This oriental herb is a classic energy tonic, often taken in preference to Ginseng root. It improves physical endurance and helps the body to adapt to external influences such as heat and cold. More notably, the herb helps to enhance the body’s immune system and is valuable for resisting infections. As a regulator of fluids, it has thus been traditionally used for menopausal sweating (particularly at night) and hot flashes. It supports normal heart rate and reduces oxidative damage to the heart.

Vervain is an important herb used extensively throughout Europe and Asia. It is commonly used for menopausal complaints and its nerve-calming effects have been shown helpful for mental stress, fatigue, neuralgia, and depression. Vervain also enhances digestion, improving the uptake and absorption of foods, and stimulates the liver, which aids in the clearance of excess hormone levels.

Chaste tree berry is an important herb used by naturopathic professionals for regulating female hormones. Research indicates that these berries may stimulate progesterone production by the body. Traditionally, the herb has been used to treat the many symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, as well as irregular or absent periods since it assists in normalizing hormonal imbalances. Temporary water retention, breast swelling and tenderness, and irritability may all be improved by the use of this herb.

Sage has a long history of many uses as shown by its name “Salvia” taken from the Latin word salvare meaning 'to cure'. It has been traditionally associated with longevity and improved memory. Because it contains estrogen-like substances and has anti-hidrotic properties (stops sweating), it has been traditionally used during menopause to help the body deal with hormonal changes as well as hot flashes and excessive perspiration. It is also considered a tonic herb in both Western and Chinese herbal medicine enhancing digestion and calming the nerves. Further, it shows anti-inflammatory and pain-killing effects. Sage’s combination effects make it an ideal herb for assisting the body in adapting more comfortably to the overall changes involved in menopause.

Research has confirmed the validity of the traditional Native American knowledge of this herb. A number of well-controlled studies have determined black cohosh to be as effective as estrogen therapy in alleviating menopause symptoms, such as hot flashes, profuse sweating, sleep disturbances and depressive moods.

The herb reduces levels of pituitary luteinizing hormone, alleviating menstrual and menopausal discomfort.  Some research suggests that black cohosh may also have a weak estrogen-like effect in the body by binding to estrogen receptors.  Black cohosh contains naturally occurring compounds, called triterpene glycosides. These "phyto-estrogens" mimic estrogenic activity by binding to estrogen receptors. They possess a normalizing effect in that they behave as estrogen in cases of deficiency (menopause) or prevent the binding of estrogen to receptors in cases of excess estrogen (PMS), allowing for its excretion. Black cohosh also possesses a euphoric effect and many people indicate a feeling of well-being from taking this herb.  

Motherwort is considered to be an excellent heart tonic, used specifically for the reduction of heart palpitations, which often occur with menopause. It has shown sedative effects and an ability to reduce blood pressure in preclinical studies. Motherwort has also been traditionally used to alleviate painful, spasmodic or delayed menstrual periods. The addition of motherwort to this formula makes it more comprehensive, nurturing the whole woman.

Current research has focused on a special class of phyto-estrogens found in soybeans, called isoflavones.  Two isoflavones, genistein and daidzien, have been the focus of much research.  The intake of soy isoflavones suppresses mid-cycle surges of luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone. Normalization of these hormones is likely responsible for decreases in the frequency and severity of menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, profuse sweating, heart palpitations, headache, sleep disturbances, tiredness, irritability/nervousness, loss of libido and vaginal dryness, which have been shown to improve with intake of soy isoflavones. In Australian and Italian studies soy isoflavones were shown to reduce severe hot flashes and night sweats markedly in post menopausal women within a 6 to 12 week period. Clinical studies have also shown soy to support the heart by reducing disease risk factors such as atherosclerosis or scarring of the veins, and excessive cholesterol levels.

Optimal health is dependant on the digestion and absorption of nutrients from our food.  The bacterial flora dwelling in the intestinal tract, has been shown to be especially important for the digestion and absorption of phyto-estrogens. Wild yam has traditionally been used as an important digestive tonic in Asia and in North and South America. Wild yam has also been shown to support healthy adrenal function. After menopause, the adrenal gland takes over most of the production of precursor-estrogen and becomes the main hormone source for women. Wild yam is also a valuable anti-inflammatory agent, relieving spasmodic pain in the digestive tract, female reproductive tract and muscles. Traditionally it has been used for ovarian and uterine pain. Wild yam has also shown cardio-protective effects including increasing beneficial HDL, reducing triglycerides and reducing oxidation of blood fats.