and finding balance
Herbal help for menopause Ziziphus jujuba is traditionally used
Help yourself
• Dress for success: Removable layers are best, plus soft, breathable fabric. • Know your triggers: These may include hot beverages, spicy food, alcohol and caffeine (present in both coffee and tea). • Stay hydrated: A big glass of cool water is very handy when a hot flush starts. • Address stress: Studies show that one to three hours of exercise a week significantly reduces hot flushes. Weight- bearing exercise, such as walking and weight-lifting, also helps prevent osteoporosis, while aerobic exercise, like swimming and dancing, helps to protect against heart disease. Meditation, progressive muscle relaxation and counselling can all play a part in preventing, or at least minimising, distressing menopausal symptoms like mood swings, depression and poor memory. • Try acupuncture: A Swedish study reports that acupuncture helps to ease insomnia and the intensity of hot flushes. Interested in seeing whether this could work for you? Visit www.acupuncture.org.au to find a qualified practitioner near you. • Investigate alternatives: Potent natural medicines have been clinically proven to provide relief from menopausal symptoms, including sage (Salvia officinalis) known for its cooling effects to reduce hot flushes, night sweats, palpitations and anxiety; zizyphus (Zizyphus jujube var. spinosa) to counter mild depression and calm the body and mind, and vitex (Vitex agnus-castus) , commonly known as Chaste tree berry to balance progesterone levels, and to improve sleep quality, sexual desire, concentration and energy. • Book a full check-up: This may include a bone density scan, mammogram, blood tests and a mental health check. It is an important first step towards feeling confident about navigating menopause.
in Chinese Medicine to relieve irritability, insomnia, and night sweats. It's believed to nourish
the heart and calm the spirit, addressing 'shen disturbance' symptoms like irritability and shallow sleep. Modern studies support its role in improving sleep quality and mood by influencing GABA, a neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation. The active component, Jujuboside A, regulates brain chemicals to improve sleep and reduce anxiety. Sage has been traditionally used to treat excessive perspiration and sweats associated with menopause. Its anxiolytic qualities help ease anxiety, lift your mood, and calm your mind. Sage is a phytoestrogen. Phytoestrogens (plant oestrogens) are substances that occur naturally in plants. They have a similar chemical structure to our own body's oestrogen and can bind to the same receptors that our own oestrogen does. Bupleurum is used for constrained Liver qi which expresses itself in symptoms like hot flushes. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Bupleurum is described as
cool, dry, bitter.
15
ISSUE 70 • 2024
Made with FlippingBook Learn more on our blog