Black Cohosh

• Black cohosh was first used by the Native Americans to treat a wide range of conditions, including gynecological symptoms. In modern herbal medicine its use has mostly been studied in regard to providing relief for menopausal symptoms, especially hot flashes.
  
  Numerous studies have been conducted on black cohosh's ability to provide relief to menopausal woman. Most of these studies have found the herb to provide relief either equal to or better than current common pharmaceutical drugs for the same conditions.
  
  

Dong Quai

• Dong quai has been used in Chinese medicine for centuries for its balancing affect on female hormones. Unlike many herbs commonly used for menopause, which work by mimicking the action of natural hormones, dong quai does not have hormone-like actions.
  
  The exact biological pathways through which dong quai functions are still poorly understood by scientists. According to Chinese medicine, dong quai is able to return the body to natural order by nourishing the blood and removing liver stasis.
  
  

Chaste Tree Berry

• Chaste tree berry, also known as vitex, is thought to have first been used by Middle Eastern monks as a way to lessen their sex drive. Chaste tree works by mimicking the hormone progesterone. Similar to progesterone, it helps to regulate the release of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH).
  
  Chaste tree berries are used to treat a wide variety of gynecological problems from menstrual irregularities to infertility. It is recommended for menopausal woman to treat bleeding irregularities. It is a slow acting herb and often needs to be used for six months to a year before having any effect.
  
  

Wild Yam

• Just as chaste tree berry mimics the action of progesterone, research has shown that wild yam seems to mimic the action of another natural hormone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). DHEA is the precursor for all human sex hormones.
  
  Wild yam is used to alleviate all of the symptoms associated with menopause. Research has also shown it to have slight anti-inflammatory properties.
  
  

Red Clover

• Red clover contains isoflavones that exhibit an estrogen-like effect. Proponents report that red clover extract significantly reduces hot flashes in menopausal women. Research studies have been inconclusive.
  
  Doctors warn that woman suffering from or with a family history of breast, uterine or other hormonal cancers should be cautious when using red clover because of its estrogen-like properties.