Common Herbal Remedies Used in Menopause

Written By
Mikay Parsons
Published
July 27, 2026

Although menopause is a normal part of a woman’s life, the symptoms caused by naturally declining hormones can be challenging. And, many women are eager to explore non-prescription options for relief. In this blog, we’ll look at a few popular herbal remedies for menopause and the science behind the claims.

Menopausal Symptoms

A woman in her 40s might begin to notice changes in her body, like irregular periods, that indicate she may be transitioning into menopause.1 Women in the menopause transition may experience a range of symptoms caused by declining estrogen. These may include hot flashes, weight gain, and mood or sleep issues. After 12 consecutive months with no period, a woman enters menopause. The average age for menopause is 51. 

Herbal supplements are often touted as an approachable, safe solution to various health concerns, including menopause symptoms, but whether they’re effective can be unclear. 

Black Cohosh

Black cohosh was traditionally used by Native Americans to give women relief from menstrual pain and menopausal complaints.2 Native to the eastern United States and Canada, it is also known as black snakeroot, rattleweed, or fairy candle.

Black cohosh has also long been used in Europe for menstrual discomfort and menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes.

Research suggests that black cohosh benefits include pain and anxiety reduction, but experts disagree about its efficacy as a hot flash remedy.3 Some studies indicate that black cohosh can negatively affect the liver, so it is recommended to use it with care.

Flaxseed and Flaxseed Oil

Flaxseed comes from the flax plant and was used medicinally by the early Egyptians.4 It is high in omega-3 fatty acid that supports a healthy body, particularly the heart and digestive systems. 

Research on flaxseed and flaxseed oil as menopause supplements is limited. 

One study suggests that flaxseed may work as well as hormone replacement therapy for common menopause symptoms. An alternate study, however, did not support this conclusion.

Red Clover

Red clover is a perennial plant native to parts of Europe and Asia and naturalized in North America.5 It is a powerful source of isoflavones, or plant chemicals that mimic estrogens. 

There is anecdotal evidence that red clover may remedy hot flashes during menopause. Some small studies have borne out that conclusion. Other more extensive studies, however, do not. 

Dong Quai

Dong Quai is an ancient Chinese medicine used to treat gynecological problems.6 Yet, in the modern western world, few studies have examined this claim's veracity. 

One study of postmenopausal women suffering significant hot flashes and night sweats showed no significant difference between the effects of taking Dong Quai and taking a placebo.  

Ginseng

Research shows that Ginseng may significantly reduce hot flashes and mood and sleep disturbances and increase quality of life.7 Other studies present no such evidence. There are several varieties of ginseng, each with intrinsic properties and effects on the body. 

It is clear the medicinal uses of ginseng are complex and need further study.

Takeaway

A lot of anecdotal evidence exists indicating herbal remedies for menopause can be effective. Mostly, however, large studies and consistent results are not available to support anecdotal claims.  

Just because a product is labelled as ‘natural’ does not mean that it is free of side effects or drug interactions. As such, it is always best to consult with a trusted healthcare professional about taking these products for menopause. 

Resources

  1. Mayo Clinic. (2021, August). “Perimenopause.” Retrieved on May 31, 2026 from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/perimenopause/symptoms-causes/syc-20354666

  2. Equelle. (2024, September). “Understanding Black Cohosh for Menopause: What Is It and How Does It Work?” Retrieved on May 31, 2026 from https://equelle.com/blogs/menopause-resources/understanding-black-cohosh-for-menopause-what-is-it-and-how-does-it-work?

  3. Cleveland Clinic. (2022, August). “What Black Cohosh Can (and Can’t) Do for Menopause Symptoms.” Health Essentials. Retrieved May 31, 2026 from https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-is-black-cohosh/

  4. Mount Sinai Health Library. (n.d.). “Flaxseed.” Retrieved May 31, 2026 from  https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/flaxseed

  5. Mount Sinai Health Library. (n.d.). “Red Clover.” Retrieved May 31, 2026 from https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/red-clover#

  6. Miller M.D., Karl E. (1998) Efficacy of Dong Quai for Symptoms of Menopause. American Family Physician 57(7): 1670-1671. Retrieved on May 31, 2026 fromhttps://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/1998/0401/p1670.html

  7. Lee HW, Ling A., and Myeong SL. (2022, August). Using Ginseng for Menopausal Women’s Health Care: A Systematic Review of Randomized Placebo-controlled Trials. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, Volume 48, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine. Retrieved May 31, 2026 from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1744388122000834

DRA: 1377072426

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