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ON THIS PAGE:

Guide to Candida/Thrush
Guide to Female Hormones
Guide to PMS
Guide to Natural Menopause: coming soon

Agnus Castus
Black Cohosh.
Dandelion and Burdock.
Echinacea.
Magnesium and Vitamin B6.
Milk Thistle
Omega Oils 3,6,7.
Pro-biotics and Pre-biotics
Sage.
Viridian Organic Herbal Female Complex.
Zinc

HOMEOPATHIC Remedies for Menopause

More information

Check these Natural Remedies:
Acne: Agnus Castus, Echinacea, Omega Oils; Zinc.
Menstrual problems, PMS: Omega 6 (EPO or Star Flower); Agnus Castus;
Magnesium with Vitamin B6, Dandelion, Milk Thistle; Pro/Pre-biotics; Viridian Herbal Female.
Menopause: Guidelines for Menopause; Agnus Castus; Black Cohosh; Omega 7; Sage; Viridian Herbal Female; Homeopathic Remedies
Thrush: Guide to Candida; Agnus Castus; Echinacea; Pro/Pre-biotics.

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Viridian Supplements available online here, with 10% discount. One of the best and purest, and made in the UK. For other supplements, see Links or visit your local independent health store - preferable to supermarkets or 'health' chain stores.

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Candida is a kind of fungus. It most commonly affects the female genitals (vulva or vagina) leading to irritation, itching and usually a characteristic white, lumpy discharge with no particular odour. It can affect the male genitalia also, or other parts such as mouth, skin or digestive tract. An internal (systemic) proliferation of candida can be hard to shift.

Candida is a fungus that usually lives on and around us, doing no harm. Only when things get out of balance, can candida also get out of balance, and proliferate. Candida may be encouraged by anti-biotic use, a low immune system, or a stomach upset. Some people seem more prone to it than others, and some women notice they are susceptible at certain points in their hormone cycle.

Candida can be extremely resistant to treatment. If you are using products to kill the Candida yeast, it is important to rotate different products to overcome this resistance. It is also essential to treat your whole health and boost your immunity. Use general health measures, such as constitutional homeopathic treatment or acupuncture, and immune-boosting products (unless you have an auto-immune illness).

I cannot give a comprehensive guide to the many products on the market. I will detail a few. Please beware of extreme claims and exhorbitant prices on some websites.

I really recommend seeing a natural practitioner of some kind for systemic candida. It is so helpful to have personal support, and close monitoring of any changes in your symptoms, as well as guidance on rotating the use of different herbs or supplements.

I can give some more detailed help, including dietary changes, in a Natural Health Answers REPORT. I can also offer homeopathic treatment, both at my clinic and by email. Homeopathic treatment is also suitable for babies with thrush in the mouth.

Please see
How Does Homeopathy Work?
Homeopathic Consultations
Online Homeopathic Treatment.


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Natural remedies can act on hormones, including on menopausal symptoms, in several different ways.

Female hormones include oestrogen, progesterone, prolactin, luteinising hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, and others. Women also have some so-called male hormones such as androgens. Women also have many other hormones not directly connected with gender or the reproductive system, such as adrenalin or thyroid hormones.

Hormones are linked in complicated ways.

Many are linked into loops with each other, so that one hormone may stimulate, or inhibit, another hormone.

Non-reproductive hormones may also be connected with reproductive hormones: for example, prolonged stress can influence reproductive hormones (PMS, disturbed periods, flushes).

A hormone is like a chemical messenger, going from one part of the body to another part. It is like a key looking for a lock. The locks are known as receptors. Oestrogen works when it finds oestrogen receptors.

Some natural remedies can attach to the body’s oestrogen receptor sites. In theory this means that if oestrogen is too low, the herb ‘fits into’ receptor sites and increases apparent oestrogen levels. If oestrogen is too high (relative to other hormones), filling these sites will lower apparent levels of oestrogen, because the action of the natural remedy is more gentle that the action of the hormone.

Some natural remedies work by influencing the pituitary gland. This gland in the base of the brain is the controller of all our hormones, sending out messages to stimulate, or inhibit, them.

Other natural remedies simply work on the symptoms of menopause, such as sweating, joint pain, or anxiety and moods.

Natural remedies can also help with some of the causes of hormone imbalance, for example, stress or depression. Working on the cause may give better long-term results than treating the symptoms.

Single natural remedies, whether herbal or homeopathic, will give a clearer result. It is necessary to wait at least one month and preferably two months, before assessing the results. Your hormones take a while to adjust, and many other factors are involved.

Combinations. There are now an enormous number of ‘natural’ products available for famale problems such as pre-menstrual tension, hot flushes, low energy, depression, joint aches or digestive difficulties. Many of these are combinations of 5, 10 or more things, in quite small amounts, because large amounts would not fit in the capsule! Most of these are not effective, and the effects are at best confusing. I recommend one I know to be a pure high-potency supplement.

Safety information about some natural remedies is given on these pages. For more personal information, please use the Natural Health Answers REPORT.


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Every woman is different. In some, PMS is mainly emotional, with weepiness, panic attacks, irritability or rages. In others, the main symptoms ar physical, such as abdominal bloating or breast pain and swelling.

Ideally, an individual consultation will point you in the right direction. But try some of these ideas in the meantime.

Pre-menstrual problems have been shown, in various studies, to be worsened by the following:
Alcohol
Tea, coffee, other caffeine-containing things.
Diets high in meat or fat, especially smoked meat which increases fluid retention.

PMS may be improved by:
Reducing fat, meat and stimulants.
Reducing sugar and fizzy drinks.
Increased mild exercise eg. jogging, brisk walking, swimming, yoga. Especially before the period, if it does not worsen breast tenderness!
Sexual activity/orgasm especially before or during the period.

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Agnus Castus
Black Cohosh.
Echinacea.
Dandelion and Burdock
Milk thistle
Magnesium and Vitamin B6.
Sage.
Pro/Pre-biotics
Omega Oils
Viridian Organic Female Complex.
Zinc



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This is one of the most widely useful herbs for so many female problems. Read on!

Agnus Castus (chaste tree) has a rather different action from other herbs commonly used for female hormones. Most act on oestrogen: this acts on progesterone.

Agnus Castus influences the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus, the major controls on all hormones. It increases progesterone production and acts to improve the ratio of oestrogen to progesterone.

Agnus Castus also reduces another hormone called prolactin. During breastfeeding, prolactin enclurages milk production. Studies have shown Agnus Castus increasing milk production by up to three times that of control group, after 20 days of use.

At other times, excess prolactin may increase PMS, benign breast cysts, painful breasts, and even benign enlargement of the prostate in men. Studies in PMS sufferers using Agnus Castus have shown up to ninety percent having improvement of symptoms.
Other studies have shown this herb to useful with menstrual problems such as heavy periods, lack of periods, or irregular cycles.

Agnus Castus is sometimes used by herbalists to treat fibroids, ovarian cysts or endometriosis, and it may be used in fertility treatment as it stimulates progesterone levels, often low in infertility.

Because Agnus Castus inhibits the ‘male’ androgens, it may benefit acne sufferers with an androgen excess.

Last but not least, this herb also has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, and may help combat candida by improving the balance of bacteria in the bowel.
Warnings:
Agnus Castus appears safe for long term use at normal doses.
Avoid with any progesterone drug, contraceptive pill or HRT.
Agnus Castus may aggravate spasmodic dysmenorrhoea (menstrual cramps) if not associated with PMS.
Caution with dopamine antagonist drugs.

Recommended:
I recommend and supply Viridian pure Agnus Castus vegecaps.


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Black Cohosh is the first herb most women try for menopausal symptoms, and many are happy with it.

Black Cohosh originates in North America, where native people have long used it for menstrual or hormone problems, and arthritis. It is widely used in Europe especially Germany, and becoming more popular here. Research evidence is contradictory: some studies suggesting that 70% of women find relief from menopausal problems with Black Cohosh, while others suggest it is no help. This may be due to the research design.

Some clinical studies demonstrate that Black Cohosh can lower levels of Luteinising Hormone. This is one of the hormones that stimulates the ovaries to produce oestrogen. Black Cohosh contains isoflavones that bind to oestrogen receptor sites, and other chemicals acting on the pituitary and hypothalamus. Black Cohosh has a complicated action on several female hormones, and research has not yet clarified its exact mode of action.

Black Cohosh has also traditionally been used for painful or irregular periods, arthritic symptoms, and osteoporosis; these results have not yet been confirmed by research.

Warnings:
I do not advise using this herb if you are taking any conventional treatment for hormones, including the contraceptive pill, HRT, or tamoxifen. Current evidence does not suggest that the use of Black Cohosh and tamoxifen together is contraindicated, but professional guidance by a physician is recommended.
Some research indicates that Black Cohosh may be useful for hot flushes following breast cancer treatment: please consult a qualified herbalist.
Avoid if pregnant or breastfeeding.
Avoid if you have measles.
Avoid with chemotherapy.
Avoid with liver disease.

Normal doses appear to be safe for long term use, although some sources recommend limiting use to 6 months. Large amounts (several grams) may lead to abdominal pain, nausea, headaches, dizziness, and miscarriage.

Recommended:
Widely available. Capsules or tinctures are purer.
I recommend and supply Viridian Black Cohosh capsules, pure and vegetarian.
If you prefer drops, look for Jan de Vries Black Cohosh tincture (marketed by Vogel).

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Dandelion (Taraxacum Officinale) and Burdock (Arctium Lappa) form a helpful duo of liver detoxifying herbs. They are both extremely safe, having few known drug interactions, and appear safe for long-term use.

Dandelion has a confirmed diuretic action, and is one of our safest herbal diuretics. Dandelion does not deplete the body’s potassium, so it does not have some of the potential side effects of other diuretic drugs.

Dandelion and Burdock both encourage our bodies to cleanse and eliminate unwanted toxins. They stimulate the liver and kidney to detoxify unwanted chemicals, including excess oestrogen. These herbs are sometimes used to aid symptoms of oestrogen excess, such as menopausal symptoms, PMS, or symptoms of uterine fibroids. If you have tried more specific ‘hormonal’ herbs without benefit, try this more general treatment instead. In this you may compare Dandelion and Burdock with Milk Thistle.

Both Dandelion and Burdock are tonics for the digestive system; their bitter ingredients stimulate the digestive juices. Dandelion contains unique sesquiterpene lactones. Burdock contains lignans and sesquiterpenes.

Burdock is also traditionally used for general skin disorders, and has anti-microbial properties. It has an anti-inflammatory effect that may be helpful in conditions involving joint and skin inflammation, for example, arthritis with psoriasis.

Because of their gentle diuretic, detoxifying and hormone balancing effects, Dandelion and Burdock are often included in weight-loss programmes. The increase in bile flow may help improve fat metabolism (including cholesterol).

Warnings:
Lithium: Toxicity to lithium may be worsened due to sodium depletion.
Diuretics and Hypoglycemics: Theoretically, dandelion or burdock may heighten the action of these drugs, please take medical advice.
The milky latex in the stem and leaves of fresh dandelion may cause an allergic rash.

Recommended:
I recommend and supply Viridian Dandelion and Burdock vege-caps.

Dandelion tea/coffee made from your own garden dandelions!
Collect from areas not contaminated by chemicals or by dogs toileting.

Dandelion leaves: the young leaf can be used to brew tea, or in salads. Older leaves are horribly bitter. Dandelion is a rich source of vitamins and minerals, with a high content of vitamin A as well as moderate amounts of vitamin D, vitamin C, various B vitamins, iron, silicon, magnesium, zinc, and manganese.

Dandelion root. Dig large dandelion roots, easiest in wet weather in Autumn. Clean thoroughly, and dice small. They can be dried in a very low oven and stored in airtight containers. For better flavour, roast carefully on a low heat in the oven or in a pan. Then infuse in boiling water for a tasty healthy drink.

You can also buy pure dandelion leaf or root from companies such as Cotswold Herbs, or Baldwins. See Links.

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Echinacea

Magnesium and Vitamin B6.

A wonderful anti-oxidant mineral, yet sadly somewhat lacking in our veg due to the farming practices of the last 50 years.

Essential for skin and immune health, zinc has been shown to be beneficial for acne in several well-conducted trials. One trial showed it to be as effective as anti-biotics for acne.

Always make sure that long-term zinc supplementation includes some copper, because extra zinc can deplete our copper. 15-30mg is adequate, and it takes around 3 months to show results for acne. Vitamin A is also good for skin health.

Putting Echinacea or tea tree oil on the spots also helps.

We absorb only around 20% of the Zinc from food, less if the food is processed! Our bodies do not store Zinc, so it is important to replace it on a regular basis. Zinc occurs naturally in many foods; if soil was good, rich sources of Zinc could include:
• Crab, shellfish, fish, poultry, red meat.
• Peas, black-eyed beans, peanuts.
• Dairy and eggs.
• Cereals especially oats and whole grains.
•
Warnings:
do not exceed the recommended daily dose for long periods. My own advice would be to take 30 mg for only 2-3 months then reduce to 15mg.

best absorbed when taken separately from high fibre food.

Recommended: I recommend and supply Viridian Zinc Complex 15mg pure vegecaps.
Contains Zinc, with added Copper and Vitamin A. Copper is included in Zinc supplements because Zinc alone may lower your Copper levels.
Vitamin A is added to the complex to enhance the effectiveness of the Zinc, thus supporting immune function, visual health, skin health, antioxidant and reproductive aspects.

Buy Viridian products here with 10% discount, see Ordering Supplements.

Zinc is widely available.

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Homeopathic Remedies for Menopause

All symptoms need not be present; choose the best fit.

You can buy homeopathic remedies in many health shops and pharmacies, usually in a 6C potency, occasionally in a 30C potency. Or order direct from a homeopathic pharmacy, see Links.

TAKE one remedy, one dose per day, for one or two weeks. If there is no improvement at all, try a different one. If there is some improvement, continue, and contact me. A different dosage could help more.

Read: How to Take Homeopathic Remedies.

Argentum Nitricum
Silver Nitrate, a mineral remedy.

Physical:
Flushes with drastic copious sweating.
Feels hot, dislikes warm rooms, gets hot in bed and throws the covers off – then feels chilly.
Sleepless and agitated.
Wants to eat sweets.

Emotional:
Nervous, anxious, agitated. Restless.
Fearful, sometimes phobias about going outside, heights, open places, crowds, people or strangers, new things. Feeling of losing control, afraid what she will do.

Belladonna
Nightshade, a plant remedy.

Physical:
Strong and sudden symptoms. Boiling sweats and flushes, pounding headaches, red face. Periods heavy, flooding. A hot head with cold hands or feet.
Stress incontinence – loses urine when walking or exercising.

Emotional:
Strong emotions, excitable, restless, reacts strongly. Powerful temper. May be twitchy.

Calcarea Carbonica
Oyster shell, a mineral/animal remedy.

Physical:
Periods often heavy or flooding, with PMS, sometimes breast tenderness before the period.
Hot flushes, sweaty, then chills off and feels clammy. Red face. Sweaty head and feet.
May be rheumatic or strain ankles easily.
Generally a chilly person, feels the cold, damp and drafts. Tired, may feel sluggish or overweight.

Emotional:
Anxious, not confident, dislikes being observed. Feels confused, cannot concentrate, and notices memory loss.

Cimicifuga
(Actaea Racemosa) A plant remedy.
See also Women’s Sexual Health for a picture of this remedy.

Physical:
Heavy flooding periods, painful and frequent.
Symptoms change all the time.
May be rheumatic or have joint pains, stiff neck, sore back. Pains move around.

Emotional:
Deep depression, worried she is going crazy or losing control.
Can be very sensitive or excitable.

Lachesis
Snake venom, an animal remedy.

Physical:
Hot person, worse for warm places, stimulants. Generally worse in the mornings or after a sleep, or wakes during sleep with symptoms like flushes.
Hates tight clothes especially round the neck.
Hot flushes, sometimes sweats. Heavy periods. Other menstrual or pre-menstrual symptoms may include headaches or emotional disturbance.

Emotional:
An energetic, sensual and emotional person. Feels better for ‘letting things out’ and other people may be hurt in the process. Talkative; a sharp tongue.
Mood changes, generally worse in the morning. Often likes the nighttime.

Natrum Muriaticum
Sea salt, a mineral remedy.

Physical:
Dryness, of skin, vagina, lips. Constipation; thrush; coldsores; cracked lips. Allergies, colds.
Often a history of period problems.
Hot flushes rise up the body. Sweats at night. May feel bloated and hold onto fluid.

Emotional:
Reserved and sensitive, often thinks of the past, may have suffered bereavements or other losses. Keeps things to herself, unless she drinks alcohol. Resentful.

Pulsatilla
Wind flower, a plant remedy.

Physical:
Symptoms often change from day to day.
A warm person, dislikes stuffy rooms, better in fresh air.
Sensitive digestion, worse for rich or fatty food. Does not drink enough water because no thirst.
Stress incontinence – loses urine when exercising, coughing, laughing.
Hot flushes, red face, night sweats.
Often a history of period problems.
Anecdotally, a dose of Pulsatilla 20C or 1M may help a breech baby to turn.

Emotional:
Mood changes, weepy, easily upset but easily reassured, likes company and comforting.

Sepia
Cuttlefish ink, an animal remedy.
See also Women’s Sexual Health for a picture of this remedy.

Physical:
Heavy, dragging feelings. Period problems, vaginal dryness, thrush, stress incontinence, constipation, backache.
Hot flushes, heavy sweats, feels exhausted.

Emotional:
Feels sluggish and irritable but better for doing something active.
Depressed, lost interest in family or partner. Weepy but does not look for comfort or consolation.
Snappy.

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More Information and Support.

This page lists some natural remedies - there are many others.

Would you like more information?

Natural Health Answers REPORT provides you with answers matched carefully to your situation, your medical conditions, and your prescription medicines.

Ask up to 6 questions on any health subject. You can then choose and buy safely.

For more details, see Natural Health Answers REPORT.

Also check out my Online Homeopathic Consultations.

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Check out the other Health Topics - and there will be more soon!

• All About Omega 3 Oils 
• Blood Pressure, Heart and Cholesterol.
• Children’s Illnesses including Warts, Verrucas, Bedwetting .
• NEW First Aid
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• Healthy Vision.
• Men’s Sexual Health.
• Men’s Health – Prostate Care.
• Natural Remedies to Reduce Cancer Risk.
• Sports Injuries.
• Stress and Depression.
• Weight Control and Fitness
• NEW Women's Health You are here!
• NEW Women's Sexual Health

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