For women who are dreading the prospect of undergoing menopause, the best thing to do is start with things that may already be present at home. Many botanicals and dietary changes along with herbal remedies, vitamins and supplements can effectively relieve symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes and night sweats. Let us take a look at some easy ways to get rid of hot flashes.
1. Phytoestrogens and isoflavones
These are botanicals found in soy, lentils and legumes. Including these in your diet can provide much needed relief from night sweats and hot flashes. These foods provide you with equol- a substance that mimics the natural estrogen in the body. Peri-menopausal women must take isoflavones after consulting their doctor. As always, moderation is the key since isoflavones may increase risk of breast cancer.
2. Flaxseeds
There is no direct evidence that flaxseeds help prevent sweating at night while sleeping. Having said that; flaxseeds and flaxseed oil can help menopausal women prevent weight gain, lower risk of heart diseases as well as prevent certain cancers. So add this food to stop menopause symptoms.
3. Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar hot flashes treatment is very popular and effective remedy[i] to curb night sweats. Take 2-3 teaspoons in 8 ounces of water.
4. Baking soda
A mixture of baking soda and apple cider vinegar also helps prevent night sweats by making the body more alkaline. Take the mixture of organic raw ACV with baking soda in a glass of water. Drink this 3 times a day to stop hot flashes and night sweats. This remedy is also useful for nigt sweats no menopause.
5. Vitamin E
This important antioxidant is very important for menopausal women. Taking a daily supplement can prevent many symptoms of menopause including mood swings, weight gain, hot flashes, night sweats etc. Talk to your doctor about the right dosage.
6. Blackstrap molasses
Blackstrap molasses is another powerful remedy for all kinds of period issues. They contain many minerals, vitamins and nutrients that can prevent hot flashes, night sweats, cramps, anemia etc. All women from the age group of puberty to menopause must take this home remedy to maintain the health of their reproductive system.
7. Dong quai
Dong quai is a Chinese herb that has been used since centuries for treating all kinds of menstrual problems. It is known as female ginseng due to this reason. Thanks to its mild estrogen properties, Dong Quai along with other home remedies can relieve night sweats and hot flashes. Limit your intake to 1 tsp of the tincture or as advised by an herbalist. Do not take Dong Quai continuously for prolonged periods as it could have blood thinning effect. Avoid this herb if you are taking heart medication.
8. Evening primrose oil
Night sweats related to menopause can also be treated with Evening Primrose oil. This botanical also relieves dry skin and breast tenderness. Do not take more than 1500 mg of evening primrose oil per day. Discontinue use if you experience nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
9. Wild yams
As part of night sweats treatment, include yams in your diet. This superfood for menopause contains progesterone which has estrogen regulating properties. Wild yam is available today in the form of tincture, tea, powder and supplements. Health food stores also carry products containing wild yam topical creams to relieve vaginal dryness.
10. Homeopathic remedies for night sweats
Many homeopathic remedies can be used to prevent night sweats and hot flashes:
- Ferrum phosph-This is recommended for anemic women
- Cimcifuga- 10 globules 2 times a day.
- German homeopathic remedy to stop night sweats naturally is Mulimen. It contains chasteberry, black cohosh, St. John’s Wort, and sepia. A study showed that women who took this remedy were relieved of their hot flashes at night.
- Lachesis is another excellent homeopathic remedy for hot flashes.
For all these remedies, start with 30C potency; take 5-10 pellets 3 times a day.
11. Exercise
Make exercise a part of your daily routine. A study conducted on 92 women showed significantly fewer hot flashes after moderate intensity aerobic exercises.
12. Hypnotic relaxation therapy
This natural treatment for hot flashes and night sweats can bring about 68-80% reduction in hot flashes. You could even learn self hypnosis techniques to stop night sweats.
Use these 12 natural treatments to stop night sweats and hot flashes. In some cases though, hormone replacement therapy may be the only option. Talk to your doctor if your night sweats and hot flashes are interfering with your life and day to day activities.
[i] Apple Cider Vinegar: Recipes & Remedies ACV By Anne V. Parsons