Spirituality is all well and good, but as soon as physical symptoms come into play, “enlightenment” often seems just a tad less important. Here are four natural herbs that can help make day-to-day life during ­menopause a little more pleasant. It’s a good idea to consult your doctor on any questions you have about menopause and herbal preparations.
– Harald Gaier, British osteopath, homeopath and medical herbalist

 
 
This plant, black cohosh, is effective in treating menopausal symptoms. It can also lessen post-operative functional disorders after removal of the uterus or ovaries.
 
 

Garlic lowers not only blood pressure but blood glucose and cholesterol levels, as well as those of other blood lipids. The herb also prevents clot formation, has mild antibiotic and antifungal properties, strengthens the immune system and protects the liver.
 

 
During and after menopause, women often experience dry skin, eczema, hair loss, painful breasts and slower healing caused by lower estrogen levels. Evening primrose oil can ease these symptoms, making a new stage of life more manageable.

 
Hawthorn’s anti-arrhythmic properties help control cardiac arrhythmia. The plant is able to dilate coronary arteries (which provide blood to the heart), lowering the risk of heart attack and increasing blood flow to the heart. Hawthorn can also lower systolic blood pressure—the first, higher, of the two numbers in a blood pressure reading—which is of particular value for those over 50, who run the highest risk of elevated systolic pressure. This herb also corrects blood pressure that is too low.
Find out more at wddty.com and drgaier.com.