October, 2006

Ladies:

Hormonal disturbances are some of the most annoying and difficult problems we have to manage. There are a myriad of remedies out there. Which one will work for you? Unknown. That’s the annoying part.

There are some herbs that are known to relieve various symptoms associated with hormonal disturbance. Which ones for PMS, which for menopause? Do any cross over and treat both? Here’s the answer:

Menopause                                                      PMS

phytoestrogens (estrogen from plants) are helpful in menopause and PMS. sources:

1. black beans                                                  black beans

2. mung beans                                                  mung beans

3. soy beans                                                     soy beans

Herbs that treat symptoms of both conditions:

Chasteberry                                                      Chasteberry

Chinese angelica                                              Chinese angelica

Herbs specific to condition:

Black Cohosh                                                   Evening primrose

Licorice (small doses, be careful)           Stinging nettle

Alfalfa                                                                 Burdock

Red Clover                                                       Raspberry

Strawberry                                                       Skullcap

These herbs can be purchased in 1 oz. increments for approximately $l-3.00 in bulk at the Dry Creek Herb Farm. These can be used in teas and tinctures, and it’s an inexpensive way to test a variety of remedies.

It’s hard to find the right thing. No one has the magic bullet.

But you can mix and match these and see for yourself if you can find Your Combination.

Yours in health and sanity,

Dr. MacDonald