Why Ayurveda Recommends Herbal Remedies for Menopause
Date Posted:29 May 2011
Why Ayurveda Recommends Herbal Remedies for Menopause
For most women, menopause is uncomfortable; for some, it is extremely upsetting and unpleasant. Unfortunately, it is a natural transition and cannot be avoided. With the right herbal remedies for menopause, however, the transition can be managed to keep discomfort to a minimum. The menopause is the change from the Pitta phase of life to the Vata phase. If a woman has an imbalance in Pitta or Vata already, she is likely to suffer more during menopause. If there is a buildup of ama (digestive toxins) in the channels of the body, it is difficult for nutrition to reach the cells and the body will struggle to eliminate waste, adding to menopausal problems. If the mind, body, emotion or senses are overused, or used in the wrong way, menopause can be even more difficult to deal with. This often happens when a woman is under too much emotional pressure, suffering from stress or anxiety, or living life in a way that is taking its toll on her body.
Diet Tips for Menopause
For those women who suffer from hot flashes or heightened irritability, a Pitta-pacifying diet is recommended. Avoid spicy, salty, sour foods, and go for astringent, bitter, sweet foods. Prepare your meals with Pitta-reducing spices, such as cinnamon, coriander, cardamom, fennel and small amounts of cumin seed.
If, on the other hand, menopause is causing you to suffer from memory loss or vaginal dryness, your best option is to balance Vata through your diet. Eat warm, cooked foods that are sweet, sour and salty, and contain a small amount of good fats, such as ghee and olive oil. Sip warm water regularly during the day and eat large quantities of cooked, leafy greens to aid elimination and provide calcium. Never skip breakfast; start each day with cooked apples, prunes and figs to balance the doshas and aid digestion.
A strong, ama-free digestion is crucial to provide relief from the symptoms of the menopause. Eat light, fresh, organic foods as much as possible and stay away from processed, frozen or leftover foods. Keep heavy foods, such as cheese, meat and yoghurts to a minimum, especially at night.
According to Maharishi Ayurveda, many simple lifestyle changes and natural menopause remedies can help improve the menopause experience. The first key factor is sleep. For women entering menopause, as well as those already going through it, getting enough sleep is imperative. Both Vata and Pitta imbalances can lead to sleep problems, such as an inability to fall asleep at night, stay asleep for an adequate length of time, or wake up in the morning feeling refreshed. Try to get to bed before 10pm and get up before 6am. 10pm to 2am is known as the Pitta time of night; this is the time when the body needs rest to cleanse itself.
Another natural menopause remedy is an Ayurvedic oil massage, performed every morning. The Youthful Skin Oil is perfect for this; it is designed to improve circulation, soothe Vata dosha and boost the skin's moisture content.
Never miss meals, and try to eat three balanced meals at the same time every day. Digestion is at its strongest at noon, so this is the best time to eat the main meal of the day. Have a light meal for dinner, and try to eat no later than 7pm. Routine is important when it comes to sleep, too—try to go to bed and rise at the same time every day. Leading up to menopause, take care of yourself during menstruation. Avoid travelling and get plenty of rest. Gentle, daily exercise will help to keep all doshas balanced.
Maharishi Ayurveda's Graceful Transition range of herbal remedies for menopause has been specially formulated to prevent and treat common menopausal imbalances before, during and after the transition. Designed with Western women in mind, it helps to boost emotional, physical and mental health by ridding the body of ama and keeping a healthy balance between soma (lunar energy) and agni (solar energy). The Midlife for Women I and II formulas are also designed to maintain the balance that is crucial before, during and after menopause.