By Leen Randell
Updated: Jul 10, 2024
10 Best Herbal Tinctures For Menopause
Herbal tinctures for menopause are concentrated liquid extracts made from plants and herbs that have been used for centuries to alleviate symptoms associated with menopause.
These natural remedies help ease hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and vaginal dryness by promoting hormonal balance and relaxation.
Examples of herbal tinctures that benefit menopausal women include black cohosh, dong quai, and wild yam, which have been shown to reduce menopause symptoms and improve sleep quality, overall well-being, and sexual function.
The following article describes in detail the most important tinctures for menopause, including medicinal properties, parts of herbs to use, and recipes for preparations.
- 1. Salvia officinalis
- 2. Glycyrrhiza glabra
- 3. Paeonia lactiflora
- 4. Valeriana officinalis
- 5. Avena sativa
- 6. Rosa rugosa
- 7. Matricaria chamomilla
- 8. Dioscorea villosa
- 9. Althaea officinalis
- 10. Vitex agnus castus
- What is the best combination of herbal tinctures to use for menopause?
- What ailments similar to menopause are treated with herbal tinctures?
1. Salvia officinalis
Sage tinctures helps with menopause because of its natural ability to alleviate hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings.
The herb's bioactive compounds, such as rosmarinic acid and apigenin, have been shown to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the body. This can lead to a decrease in symptoms associated with menopause, allowing women to maintain their quality of life during this stage.
Additionally, sage tinctures may help improve sleep quality, reduce anxiety, and increase energy levels, further supporting overall well-being during menopause.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Salvia officinalis tinctures that help with menopause.
- Rosmarinic acid: A phenolic compound that helps alleviate menopausal symptoms by reducing inflammation, acting as an antioxidant, and modulating the body's hormonal balance.
- Salvianolic acid b: A phenolic compound that has antioxidant properties, helping to protect against oxidative stress, which is often associated with menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats.
- Ursolic acid: A triterpenoid compound that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which can help mitigate the severity of menopausal symptoms, including mood swings and hot flashes.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of sage used to make tinctures for menopause.
- Leaves: Leaves are used due to their high content of salvinic acids, which may help alleviate menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats.
- Flowers: Flowers are used due to their high estrogenic activity, which may help balance hormone levels and reduce menopausal symptoms.
- Buds: Buds are used due to their high content of flavonoids, which may help reduce inflammation and alleviate menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and mood swings.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic sage for menopause.
- Harvest 25 grams of fresh or 100 grams of dried salvia officinalis leaves for tincture production.
- Combine the harvested leaves with 50 milliliters of 80% ethanol in a clean glass jar.
- Store the jar in a cool dark place for 2-4 weeks to facilitate extraction and infusion.
- Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass container.
- Discard the plant material and transfer the clear liquid into glass dropper bottles for storage.
2. Glycyrrhiza glabra
Licorice tinctures helps with menopause because they contain compounds that mimic estrogen in the body, which can alleviate hot flashes and night sweats.
The flavonoids present in licorice root also have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce joint pain and stiffness commonly experienced during menopause.
Additionally, licorice's antiviral and antibacterial effects can support immune function and overall well-being, making it a natural supplement to consider as women transition through this life stage.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Glycyrrhiza glabra tinctures that help with menopause.
- Glycyrrhizin: Acts as an anti-inflammatory agent, reducing hot flashes and night sweats associated with menopause.
- Liquiritigenin: Exhibits estrogen-like properties, helping to alleviate symptoms of estrogen deficiency, such as vaginal dryness and mood swings.
- Flavonoids: Possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help alleviate hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of licorice used to make tinctures for menopause.
- Roots: They are the primary source of glycyrrhizin, a compound that has anti-inflammatory and hormone-balancing properties beneficial for menopause symptoms.
- Leaves: They contain a lower amount of glycyrrhizin but are rich in flavonoids, which may help alleviate hot flashes and other menopause-related issues.
- Barks: They have been traditionally used to treat hormonal imbalances and are believed to possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may aid in managing menopause symptoms.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic licorice for menopause.
- Harvest 50 grams of glycyrrhiza glabra roots with a 5% moisture content and dry them completely at 50 degrees celsius for 2 hours.
- Crush the dried roots into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle and sift through a 60 mesh sieve to ensure uniformity.
- Combine the powdered roots with 1 liter of 95% ethanol in a glass container and leave it to steep for 2 weeks at room temperature.
- Strain the liquid mixture through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another glass container and discard the solids.
- Transfer the strained liquid to glass bottles and store them in a cool dark place for at least 6 weeks before use.
3. Paeonia lactiflora
Chinese peony tinctures helps with menopause because it has been traditionally used in Chinese medicine to regulate menstrual cycles, alleviate hot flashes, and reduce symptoms of anxiety and insomnia that often accompany menopause.
The herb is believed to balance the body's energy and calm the spirit, which can help alleviate feelings of irritability and mood swings common during this time.
Additionally, its anti-inflammatory properties may help soothe vaginal dryness and discomfort associated with menopause.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Paeonia lactiflora tinctures that help with menopause.
- Iridoid glycosides: These compounds have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may help alleviate hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms associated with inflammation.
- Flavonoids: As antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents, flavonoids may help reduce the severity and frequency of hot flashes, as well as protect against cardiovascular disease, which is a concern for many women during menopause.
- Triterpene saponins: These compounds may have a calming effect on the nervous system, which could help alleviate anxiety, insomnia, and mood swings that often accompany menopause.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of chinese peony used to make tinctures for menopause.
- Roots: Paeonia lactiflora roots are rich in paeonol and paeoniflorin, compounds that have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties to alleviate menopausal symptoms.
- Flowers: The flowers of Paeonia lactiflora contain flavonoids and alkaloids that help to regulate hormones, reduce hot flashes, and promote relaxation.
- Leaves: Paeonia lactiflora leaves contain volatile oils and flavonoids that have a sedative effect, helping to calm anxiety and promote better sleep during menopause.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic chinese peony for menopause.
- Harvest 1 pound of fresh paeonia lactiflora roots and clean them thoroughly with a soft brush to remove dirt.
- Chop the cleaned paeonia lactiflora roots into small pieces to increase their surface area for efficient extraction.
- Combine the chopped paeonia lactiflora roots with 80 proof vodka in a clean glass jar to create a 1:2 ratio.
- Allow the mixture to steep in a cool dark place for 2-3 weeks shaking the jar every 2-3 days.
- Strain the tincture through a cheesecloth and discard the solids then transfer it to a dark glass bottle for storage.
4. Valeriana officinalis
Valerian tinctures helps with menopause because it addresses the root cause of hot flashes, anxiety, and insomnia, which are common symptoms experienced by women during this stage.
The herb has a calming effect on the nervous system, reducing restlessness and irritability, allowing for deeper sleep and relaxation.
Additionally, valerian's sedative properties help alleviate night sweats and hot flashes, making it an effective natural remedy to promote a more peaceful and comfortable menopause experience.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Valeriana officinalis tinctures that help with menopause.
- Valerenic acid: Valerenic acid, a sesquiterpene, helps with menopause by promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety, which are common symptoms during menopause.
- Isovaleric acid: Isovaleric acid, a short-chain fatty acid, has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may help alleviate hot flashes, night sweats, and other symptoms associated with menopause.
- Valeranone: Valeranone, a sesquiterpene, has been found to have a sedative effect, which can help reduce sleep disturbances and anxiety that are common during menopause.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of valerian used to make tinctures for menopause.
- Roots: Rich in valerenic acid and other compounds that have a sedative effect, helping to alleviate hot flashes and anxiety.
- Roots: High in valepotriates, which can help regulate hormonal imbalances and reduce symptoms associated with menopause.
- Roots: Valerian root contains isovaleric acid, which has a calming effect and may help alleviate insomnia and mood swings commonly experienced during menopause.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic valerian for menopause.
- Harvest 1 part of root material at the end of the growing season to ensure maximum potency.
- Chop 1 part root material into small pieces to increase surface area for extraction.
- Combine chopped root material with 2 parts of 80 proof vodka in a clean glass jar.
- Steep the mixture for 2-6 weeks in a cool dark place to allow for optimal extraction.
- Strain the liquid through cheesecloth into another clean glass container and discard the solids.
5. Avena sativa
Oats tinctures helps with menopause because they contain a unique combination of saponins, flavonoids, and other bioactive compounds that have been shown to alleviate various symptoms associated with this stage of life.
These natural compounds help to reduce hot flashes and night sweats by regulating body temperature and blood flow, while also addressing vaginal dryness and itching through their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Additionally, oat tinctures may also support hormonal balance and mood stability during menopause.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Avena sativa tinctures that help with menopause.
- Avenanthramides: These phenolic compounds have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help alleviate menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats.
- Fagaronine: This alkaloid has a sedative effect, which can help regulate hormonal imbalances and promote a good night's sleep, a common issue for menopausal women.
- Avenacoside: This saponin has estrogen-like properties, which can help balance hormonal fluctuations and alleviate symptoms such as mood swings and vaginal dryness.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of oats used to make tinctures for menopause.
- Flowers: They are used to make tinctures for menopause due to their high content of flavonoids and phenolic acids, which may help alleviate menopausal symptoms.
- Seeds: They are used to make tinctures for menopause due to their high concentration of isocitric acid, which may help reduce hot flashes and other symptoms associated with menopause.
- Leaves: They are used to make tinctures for menopause due to their potential to help regulate hormonal balance and alleviate menopausal symptoms such as anxiety and insomnia.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic oats for menopause.
- Harvest 1 part of avena sativa roots and rhizomes in the fall after the plant has completed its growth cycle.
- Clean and dry the harvested avena sativa parts to prevent contamination and preserve their potency.
- Chop 1 part of the dried avena sativa into small pieces and add it to a clean glass jar.
- Fill the jar with 2 parts of 80 proof vodka and seal it tightly for 6 to 8 weeks.
- Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or coffee filter into another clean glass bottle and discard the solids.
6. Rosa rugosa
Beach rose tinctures helps with menopause because of its ability to soothe hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings.
The tincture's phytoestrogenic properties help regulate hormonal imbalances, reducing the frequency and intensity of these symptoms. Additionally, beach rose's anti-inflammatory compounds may alleviate vaginal dryness and itchiness, while its adaptogenic qualities promote emotional stability and resilience.
Overall, beach rose tinctures provide a natural, gentle support system for women navigating menopause, helping to restore balance and harmony to their bodies and minds.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Rosa rugosa tinctures that help with menopause.
- Flavonoids: These compounds have estrogenic properties, which may help alleviate hot flashes and night sweats associated with menopause by mimicking the effects of estrogen in the body.
- Rosmarinic acid: This phenolic acid has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce the severity of hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms by protecting against oxidative stress and inflammation.
- Lignans: These phytoestrogens may help alleviate menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes, by binding to estrogen receptors and modulating estrogen activity in the body.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of beach rose used to make tinctures for menopause.
- Flowers: They are used to make tinctures for menopause due to their estrogen-like properties, which help alleviate symptoms such as hot flashes and mood swings.
- Roots: They are used to make tinctures for menopause due to their ability to balance and regulate estrogen levels in the body.
- Barks: They are used to make tinctures for menopause due to their astringent and anti-inflammatory properties, which help soothe and calm the body during menopause.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic beach rose for menopause.
- Gather rosa rugosa flowers and leaves in their fresh form from a trusted source.
- Chop the plant material into small pieces using a sharp knife or a herb cutter.
- Combine the chopped plant material with 80 proof ethanol in a 1:3 ratio by volume in a clean glass jar.
- Steep the mixture in a cool dark place for 2 to 6 weeks with occasional gentle shaking.
- Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into a clean glass bottle discarding the solids and store the tincture in a cool dark place.
7. Matricaria chamomilla
Chamomile tinctures helps with menopause because it alleviates hot flashes, insomnia, and anxiety that are commonly experienced during this stage of life.
The calming effects of chamomile soothe the nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing irritability. Additionally, chamomile's anti-inflammatory properties can ease vaginal dryness and discomfort often associated with menopause.
Its gentle sedative properties also help regulate hormonal fluctuations, leading to a more restful sleep and overall sense of well-being.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Matricaria chamomilla tinctures that help with menopause.
- Apigenin: An apigenin is a flavonoid that helps alleviate hot flashes and night sweats associated with menopause by acting as an estrogen receptor modulator and antioxidant.
- Luteolin: Luteolin is a flavonoid that helps reduce inflammation and promote relaxation, which can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety, insomnia, and mood swings commonly experienced during menopause.
- Α-bisabolol: α-bisabolol is a sesquiterpene that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help soothe skin irritation and promote relaxation, reducing the severity of hot flashes and night sweats.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of chamomile used to make tinctures for menopause.
- Flowers: They are the most commonly used part due to their high content of apigenin and luteolin, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help alleviate menopause symptoms.
- Leaves: They contain similar compounds to the flowers, providing a similar therapeutic effect in tinctures for menopause relief.
- Roots: Although less commonly used, the roots of German chamomile also have therapeutic properties that can be used in tinctures to help alleviate menopause symptoms, particularly those related to anxiety and sleep disturbances.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic chamomile for menopause.
- Harvest 250g of fresh matricaria chamomilla flowers at dawn when they are in full bloom and dry them completely.
- Combine the dried flowers with 750ml of 80% ethanol in a clean glass jar and seal it tightly.
- Steep the mixture in a cool dark place for 2-3 weeks or until the liquid has darkened slightly.
- Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass container discarding the solids.
- Transfer the tincture to dark glass dropper bottles and store them in a cool dark place for up to 2 years.
8. Dioscorea villosa
Wild yam tinctures helps with menopause because they contain phytoestrogens, which are plant-based estrogens that mimic the effects of estrogen in the body.
As women approach menopause, their estrogen levels naturally decline, leading to symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings. The phytoestrogens in wild yam tinctures help to regulate hormone imbalances by binding to estrogen receptors, reducing these symptoms and alleviating menopausal discomfort.
This natural remedy offers a safe and effective way to manage the challenges of menopause.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Dioscorea villosa tinctures that help with menopause.
- Saponins: Saponins, particularly dioscin and diosgenin, help alleviate menopausal symptoms by reducing inflammation and modulating the body's response to hormonal fluctuations.
- Isofrazidin: Isofrazidin, a phenolic compound, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may help mitigate hot flashes, night sweats, and other symptoms associated with menopause.
- Diosgenin: Diosgenin, a phytoestrogen, may help alleviate menopausal symptoms by mimicking the effects of estrogen in the body, thereby reducing the severity of hot flashes and other estrogen-deficiency symptoms.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of wild yam used to make tinctures for menopause.
- Roots: The roots of Dioscorea villosa are rich in diosgenin, a plant sterol that helps alleviate menopausal symptoms.
- Rhyzomes: The rhizomes of Dioscorea villosa are used for their estrogen-balancing properties, which help alleviate hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms.
- Leaves: The leaves of Dioscorea villosa contain antioxidants and other compounds that help reduce inflammation and promote overall women's health during menopause.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic wild yam for menopause.
- Harvest 1-2 pounds of dioscorea villosa roots during the fall season or spring when the sap flows freely.
- Dry the harvested roots at 40-50 degrees fahrenheit for 1-2 weeks to reduce moisture content.
- Grind the dried roots into a fine powder using a coffee grinder or mortar and pestle.
- Steep 1 part dioscorea villosa powder in 2 parts 80-proof vodka in a clean glass jar for 2-6 weeks.
- Strain the liquid through cheesecloth into another clean glass jar and discard the solids after 2-6 weeks.
9. Althaea officinalis
Marshmallow tinctures helps with menopause because it provides soothing relief from hot flashes and night sweats.
The saponins present in marshmallow root have anti-inflammatory properties that help calm irritated tissues, reducing inflammation and discomfort associated with hormonal fluctuations. Additionally, marshmallow tincture can alleviate vaginal dryness and itching, a common symptom of menopause, by moisturizing the mucous membranes and providing relief from dryness and irritation.
This natural remedy promotes comfort, relaxation, and overall well-being during this transitional phase.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Althaea officinalis tinctures that help with menopause.
- Mucilages: These complex carbohydrates help to reduce inflammation, soothe irritated tissues, and promote relaxation, which can be beneficial in alleviating hot flashes and night sweats associated with menopause.
- Flavonoids: These plant-derived compounds have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help to reduce the severity of hot flashes, night sweats, and other menopause-related symptoms.
- Polysaccharides: These complex carbohydrates have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating effects, which can help to reduce the severity of menopause-related symptoms such as vaginal dryness and inflammation.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of marshmallow used to make tinctures for menopause.
- Roots: Used for their anti-inflammatory and soothing properties to alleviate menopause-related symptoms such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness.
- Leaves: Utilized for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties to help reduce stress and anxiety associated with menopause.
- Roots: Also used for their adaptogenic properties to help the body adapt to hormonal changes during menopause, reducing symptoms such as mood swings and insomnia.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic marshmallow for menopause.
- Gather 1 part of althaea officinalis root, 2 parts of vodka, and 1 part of glycerin.
- Chop 500 grams of the root into small pieces and let it dry for 2 weeks.
- Combine the dried root with 1 liter of vodka in a glass jar and seal it tightly.
- Steep the mixture for 2 to 6 weeks in a cool dark place, shaking the jar daily.
- Strain the liquid through cheesecloth into a separate container and discard the solids.
10. Vitex agnus castus
Chaste tree tinctures helps with menopause because it addresses many of the physical symptoms that women experience during this time.
The plant's natural hormones, particularly progesterone, help to regulate menstrual cycles and alleviate hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings. Additionally, chaste tree has been shown to reduce anxiety and stress levels, promoting a sense of calm and well-being.
By supporting hormonal balance and alleviating symptoms, chaste tree tinctures can provide relief and improve overall quality of life during menopause.
Medicinal Constituents
The list below shows the primary medicinal constituents in Vitex agnus castus tinctures that help with menopause.
- Iridoid glycosides: These compounds, particularly agnuside and aucubin, help with menopause by modulating hormonal balances, particularly prolactin and estrogen, which can alleviate symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings.
- Flavonoids: Flavonoids, especially kaempferol and quercetin, exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can reduce the severity of menopausal symptoms like joint pain, headaches, and sleep disturbances.
- Triterpenoids: Triterpenoids, such as ursolic acid and oleanolic acid, possess anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects that can help alleviate menopausal symptoms like memory loss, mood swings, and anxiety.
Parts Used
The list below shows the primary parts of chaste tree used to make tinctures for menopause.
- Flowers: They are the primary part used due to their high iridoid glycoside content, which is believed to help regulate hormonal imbalances associated with menopause.
- Seeds: They are sometimes added to tinctures as they contain a higher concentration of flavonoids and alkaloids, which may help alleviate menopausal symptoms.
- Leaves: They are occasionally used in combination with flowers, as they may enhance the overall effect of the tincture and provide additional antioxidant properties.
Quick Recipe
The following recipe gives a procedure to make a basic chaste tree for menopause.
- Harvest 30-40 dried vitex agnus castus flowers at dawn and immediately transfer them to a clean glass jar.
- Combine 100 grams of the dried flowers with 40% ethanol in a 1:3 ratio in a large glass jar.
- Steep the mixture for 2-3 weeks in a cool dark place with occasional gentle shaking of the jar.
- Strain the liquid through a cheesecloth or a coffee filter into another clean glass container discarding the solids.
- Store the tincture in a cool dark place for at least 4 weeks before use to allow it to mature slowly.
What is the best combination of herbal tinctures to use for menopause?
The best combination of herbal tinctures that help with menopause is a blend of Black Cohosh, Maca, and Red Clover.
Black Cohosh helps alleviate hot flashes and night sweats, while Maca balances hormonal fluctuations and supports energy levels. Red Clover is rich in isoflavones, which can help with vaginal dryness and mood swings.
This combination can also be complemented with Dong Quai to regulate menstrual cycles and alleviate cramps, and Passionflower to soothe anxiety and promote better sleep.
What ailments similar to menopause are treated with herbal tinctures?
Ailments similar to menopause/tinctures.html">menopause/tinctures.html">menopause that are treated with herbal tinctures are perimenopause, adrenal fatigue, and thyroid imbalance.
Herbal tinctures such as black cohosh, dong quai, and maca can help alleviate symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings associated with these conditions.
Other herbs like ashwagandha and licorice root may also be used to address stress, anxiety, and fatigue that can accompany these hormonal imbalances.