Night sweats can be very difficult to deal with. Even in the middle of winter with all the windows cracked open, you may find yourself sweating so much that your pajamas become soaked. The sensation is common among women going through menopause. Keep reading to learn more about the top home remedies for night sweats.
Use Motherwort
Used in folk medicine in Europe, and herbal medicine in China, motherwort is valued for its ability to treat anxiety-related issues. Because night sweats can be made worse when accompanied by stress and irritability this special plant is useful because it regulates the menses and can promote tranquility.
Try Avoiding Caffeine and Spicy Food
It may seem an impossible feat, but avoiding caffeine and chocolate can significantly decrease your chances of experiencing night sweats. Scientific studies have shown that the frequency of night sweats are increased by caffeine consumption.
Indian food, Thai food, jalapenos, and that bit of hot red pepper on your lasagna can be triggers for night sweats. Although okay in small amounts, it's generally a good rule to avoid spicy foods when going through menopause. Opt for dishes without excessive heat and avoid the red pepper when cooking.
Increase Soy Intake
Soy supplementation or intake has been found to be a fantastic solution when dealing with night sweats. A recent study has shown that two servings (50 mg) a day can reduce the chance of night sweats by 26%. You can consume soy in capsule form, as soy milk, or straight out the pod, known as edamame.
Consume Black Cohosh
Black cohosh is a plant that may well worth looking into although the exact reasons remain unknown. There are ongoing studies being performed to determine just what it is about black cohosh that does the trick, but researchers suspect that it binds to estrogen receptors. There is also a theory that it stimulates serotonin receptors, which can increase joy.
Try Dong Quai Supplements
This obscure-sounding root may very well become your best friend. Dong quai is a traditional Chinese medicine that is celebrated for its ability to regulate estrogen levels, thereby curbing night sweats. It can be found in tablets and powdered form.
No one wants to spend the night awake in a pool of sweat, but night sweats can mean this is a reality for many women. This can cause extreme discomfort, especially when no one around you can understand what you are going through. Luckily, there are many home remedies that can relieve this steamy symptom of menopause.
Sources
- Boston Women's Health Collective. "Hot Flashes, Night Sweats and Sleep Disturbances". Our Bodies, Ourselves, 2006.
- Ehrlich, S.D. (2012). Dong Quai. University of Maryland Medical Center. Retrieved January 10, 2014, from http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/dong-quai
- National Health Service UK. (2012). Night sweats. Retrieved January 10, 2014, from http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/night-sweats/Pages/Introduction.aspx
- National Institute of Health.(n.d) "Signs of the Menopausal Transition". Retrieved from www.nih.gov
- Office of Dietary Supplements. (n.d.). Black Cohosh. Retrieved January 10, 2014, from http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/BlackCohosh-HealthProfessional/
- Von Muhlen, DG, et al. "A community-based study of menopause symptoms and estrogen replacement in older women". Maturitas. Sept 1995; 22(2):71-8.