As the weather warms up so do hot flushes and night sweats.
Editor Jane Garton shares some top herbs and top tips to help cool you down.
Hot weather can exacerbate menopausal symptoms such as night sweats and hot flushes, which are thought to affect around seven out of 10 women to some extent. If you don’t want to take HRT there are two herbs in particular that can help to cool things down.
Studies show that this traditional Native American herb can help reduce typical menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats and disturbed sleep in around six to eight weeks. It works well with relaxing herbs such as St John’s wort and valerian.
Well known as a culinary herb, this lovely garden favourite can help reduce hot flushes. If you would rather not take a supplement all you have to do is pour boiling water over two to four tablespoons of fresh, chopped sage leaves and drink as a tea.
COOL-DOWN TIPS
- Keep your house and bedroom cool. If the weather gets really hot use a fan.
- Steer clear of alcohol, spicy foods, hot drinks and soups, all of which can trigger flushes and sweats.
- In bed, go for light layers of bed clothes or a lightweight duvet
- Choose cotton or linen bedclothes and nightwear. Synthetic fibres can aggravate hot flushes and sweats.
