Important Information about Herbal Estrogen
Herbal estrogen is a convenient alternative for women dealing with low levels of estrogen who do not want to start hormone replacement therapy. Herbal medicines have slowly but steadily gained acceptance because they are proven effective in cases where urgent intervention is not needed. While Western medicine has been extremely effective in countering urgent care situations, there is reason to believe that alternative forms of therapy may have cures for situations where the body is dealing with periods of change.
The principle of herbal remedies
Herbal remedies are based on the premise that there are plants in nature which can provide the substances necessary for dealing with many human ailments. It takes it inspiration from age old human wisdom in that healers from many cultures used naturally derived balms, tisanes and tonics for dealing with many complaints and injuries. The medicinal properties of many herbs such as aloe vera and lavender have been documented down the ages and now these are incorporated as ingredients in several over-the-counter drugs. Similarly, there are ingredients that are known to produce the same effects as estrogen. By using these botanical extracts or herb derivatives, women dealing with menopause-related drops in estrogen level may be able to deal with physical changes without resorting to other drugs.
Herbs known to have estrogen
Scientists have conducted research which suggests that saw palmetto berry, motherwort leaf, Rhodiola rosea root and red clover blossom contain significant ability to trigger estrogen-like reactions in the body. Gingko Biloba, Vitex berry, wild yam, dang gui root, blue and black cohosh and licorice root along with turmeric root, maca root and cramp bark also induce estrogen like reactions. Of these the last three are said to have the least ability to mimic estrogen.
Pros and cons of herbal estrogen
Herbal estrogen holds the promise of nature based cure for a situation where there is hormonal imbalance. Women tend to deal with low levels of estrogen during menopause and this can lead to hot flashes and other related issues. This is a time of great changes and can be a stressful time. The introduction of aggressive hormone therapy or medical supplements can sometimes seem daunting and make the woman feel as though she is fighting an illness. Herbal remedies offer the option of treating it as a natural way to restore balance and psychologically it is a little easier to accept than actual drugs with chemical components. While in some senses, this is a purely emotional plus, it is not insignificant in the context of the stress the woman experiences during menopause.
Those who seek to explore the use of these herbs as extracts should consult with a trained herbalist and work with their own doctor to ascertain whether the treatment is a good fit for them. Just because these are botanicals does not mean that they come with no risk. Some of these herbs produce a high level of reaction and so women with family histories of breast or ovarian cancer need to be aware of the risks inherent with the use of herbal estrogen also.
So, enter the course of treatment, whatever it may be after educating yourself about your body and its needs. Do not take a less than serious approach about any form of treatment. Do not hesitate to ask all your questions and make sure they are addressed rather than dismissed. A woman has to feel like she has a clear understanding of the situation before she sets out to introduce any new chemicals in her body even if they are derived from nature.
Herbal estrogen can be a valuable and effective aid to those who need moderate amounts of estrogen increase. It is critical that women should work with trained professionals while making choices and not decide to be experimental about choosing an herbal remedy.