[hotflashmomma]

I have "hot flashes" associated with menopause. I am looking for something like a suppliment to reduce or end the hot flashes.

[smkanand]

A ayurvedic herb, kind of asparagus, good for many problems related to women health, called shatavari, comes in granules or tablets. Can be taken as supplement in milk or with water. Called Asparagus racemosus, very good. Also known as women best friend. Ask your doctor, however its very safe.

[JudyKayTee]

"People use asparagus racemosus for upset stomach (dyspepsia), constipation, stomach spasms, and stomach ulcers. It is also used for fluid retention, pain, anxiety, cancer, diarrhea, bronchitis, tuberculosis, dementia, and diabetes. Some people use it to ease alcohol withdrawal. Women use asparagus racemosus for premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and uterine bleeding; and to start breast milk production. Asparagus racemosus is also used to increase sexual desire (as an aphrodisiac)." http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supple...US%20RACEMOSUS

Where are you reading that it helps with hot flashes?

[joypulv]

Avoid
Stress
Caffeine
Alcohol
Spicy foods
Tight clothing
Heat
Cigarette smoke
Positive things:
Keep your bedroom cool at night. Use fans during the day. Wear light layers of clothes with natural fibers such as cotton.
Deep, slow abdominal breathing (6-8 breaths per minute) for 15 minutes in the morning, 15 minutes in the evening and at the onset of hot flashes.
Exercise
Chill pillows

OTC treatments include vitamin B complex and E, and ibuprofin (according to webMD).

[smkanand]

"People use asparagus racemosus for upset stomach (dyspepsia), constipation, stomach spasms, and stomach ulcers. It is also used for fluid retention, pain, anxiety, cancer, diarrhea, bronchitis, tuberculosis, dementia, and diabetes. Some people use it to ease alcohol withdrawal. Women use asparagus racemosus for premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and uterine bleeding; and to start breast milk production. Asparagus racemosus is also used to increase sexual desire (as an aphrodisiac)." ASPARAGUS RACEMOSUS: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions and Warnings - WebMD

Where are you reading that it helps with hot flashes?

shatavari , Sarpagandha, Ashwagandha , Asparagus Racemosus , Bacopa Monniera , Basil Herb , Boswellia Serrata , Calamus , Cassia Angustifolia , Cassia Fistula , Cassia Tora , Centella Asiatica , Cinchona Officinalis , Datura Stramonium , Emblica Offi, besides that the my family using it for long time and we have it in our home.

[JudyKayTee]

Here is the US "we" get our medical information from Physicians and test laboratories, not from other sources. I note the site refers to treatment for "hysteria," a very old-fashioned, seldom used term.

Your family's use of this product and belief in it does not mean it is effective as a means of controlling hot flashes.

We take great pride in our answers on the medical boards.

This same "root" also increases the white blood cell count? Sorry, I've spent too much time around medical professionals. I don't believe it and find no credible research.

[JudyKayTee]

I note that "shatavari" is NOT recommended when the medical problem is related to estrogen: "As mentioned above, shatavari is one of the age-old remedies for various health problems, especially, those relating to women. While it is said to be effective in most of its users, there is no scientific backing to prove the efficacy of shatavari. Though, it is normally found to be safe in humans, there are possibilities of shatavari side effects.
Though adverse effects of shatavari are rare, allergic reactions are the most common one among the reported cases. Such reactions are generally seen in people, who are allergic to asparagus.
Use of this herb during pregnancy and breastfeeding is still a disputed subject. So it is not recommended for such women. If you are taking diuretics or lithium medication, then, avoid shatavari.
Even people with kidney disorders and edema must avoid use of this herb. Those with heart diseases and lung congestion should not use shatavari.
Some may experience anxiety, dizziness and fatigue, as they use shatavari. Even stomach ache and flatulence have been reported as side effects of this herb.
Regular use of this herb may cause weight gain in some people. Breast tenderness and premenstrual stress are also among the possible side effects.
It has also been suggested that shatavari should be avoided by women having massive fibrocystic breasts and estrogen induced disorders.
As in case of any other herbal medicine, you should approach a qualified herbal practitioner for the right treatment with shatavari. Stick to the prescribed dosage and in case of accidental overdosing, seek medical attention. If you experience any discomfort, due to intake of shatavari, discontinue its use. It will be advisable to seek the opinion of your physician before starting this herbal treatment.
Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/shatavari-side-effects.html"

Further, there is no medical evidence that it is in any way helpful.

The side effects are dangerous. Why would anyone who has access to medically-trained professionals resort to this self treatment?

[J_9]

Black Cohash is effective for reducing menopausal symptoms but should not be used if you have ever had any kind of estrogen receptive cancers.