Milk Thistle For Menopausal Sypmtoms

Milk Thistle has been used for centuries as a tonic and is a potent detoxifier and liver cleanser. It is an antioxidant that stimulates the liver and protects and repairs it.
The active ingredient Sylimarin is found in the seeds of milk thistle and is said to:

- repair liver damage
- lower cholesterol
- treat gallbladder disorders
- reduce insulin resistance in diabetic pateints  with cirrhosis of the liver
- improves liver function in hepatic patients
- reduces cancer cell growth in certain cancers
- treats diabetic nephropathy ( a type of kidney disease in diabetics)

It helps the body clear any toxins and the surges of hormones that often accompany the menopause and are hindering its functioning and in doing so, may alleviate hot flashes and other menopausal sypmtoms, such as  anxiety and feelings of depression.
More on Milk thistle here.

Low Libido?

natural menopause

Many women complain of waning or low libido at the start of the menopause.

Herbs can help rebalance your hormones.
Dong Quai, agnus castus, ginseng, ladies mantle, wild yam, black cohosh and motherwort have all been used to good effect.

Useful nutrients include vitamins C and E, B complex, magnesium and zinc, found in wholegrains, fruits, veg, nuts , seeds and pulses.

The essential fats are needed as precursors to hormones. They are found in oily fish, nuts, seeds and their cold pressed oils.
Particularly recommended are hulled hemp seeds, ground flax seeds, sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds.
Seeds are also a good source of the mineral zinc(as are oysters), levels of which are often rock bottom in menopausal ladies.

The liver generally needs help at this time of life, as it is responsible for processing old hormones. Milk thistle is one of the best herbs for helping the liver and can be taken daily for a few months.

natural menopause