Menopause is a hard time for women to go through. Application of natural medicine, herbs, spices and foods have shown much great promise and results for many. Through years of trial it has worked for numerous amount of women and it will continue to help those who will utilize them. As we are all unique individuals, we must keep in mind that what may work well for one person may not have the same effect on another--or perhaps, different dosage may be required. That is why trials are important for each and working with a Natural Health doctor could be beneficial. In addition, we must keep in mind that leading a life that is much lighter or free of much toxins will make it much easier through this time. Factors that are important to be aware of before, during and after menopause:
- Diet
- Exercise
- Medication
- Natural supplementation
- Sleep
- Fresh air and sunshine
A natural yet amazing flower of which posses powers to assist with menopause symptoms is called hops. Many of us associate hops with beer. The beer industry knows its effects--it is naturally sedative and have calming and cooling effect upon the system. So, it works well for beer industry. Besides that hops have been utilized in such industries because of their power of preserving, before they even knew about their other beneficial factors.
Hops are pale green, cone like fruits of a hardy twining vine which is native to Europe, western Asia, and North America. In 20th century the Romans utilized hops for its medicinal value. Throughout the years, hops have been used for many different ailments such as:
- Aching teeth
- Aching ears
- Sleep
- Sedative
- Rheumatic joint pain
- Fevers
- Heart conditions
- Diarrhea
- Hysteria
- Digestion
- Nervous tension
- Muscle spasm in the digestive tract associated with IBS (irritable bowel syndrome)
It is said that Abraham Lincoln found hops to be beneficial to him to relax and improve sleep. He placed sachet of hops in his pillows. Similar story with King George III of England (the king who lost America), who slept on pillow with sachet of hops to ease his porphyria--which is a condition that can cause anxiety and mental illness.
Hops and Its Efficacy
Germany's health authorities have approved the use of hops for discomfort due to restlessness or anxiety and sleep disturbances. There has been scientific research on done on hops and have found promising results for anxiety and improvement of sleep quality.
It can be utilized with other herbs such as valerian for better results. But as each individual may be different, it is best that it is tried and seen the results to assure that is what works best for you. Addition of any sedative herb to hops is only going to intensify its effects. Though, each herb may have its own mechanism of relaxation, it may add certain different benefits yet balance.
Research Have Found Benefits of Hops for Menopausal Symptoms
Researchers have identified at least one key compound in hops which is related to significant hormonal activity. 8-prenylnaringenin is a compound that is responsible for this hormonal affect. A six week study in menopausal women found that a standardized hops extract decreased the number of:
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Insomnia
Another study done on topically applied gel containing hyaluronic acid, vitamin E and hops extract have significantly improved vaginal dryness in menopausal women.
With such promising results in menopausal symptoms, hops may be a good addition to conventional treatments as well as alternative ones.
Therapeutic Usage
- Digestion
- Nervousness/Anxiety reduction
- Insomnia
- Menopause
How to Use
Could be utilized in different forms. Important to keep in mind that you may need to do some trials of what works best for you. But general dosage is important to keep in mind. Starting with the general dose and then proceeding would be ideal.
As tea: 1 teaspoon hops flowers in a 1 cup hot water. Steep for 5-7 minutes. 30-45 minutes before bedtime is best.
Herbal capsules: 500 caps--before bedtime or as needed (1-3 times daily). Could take in combination with valerian root.
Tincture: 2 ml tincture, 1-3 times daily or as needed.
Caution:
Since hops does have an effect on increase hormonal activity, it is best not to be utilized by women who have had breast cancer. More studies is needed to seek its safety in such cases. Safely in pregnancy has not been established yet. Since hops has sedative effect, must not operate heavy machinery while under its influence.