More Alternatives to Treat Your Symptoms Naturally
If you think that natural remedies for hot flashes include only herbs, think again.
There are many natural treatments; but you are correct, herbal remedies are by far the most popular. 
But you may want to check out some of these other natural hot flash treatments such as:
- Hypnosis and guided imagery (a kind of self hypnosis)
- Vitamins and minerals for hot flashes
- Essential oils
- Royal jelly and bee pollen
Some women swear by these natural remedies for hot flashes. And you can also use them to support either herbal or hormone treatments.
Hypnotherapy and Self Hypnosis
Would you have thought that you can use your mind to stop hot flashes?Guided imagery, either done by a professional hypnotist or as self hypnosis, can help with your hot flash symptoms.
This was proven in several studies with breast cancer patients. Several of the drugs used for cancer treatment cause severe hot flashes. This raised the interest in finding alternatives to hormone treatments which can’t be used by women with breast cancer.
Both positive and negative thoughts effect the biochemistry of your body. So whenever possible, stop the negative thoughts and replace them with positive images. (You have probably experienced that stress can immediatly trigger a hot flash.)
Both hypnotherapy and acupuncture were studied and showed that they cansuccessfully reduce the intensity and frequency of hot flashes. Plus, just like acupuncture, other beneficial effects included an increase in general well-being, reduction in anxiety and better sleep. This makes these techniques great natural remedies for hot flashes.
But the treatment is certainly not just for cancer patients. Every woman who suffers from hot flashes can use it. It can even be done in conjunction with other natural remedies for hot flashes like herbal supplements.
How Does Hypnotherapy Work?
Researchers have long known that the mind can influence processes in the body.
Hypnosis for hot flashes uses a process calledguided imagery. In essence you are using the power of your imagination to visualize a state of well being.
The hypnotherapist guides you through a sequence of images where you feel your body being comfortable and cool, without hot flashes and in a state of balance and relaxation.
In time these pictures in your mind cause beneficial changes to the chemical processes in the body.
It is certainly helpful to have the help of a professional hypnotherapist for this treatment but you can also benefit from guided imagery through self hypnosis. This is done by listening to recordings of the suggestions and getting into a semi-hypnotic state.
Vitamins and Minerals for Hot Flashes
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is linked to a reduction in hot flashes (at least for some women). Vitamin E, which is actually a group of different anti-oxidants, is important for healthy cells.
It is this action on the cells that makes this vitamin one of the natural remedies for hot flashes. The recommended dose for women in menopause is 400 IU per day for hot flash reduction.
Vitamin E is actually one of the 13 vitamins that the body needs to retain its functions but the typical western diet often leads to an inadequate intake.
Yes, you can get the daily recommended dose of 15mg (or 22.5IU) through ahealthy diet but most adults don’t even get this small amount.
Vitamin E is one of the fat soluble vitamins, meaning it is stored in the cells and the body needs time to process it property. That is the reason that it isbetter to take multiple smaller doses of vitamin E 2-3 times a day rather than the full dose all at once.
The natural form that is mostly used by the body is d-alpha-tocopherol or RRR-alpha-tocopherol, one of vitamin E’s antioxidants.
Check the label of your vitamin E supplement to see if it contains d-alpha-tocopherol or the synthetic form of alpha-tocopherol. You need to know and understand the difference because of what is called the “bioavailability” of the chemical.
The more bioavailable a substance is, the easier it is for the body to absorb and use it. The synthetic form, which is often found in supplements, is not as bioavailable, meaning the body can’t use all of it.
This means that if you take a supplement with the natural form you can take smaller amounts.
| Per Linus Pauling Institute’s article on Vitamin E, you can calculate the difference as follows: RRR-alpha-tocopherol (natural or d-alpha-tocopherol): IU x 0.67 = mg RRR-alpha-tocopherol. Example: 100 IU = 67 mg all-rac-alpha-tocopherol (synthetic or dl-alpha-tocopherol): IU x 0.45 = mg RRR-alpha-tocopherol. Example: 100 IU = 45 mg |
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a very powerful antioxidant and cancer fighter. One study found a 50%- 90% reduction in hot flashes when women took vitamin C. (This study appears to have been funded by the company that produces Peredin-C).
Peredin-C contains ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) plus the bioflavonoids from citrus. (Bioflavonoids are in the white rind of citrus and are also found in other fruits.)
Adequate amounts of vitamin C are easily added to your diet. One cup strawberries or one large orange give you enough vitamin C to meet the daily requirements. Vitamin C is also in many vegetables ranging from bell peppers to broccoli.
As a treatment for hot flashes two attributes of vitamin C appear important:
- Improved blood flow through arteries – vasodilation
- Action on the neurotransmitter norepinephrine
Vasodilation means that the blood vessels have the ability to expand to allow a better blood flow. This is one of the mechanisms that help with hot flashes.
Norepinephrine influences the hypothalamus where hot flash reactions appear to be triggered.
The addition of the bioflavinoids helps with blood flow which is important for the relief of hot flashes.
There is a connection between vitamin C and vitamin E: If you are taking vitamin C, it helps the absorption of vitamin E.
Essential Oils as Natural Remedies for Hot Flashes
Aromatherapy for hot flashes uses either essential oils or aromatic waters (hydrosols).
Many plants have cooling effects, such as the mints or eucalyptus. Other plants help to fight the stress of menopause or help with nervousness and sweating. And they all smell wonderful!
It is a great idea to carry a small spray bottle with a refreshing body spritz in your purse when the hot flashes strike. Instant relief!
The article Aromatherapy for hot flashes gives you everything you need to use this great natural remedy.
Royal jelly and Bee Pollen
The use of royal jelly and bee pollen as natural remedies for hot flashes also came from a reader.
As I’m always on the lookout for new and better natural remedies for hot flashes, I started reading about these wonderful substances.
Although I can’t find any substantial information for the specific use as natural remedies for hot flashes, the substances in royal jelly or bee pollen are amazing.
Reading about the list of the active compounds, it appears as if it has all the substances that are mentioned as beneficial for women in menopause.
Not only does it contain a high concentration of vitamins and minerals, it is high in protein, has fatty acids and a lot of other very beneficial substances.
So the use of royal jelly and bee pollen does make sense as a hot flash remedy. Additionally, both royal jelly and bee pollen are well known energy boosters, a welcome effect for every woman in menopause.
Conclusion about Natural Remedies for Hot Flashes
You can see, there are many more natural remedies for hot flashes aside from herbs and soy.
The therapies in this article can all be used in addition to herbal remedies.
Do not add too much of an additional vitamin or the royal jelly / bee pollen supplements if you are already taking a multi vitamin.
Make sure that you calculate the total amount of vitamins you are getting to avoid side effects. Several vitamins accumulate in the body and need time to be processed by the body(i.e. vitamin E).
But the guided imagery and aromatherapy can all support your existing treatment and are great natural remedies for hot flashes.