Rowan Remedies

The menopause is a word we use quite liberally when in actual fact it means a precise time. It means the ceasing of your periods “meno” meaning monthly “pause” meaning stop. It can only truly be assessed after a year has gone by without menstruating. However, there are blood tests which are occasionally used to detect follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels. After the menopause (post menopause) these levels are consistently high. However, by then the woman usually knows she is post menopausal. Before the menopause the FSH levels continue to change on a daily basis and therefore the blood test is quite unreliable. It is therefore important for women to record their symptoms and frequency and quality of their periods, and trust your instincts!

Post menopause and Pre menopause are much better terms to use. This process can take years. During which many symptoms may be experienced. Each woman has a different experience and it usually depends upon the genes of that woman and the lifestyle they have lead. Those which are exhausted by life will have a much tougher pre-menopausal time, usually.

Our hormones change a lot during this time and give rise to many symptoms. Oestrogen levels get lower giving rise to higher risk levels of osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. Progesterone levels also drop which can cause mood changes and heavy periods. As oestrogen and progesterone drop FSH and lutenising hormone (LH) rise. Spikes in LH have been found to correspond with the frequency of hot flushes in some women (60-90mins). Testosterone levels also drop. The male hair patterns seen in some women are due to a heightened sensitivity rather than higher levels of the hormone. After the menopause (post menopause) we produce a version of oestrogen called oestrone from our fat, liver and kidneys. This is why it is important not to lose too much weight during this time.

There are many herbs and essential oils which can be used some of which are featured in my Cool and Calm range of remedies for women. The spritz contains:
- Cypress essential oil; good for hot flushes
- Clary-sage essential oil; hormone balancing and good for hot flushes
- Lemon essential oil; to refresh the face
- Geranium essential oil; to balance the hormones and the emotions
It is based in a Rose water solution which is cooling to the face. It was designed to be carried in the purse to relieve or prevent a hot flush when you feel one is coming on. It can also be used to calm the emotions when you feel flustered, this can in turn prevent hot flushes.
The Cool and Calm Tea contains:
- Lemon balm; to relax nervous tensions
- Sage; to cool the body by promoting a healthy sweat
- Peppermint; to cool the body
When making this tea even placing my hand near the herbs was cooling to touch thanks to the essential oils in the peppermint. This would be great throughout the day to prevent hot flushes as well as before bed to help with night sweats.

It is important to see consult a herbalist before taking herbs if you are on any drugs or have a history of illnesses.

References
Curtis, S. & Fraser, R. (2003) Natural Healing for Women: Caring for yourself with herbs, homeopathy and essential oils. 2nd Ed. London: Harper Collins Publishers.
Lewis, S. (2004) Food Solutions Menopause; REcipes and Advice to Relieve Symptoms. London: Octopus Publishing Group Ltd.
Myers, E. (2003) Great Healthy Food for the Menopause. London: Carroll & Brown Publishers Ltd.
Trickey, R. (2003) Women, hormones and the menstrual cycle. Australia: Allen and Unwin.