Menopause Transition

Oenothera biennis,

Borago officinalis,

Ribes nigrum,

(Eleutherococcus senticosus & Panax spp.),

Turnera diffusa,

Smilax spp.

Collage by Nancy Goodman Lawrence

What are the signs of menopause?

What are the signs of menopause?

Mood swings

Erratic menstrual cycles

Decline of fertility

Changes in libido

Fibroids

Hot flashes

Depression

Skin and hair changes

Changes in vaginal mucosa

Urinary incontinence

Osteoporosis

Cardiovascular disease

Nervous system changes

Immune system changes

Oenothera biennis

Family: Onagraceae

Part used: Seed oil, (leaf, root)

Night Blooming & Moth Pollinated

Onagraceae family• Fuscia

• FireweedOther family members

Oenothera biennisConstituents:

Fixed oil containing GLA & Triacylglycerides

Oenothera biennis

Actions & Indications:Normalizes prostaglandin synthesis and fatty acid metabolism.

Therefore reduces generalized inflammation, balances hormones, and regulates blood sugar.

Dose: 1-3 gel caps TID Safety: Use with caution in epilepsy & pregnancy

Borago officinalis

Borago officinalis

Family: Boraginaceae

Part used: Seed oil, Leaf, Flower

Borago officinalisContains• Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (leaf)• Saponins• choline, mucilage, potassium

and calcium salts, tannins• GLA

Borago officinalis

Actions & Indications• Demulcent• Adrenal restorative/adaptogen• Galactagogue• Expectorant

Use especially in hypercholesterolemia, lung conditions, and chronic exhaustion

(Ribes nigrum)

Family: SaxifragaceaePart used: Seed oil

Whole fresh or dried berries are traditionally used in preserves, pastry fillings, cereals, and meat pies.

(Ribes nigrum)

Contains:• GLA• Anthocyanin

s• Vitamins C,

B1• Flavonoids• Minerals

(Ribes nigrum)Actions & Indications:• Hypotensive• Cardiac tonic• GI tonic• Inflammation modulating• AnalgesicUse as tonic restorative by adding to the

diet or including the oil as a supplement.Ribes nigrum

(Eleutherococcus senticosus& Panax spp.)

Eleutherococcus senticosus Panax quinquefolius

(Eleutherococcus senticosus& Panax spp.)

Family: Araliaceae

Part used: Root

Contains:• Triterpenoid saponins• Eleuthrosides• Ginsenosides• Coumarins• Lignans

Turnera diffusaFamily: Turneraceae

Part used: Leaf

Turnera diffusa

Contains:• Volatile oils • Hydroquinones – arbutin, damianin • Cyanogenic glycosides • Small amounts of beta-sitosterol• AlkaloidsDamiana is reputed to help with Fibromyalgia,

energy, emphysema, low estrogen, low libido, hot flashes, impotency, infertility, menopause, Parkinson's disease, PMS, prostatitis, ALS.

Turnera diffusa

Actions

• Diuretic & urinary antiseptic

• Aphrodesiac & pelvic tonic

• Nervine

Turnera diffusa

Dosing

Infusion: 1-2 tsp/cup, TID

Tincture: 1:5, 1-2 ml TID

Safety

No reports of toxicity

Smilax spp.

Family

• Smilacaceae

Part Used

• Root bark

Smilax spp.Contains:•Steroidal saponins •Phytosterols, incl. beta-sitosterol•Flavonoids•Safrole

Dosing:Tincture: 1:2-1:3, 3–5 ml TIDDecoction: 1T/cup, 1 cup TID

Toxicity:Theoretical liver and kidney damage; no reports of toxicity

Smilax spp.

Principal Actions• Hormone modulator• Inflammation modulating• Alterative• Absorption enhancer• EmulsifierIndications• Low libido • Synergize formulas• Improve liver function and hormone metabolism