Inability to sleep or disturbed sleep is a common complaint. Habitual or severe insomnia may require pharmaceutical intervention. However, there is some evidence to indicate that herbal preparations may be useful in mild to moderate cases, both in the form of tablets made of concentrated extracts and as simple herbal teas.
Valeriana officinalis, or valerian root, is one of the most common herbs used for insomnia. (more…)
The acceptance of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) as a perimenopausal treatment has not been without controversy. Many women choose not to undertake HRT as a treatment of first choice, preferring instead to try what appear to them to be softer options offered by natural and complementary medicine. The treatment of the symptoms of menopause by herbal medicine has a long history of usage and is often clinically the only intervention required.
Naturopaths and herbalists do not prescribe ‘natural’ HRT, but rather use remedies and supplements that ease the transition to and through menopause. Herbs and supplements are used to effectively facilitate the transition from the reproductive to the post-reproductive phase of life. (more…)