Sage tablets: the natural remedy for menopausal hot flushes and night sweats
Are you feeling the heat of menopause? You're not alone. Many women experience discomfort during this transitional phase of life. But don't worry, there's hope on the horizon, and it comes in the form of a humble herb: sage, also know as Salvia offinalis.
Understanding menopause and hot flushes
What are hot flushes?
Picture this: you're going about your day when suddenly, without warning, you feel an intense wave of heat wash over you. Your face flushes, your heart races, and you break out in a sweat. Sound familiar? That's a hot flush, one of the most common symptoms of menopause.
Why do hot flushes occur during menopause?
As you enter perimenopause, your body's oestrogen levels begin to fluctuate and eventually decline. This hormonal rollercoaster affects your body's internal thermostat, making it more sensitive to even slight temperature changes.
Impact on health
These symptoms can significantly impact your daily life. They might disrupt your sleep, affect your mood, and even interfere with your work and social life. It's not just about feeling hot; it's about how these symptoms can affect your quality of life.
The power of sage for menopausal hot flushes and night sweats
Traditional uses
Salvia officinalis has been a go-to remedy for women's health for centuries. Traditionally, it's been used to alleviate excessive sweating and manage menopausal symptoms. Many women have turned to this leaf in preparations like Natural Sage Leaf to find relief during this challenging time.
Scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness
Does this magical leaf really work? The good news is that science is backing up what tradition has long known. Recent studies have shown promising results for using sage for menopause relief. In one clinical trial, women taking a fresh sage preparation saw a significant decrease in the frequency and intensity of their hot flushes. The phytoestrogens found in sage may mimic oestrogen's effects in the body, helping to balance hormones naturally.
How sage works to reduce hot flushes
The leaf contains compounds that may mimic the effects of oestrogen in your body. These phytoestrogens can help balance your hormones and reduce the severity of menopausal symptoms. It also appears to have a calming effect on your nervous system, which may help regulate your body's temperature control.
Harrogate Organics Natural Sage Leaf
What are they?
Harrogate Organics Natural Sage Leaf is a natural remedy designed to help women manage their menopause, and it is a plus for great gut health! These tablets contain an extract of fresh sage, carefully formulated to provide relief from hot flushes, night sweats, and mood swings.
Key features of the natural sage tablets
These sage supplements are crafted with care, offering a twice-a-day dosage. Each pack contains 60 tablets, providing a month's supply. The tablets are made from natural sage, ensuring you're getting a potent product.
How do they differ from other herbal remedies
Unlike some remedies, Natural Sage Leaf focuses specifically on alleviating menopausal symptoms. They offer a targeted approach, utilising the power of sage without ingredients that might dilute its effectiveness.
How to take sage effectively
Dosage and timing
When it comes to taking sage tablets, it's important to follow the recommended dosage. For products like Natural Sage Leaf, the typical dosage is one tablet twice daily, with a total of 60 tablets available in one product, making it convenient for a monthly subscription with 15% off.
Duration of use for best results
While some women may notice improvements within 4 weeks, sometimes even a couple of days. It's generally recommended to use sage tablets consistently for at least eight weeks to experience the full benefits. A clinical trial involving 71 menopausal women showed significant reductions in the number of hot flushes over this period.
Safety and tolerability
Potential side effects
- Some women may experience mild digestive discomfort.
- Sage essential oil, which is different from the tablets, should not be ingested due to its high thujone content.
- May increase blood pressure.
Sage vs other menopause treatments
Comparison with Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
While HRT remains a common treatment for menopause, some women seek natural alternatives. Sage tablets offer a plant-based option for those who cannot or prefer not to use HRT. Unlike HRT, sage doesn't introduce external hormones but may help balance existing hormones naturally. It's important to note that sage tablets are not as potent as HRT and may take longer to show effects, sometimes up to 8 weeks.
Other herbal treatments for menopause support
- Red clover: Contains isoflavones that may help reduce hot flashes.
- Black cohosh: Traditionally used for various menopausal symptoms.
- Flaxseed: Rich in lignans, which may help balance hormones.
Each of these herbs works differently, and their effectiveness can vary among individuals. Sage remains a best-seller among herbal cures, likely due to its long history of traditional use and growing scientific support.
Lifestyle changes to complement treatment
- Regular exercise: Helps reduce hot flashes and improves sleep.
- Balanced diet: Supports overall health and may help manage symptoms.
- Stress management: Techniques like yoga or meditation can help reduce the frequency of hot flashes.
Embracing natural wellbeing during menopause
Sage tablets offer a promising natural option for women seeking relief. As a traditional herbal medicinal product, the leaf has been used for centuries to help reduce excessive sweating associated with menopause.
While more research is needed, first-time proof of sage's efficacy in clinical trials is encouraging. Each woman's experience of menopause is unique, and what works for one may not work for another so it's always best to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.
Whether you choose sage tablets, other herbal remedies, or conventional treatments, the goal is to find a solution that helps you feel your best during this transitional phase. By combining targeted treatments with positive lifestyle changes, you can embrace natural wellbeing and navigate menopause with confidence.
Sources
- Bommer, S., Klein, P., Suter, A. (2011) First time proof of sage’s tolerability and efficacy in menopausal women with hot flushes. Advances in Therapy. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12325-011-0027-z
- Dadfar, F., & Bamdad, K. (2019). The effect of Salvia officinalis extract on the menopausal symptoms in postmenopausal women: An RCT. International Journal of Reproductive Biomedicine. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6686654/#:~:text=In+this+study%2C+the+effect,panic%2C+fatigue%2C+and+concentration
- Whelan, C. (2019). Sage for menopause. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/sage-for-menopause
