The following herbs are the most valuable in managing menopausal problems along with their actions and uses.

Black cohosh ( cimicifuga racemosa)

Part Used: Dried roots and rhizomes

Actions and Uses: This is a good estrogenic herb that acts specifically on the uterus to reduce cramps and congestion. It is also good for relieving hot flashes. Black Cohosh contains two anti-rheumatic agents. It is an excellent herb for relieving muscular pain and cramping. It may also help to reduce cholesterol levels and blood pressure.

Dosage: Take 250 mg in tablet or capsule form, two to four times daily. Or take 1/2 teaspoon of tincture, twice daily.

Part Used: Dried fruit

Actions and Uses: This herb is a hormone balancer that is used to alleviate depression at menopause.

Dosage: Take 300-600 mg in tablet or capsule form daily. Or take 1/2 teaspoon of tincture, twice daily.

Part Used: Dried leaves

Actions and Uses: Damiana is a pituitary regulator and antidepressant. It is also an aphrodisiac and is of benefit for sexual difficulties. It should not be taken too frequently, however, or it may irritate the lining of the urinary tract.

Dosage: Take 100-150 mg in tablet or capsule form, for two or three days out of the week. Or take 1/2 teaspoon of tincture, twice daily, for two or three days out of the week.

Part Used: Leaves, roots, and tops

Actions and Uses: Dandelion is a wonderful herb for the liver. If your hormones are out of balance, then your liver is under extra stress, and dandelion root will be beneficial for this.

Dosage: Take 1,000-3,000 mg in tablet or capsule form, or 2-3 cups of tea, daily. Or take 1-2 teaspoons of dandelion tincture, three times daily.

Part Used: Roots

Actions and Uses: This herb is high in natural plant estrogens called phytosterols and helps to reduce the symptoms of estrogen deficiency.

Dosage: Take 500 mg in tablet or capsule form, twice daily. Or take 1/2 teaspoon of tincture, twice daily.

Part Used: Dried roots and rhizomes

Actions and Uses: This plant is an estrogen regulator. It has a direct action on the uterus and ovaries and is considered to be a corrective herb for women. It is a specific for the herbal treatment of ovarian cysts.

Dosage: Take 500 mg in tablet or capsule form, or 1 teaspoon of tincture, daily.

Part Used: Leaves

Actions and Uses: This herb improves brain function, circulation, and oxygenation of all body cells. It is helpful for symptoms of fatigue, memory problems, and depression.

Dosage: Take 1,000 mg in tablet or capsule form daily. Or take I teaspoon of tincture, twice daily.

Part Used: Roots

Actions and Uses: Ginseng strengthens the adrenal glands, enhances immune function, increases energy, and normalizes blood pressure. It is useful for symptoms of both mental and physical fatigue. Avoid it if you have very high blood pressure (over 180/100). Siberian ginseng is more effective than the American variety.

Dosage: Take 1,000-4,000 mg in tablet or capsule form daily. Ginseng is a safe energy-booster for most people.

Part Used: Dried roots and rhizomes

Actions and Uses: Licorice is a powerful adrenal stimulant and is a wonderful estrogenic herb. For this reason, it is a very useful herb during menopause. Care must be taken, however, not to take licorice too often, or it can deplete potassium and elevate blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure, use it with caution or avoid it entirely. On the other hand, if you suffer from low blood pressure, this herb will be useful in correcting the problem. Licorice makes a pleasant-tasting tea. It can also be added in small amounts to other herbal teas to improve their flavor.

Dosage: For hot flashes, drink 1-2 cups of licorice tea or taking 500-1,000 mg in tablet or capsule form daily. Or take 1/2-1 teaspoon of tincture, twice daily.

Part Used: Dried plant

Actions and Uses: Liferoot is a uterine tonic that contains plant estrogens. It helps to reestablish emotional and vascular stability and eliminate hot flashes. It may also help to treat irregular, painful, or excessive menstrual bleeding.

Dosage: Take 500 mg daily in tablet or capsule form. Or take 1/2 teaspoon of tincture, twice daily.

Part Used: Fresh or dried leaves and fruit

Actions and Uses: Raspberry is an astringent and nutritive estrogenic herb. It has a direct action on the muscles of the uterus, helps to tone weakened uterine muscles, and relaxes uterine and intestinal spasms. It also assists in correcting prolapse of the uterus and/or vagina.

Dosage: Take 2,000 mg in tablet or capsule form, or drink 2-3 glasses of rasp- berry tea daily. Or take '/,-I teaspoon of rasp- berry tincture, up to three times daily.

Part Used: Dried flower heads; fresh plant

Actions and Uses: Red clover contains a plant estrogen called coumestrol that stimulates the ovaries. It is a good 'alkalinizing' herb that restores healthy body functions. Red clover is a specific for the herbal treatment of ovarian cysts.

Dosage: To relieve hot flashes, take 1,000-2,000 mg of red clover in tablet or capsule form or drink 3-4 cups of red clover tea daily. Or take 1/2-11/2 teaspoons of red clover tincture, up to three times daily.

Part Used: Fresh or dried leaves

Actions and Uses: This herb has many medicinal properties and is very useful during menopause for the treatment of hot flashes. Sage reduces excessive sweating and it contains plant estrogens. You will find sage particularly helpful in eliminating night sweats.

Dosage: Drink 3-4 cups of sage tea daily to relieve hot flashes, or take 1/2-1 teaspoon of tincture, three times a day. Sprinkle finely chopped fresh sage in soups and on salads and vegetables.

Part Used: Fresh or dried flowering plant

Actions and Uses: This herb is a mild sedative that is specific for anxiety states. It may also be useful for combating depression.

Dosage: Take 500 mg in tablet or capsule form, or 1/4-1 teaspoon of tincture, two or three times daily.

Part Used: Dried roots and rhizomes

Actions and Uses: Sarsaparilla is another alterative herb that stimulates the production of testosterone and therefore improves a flagging libido. It also helps to increase energy.

Dosage: Take 1,000-2,000 mg in tablet or capsule form or drink 2-3 glasses of sarsaparilla tea daily. Or take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of tincture, up to three times daily.

Part Used: Dried fruit

Actions and Uses: This herb is an astringent diuretic that is beneficial for the treatment of urinary incontinence, fluid retention, and prolapse of the pelvic organs. Dryness and lack of tone in the tissues of the bladder often lead to irritation and weakness. This is reduced by saw palmetto. This herb can also be useful for combating chronic urinary tract infection.

Dosage: Take 1,000-2,000 mg in tablet or capsule form daily. Or take 1/2 teaspoon of tincture, twice daily.

Part Used: Dried flowering plant; fresh plant

Actions and Uses: Shepherd's purse is a pituitary regulator with androgenic properties. One of its primary attributes is its ability to normalize progesterone levels. It you are moving into menopause and have been experiencing excessive, irregular bleeding or spotting, this herb will help to regulate and increase the length of your menstrual cycles until the natural cessation of menses.

Dosage: Take 500 mg in tablet or capsule form daily, or take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of tincture, up to twice daily.

Part Used: Dried roots and rhizomes

Actions and Uses: This estrogenic herb stimulates and strengthens the female genital organs. It is a bitter herb that is also useful for indigestion and has a mild sedative action.

Dosage: Take 500-1,000 mg in tablet or capsule form daily. Or take 1/2 teaspoon of tincture, twice a day.

Part Used: Dried roots and rhizomes

Actions and Uses: Wild yam is a powerful estrogenic herb used by women around the world. It has a good anti- inflammatory action and gives relief from menopausal arthritis. It also has progestogenic properties, and may help to reduce heavy menstrual bleeding.