symptoms of menopause. Additionally, the antioxidants in hawthorn decoctions may help protect against estrogen-induced oxidative stress, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases like osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease.

By addressing these symptoms and promoting overall health, hawthorn decoctions can provide relief and support during this transitional phase of life.

Medicinal Constituents

The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Crataegus monogyna decoctions that help with menopause.

• Flavonoids: These compounds, particularly quercetin and kaempferol, help alleviate menopausal symptoms by exerting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, thereby reducing hot flashes and improving cardiovascular health.
• Triterpenes: Oleanolic acid and ursolic acid, types of triterpenes found in Crataegus monogyna, have been shown to have estrogen-like effects, which can help alleviate symptoms such as vaginal dryness and osteoporosis associated with menopause.
• Phenolic acids: Phenolic acids like caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid in Crataegus monogyna decoctions may help regulate hormonal imbalances and improve sleep quality, both of which are common issues during menopause.

Parts Used

The list below shows the primary parts of hawthorn used to make decoctions for menopause.

• Fruits: Fruits are used to alleviate hot flashes and night sweats associated with menopause due to their estrogenic properties and antioxidant content.
• Leaves: Leaves are used to help reduce anxiety, insomnia, and mood swings during menopause, attributed to their adaptogenic and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Buds: Buds are used to soothe menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats, thanks to their high concentration of flavonoids and other bioactive compounds.

Quick Recipe

The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic hawthorn for menopause.

1. Gather 10-15 grams of dried hawthorn berries, cleaned and stored in airtight containers.
2. Grind the hawthorn berries into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle for 5 minutes.
3. Combine the powdered hawthorn berries with 1000 milliliters of boiling water in a saucepan.
4. Boil the mixture for 10-15 minutes, then reduce heat to a simmer for an additional 20 minutes.
5. Strain the decoction through a cheesecloth or coffee filter into a clean glass container.

What is the best combination of herbal decoctions to use for menopause?

The best combination of herbal decoctions that help with menopause is a blend of Black Cohosh, Red Clover, and Ginseng.

Black Cohosh helps alleviate hot flashes and night sweats, while Red Clover supports hormonal balance and bone health. Ginseng, particularly American Ginseng, reduces stress and anxiety, promoting a restful sleep. This synergistic blend can also help alleviate mood swings, fatigue, and vaginal dryness, making it an effective natural solution for menopause symptoms.

Consult a healthcare professional before using any herbal remedies.

What ailments similar to menopause are treated with herbal decoctions?

Ailments similar to menopause/decoctions.html">menopause/decoctions.html">menopause that are treated with herbal decoctions are conditions associated with hormonal imbalance, symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, and vaginal dryness.

Herbs like Dong quai, Rehmannia, and Angelica are used to alleviate symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and perimenopause.

These herbal decoctions can help regulate hormones, reduce inflammation, and promote overall female reproductive health.