If you haven’t been one, you’ve probably seen one – a woman fanning herself to cool off, even outside on a cool day. She’s suffering from the hot flushes brought on by menopause, which can wreck havoc with the body’s internal thermostat, bringing on immense heat and sweats, literally in a flash. Each one might not last for long, but they can continue for up 10 years or longer without therapy, so that’s something to sweat about!

Irene L. was a typical case. She was suffering through 20 or more hot flushes a day. Bad enough, but they didn’t stop at night either, waking her regularly in a sweat. It was no laughing matter.

Menopause can cause other symptoms as well. While about 75% of women suffer hot flushes and sweats, about half also suffer from vertigo and high blood pressure. A healthy diet, exercise and reducing stress can all help lessen symptoms, but herbal treatments can also help, particularly the well-known herb sage.

Native of the Mediterranean region, sage has been used for millennia as a medicine, through the time of ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome. It has been used to alleviate fevers, for menstrual pain and to ease childbirth. It’s antispasmodic and astringent effects make it effective to treat the symptoms of menopause, with the tablets made from fresh leaves being particularly effective in reducing hot flushes and excessive sweating.

A great way to get the benefits of sage for menopause is from the herbal remedy Menopause Feminine from A. Vogel, which is made from 100% organic sage. It is natural, safe and effective, In one published clinical study of Menopause Feminine, 39 menopausal women were given either it or a placebo for eight weeks and kept a personal diary of their symptoms. Of those taking Menopause Feminine, 75% reported improved symptoms, compared to 47% on the placebo. The average number of hot flushes was reduced by 56.3% with Menopause Feminine but increased by 4.8% in the placebo group.

Irene L. became a convert. “After the OK from my medical doctor, I tried Menopause Feminine,” she wrote. “It took about two weeks to notice a difference. I increased the dose to three per day and I haven’t had a hot flush since! It didn’t just ease them, it totally eliminated them. A miracle in my book! I can now enjoy my life again. It’s a great product.”

Josée Fortin is an accredited naturopath based in Ottawa.

Source: alive Web Exclusive, November 2009