Did you know that many symptoms of Menopause mimic adrenal stress? Some of these include depression, fatigue, irritability (moodiness), and various nervous issues (anxiety anyone?). This is important because the adrenal glands play a very important role in menopausal and peri-menopausal women.
An interesting little factoid is that as the ovaries slow down the production of estrogen during this significant time, the adrenal glands take over and provide the body with small amounts of estrogen to make up for the loss. They continue to contribute estrogen to the female body until about the age of 70.
The problem is that women today are often overworked, overstressed, and the adrenals are worn out early. This means that the adrenals are not so able to do their job of making up for the ovaries' reduced function and don't put out that needed female hormone, estrogen.
BUT....
There is hope! There are quite a few natural remedies you can try that just might work for you!
- Nutrition---
- Specifically increase your calcium intake. Calcium is not only famous for helping prevent osteoporosis, but also may help prevent those nasty hot flashes! Here are some herbs you can take in the form of teas or tinctures that will are filled with loads of calcium: Comfrey, Oatstraw, Nettle, Dandelion greens, Mustard greens, Horsetail, Chickweed, Amaranth, and Watercress. Interestingly, many of these herbs are also natural diuretics and serve the dual purpose of strengthening the blood by detoxifying the liver and kidneys!
- Another important mineral your body must have is iron. It keeps our blood oxygenated! Unfortunately, our food sources are typically very low in iron. Here are some herbs filled with iron: Parsley, Watercress, Nettles, Comfrey, Alfalfa, and Horsetail.
- Vitamin E: This little vitamin helps out with vaginal dryness, hot flashes, and muscle cramps. Be careful if you have high blood pressure or diabetes and make sure it is ok to take additional Vitamin E by asking your doctor.
- Bee Pollen: Those amazing bees! Bee Pollen is a complete protein! That means it contains all the amino acids! It also contains vitamins and enzymes that help our bodies. Another added benefit of taking local bee pollen is that it may help your allergies! You don't need much either----just a tiny bit goes a long way.
- Spirulina is a little water plant, specifically a blue-green algae. It grows in fresh water ponds. It is thought to be the highest source of plant protein as up to 60-70% of its composition by weight is protein. It also has important B vitamins, which provide energy and help with mood swings.
- Dong Quai and Ginseng---Two great Chinese herbs, Dong Quai tones the reproductive system and Ginseng provides energy and balances hormones.
- ***NOTE: Only get your herbs from a reputable source such as a bulk herb store or reputable nutrition store. Many bottled herbs are old, and some capsulated forms do not even contain what is stated on the label.
Here is a link to my online herb supply shop if you are in need of any of these herbs. Please ask if you do not see an herb you need listed in my shop. It is likely I have it or will get it for you from an organic and responsible source.
Check out the various teas and tinctures on my etsy shop Cold Creek Naturals where you will find prepared herbal products, made by me. Please feel free to browse the teas and tinctures specific to detoxification, weight gain, and other women's issues.
- Exercise is yet another way of helping improve menopausal and peri-menopausal symptoms. I know you don't want to here it, and I am super guilty of being "too busy" to get to the gym, but it is so important. I'm currently trying my best to get back to it on a regular basis.
- Herbal Formulas
- Deep Sleep Tincture (recipe to follow in an upcoming post OR you can visit my shop)
- Black Cohosh Tincture (amazing for hot flashes)--- And I recommend using a tincture over bottled dry herbs.
- Weight Loss Support Tea (recipe to follow in an upcoming post OR you can visit my shop)
- Full Cycle Tea (same as above)
- Anti-Cramp Tea (for Peri-menopausal women still experiencing menstrual issues, like myself)
Here is an awesome recipe for Crone Candy, based on a recipe developed by my teacher, Rosemary Gladstar, and found in her herbal course of study, "The Science and Art of Herbology."
(And I used to laugh at the usage of the word "Crone" too!) BUT did you know that the word, Crone, actually represents the Wise Old Woman found in every one of us of the female gender. It goes along with this wonderful change of life known as Menopause, and should be given the respect of the elder wise one. As I enter this stage of life myself, I am choosing to and excited about embracing this new aspect of being a woman!
Crone Candy
1 cup of Sesame Butter or other healthy nut butter
1/2 cup or so of Honey (Organic is best)
2 Tbsp Ginseng Powder
3 Tbsp Dong Quai Powder
3 Tbsp Bee Pollen
1 Tbsp Nettle or Dandelion Leaf Powder
1 Tbsp Ground Almonds
A small handful of Carob Chips or Dark Chocolate Chips
Mix the honey and the sesame butter into a paste. Stir in the rest of the ingredients and mix up! Taste and adjust the taste as you like, then roll into one inch balls. Yum!
This is a good recipe to play around with as you like, too! You can use different herbal powders and goodies. The base is the honey and sesame butter, so you have lots of great options!
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