Hot Flashes
Natural Remedies

Hot Flashes - Editor's Choice

| Modified on Apr 06, 2025
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Apple Cider Vinegar Remedy.

Hot flashes and night sweats are among the most common and disruptive symptoms of perimenopause and menopause. Characterized by sudden sensations of intense heat, often followed by perspiration and chills, hot flashes can interfere with sleep, comfort, and overall quality of life. Fortunately, several natural remedies can help reduce the frequency and intensity of hot flashes without the side effects of hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

What Causes Hot Flashes?

Hot flashes are triggered by hormonal fluctuations, particularly declining estrogen levels, that affect the body's temperature regulation. Other contributing factors include stress, diet, inflammation, and lifestyle habits.

Top Natural Remedies for Hot Flashes

1. Black Cohosh

Dosage: 40–80 mg per day in capsule form

Black cohosh is one of the most studied herbal remedies for menopause. It may mimic the effects of estrogen in the body and reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes.

2. Sage Tea

Dosage: 1–3 cups daily

Sage contains compounds that regulate sweat production and calm the nervous system. It’s especially helpful for night sweats and can also improve memory and mood during menopause.

3. Vitamin E

Dosage: 400–800 IU daily

Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant and may help reduce hot flash intensity. Choose natural (d-alpha-tocopherol) over synthetic forms for better absorption.

4. Maca Root

Dosage: 500–1000 mg, 1–2 times per day

Maca is a hormone-balancing adaptogen that supports the endocrine system. Many women report fewer hot flashes, improved mood, and better energy with regular maca use.

5. Flaxseed

Dosage: 1–2 tablespoons ground daily

Flaxseed is rich in phytoestrogens, compounds that can mimic estrogen in the body. It may help balance hormones and reduce hot flashes naturally.

6. Evening Primrose Oil

Dosage: 500–1000 mg 1–2 times daily

This oil contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid that supports hormonal balance and can relieve breast tenderness and hot flashes.

7. Ashwagandha

Dosage: 300–600 mg twice daily

A calming adaptogen that helps the body manage stress, a known trigger for hot flashes. Ashwagandha also supports thyroid health and sleep quality.

8. Red Clover

Dosage: 40–80 mg standardized extract daily

This herb contains isoflavones, a type of plant-based estrogen. Red clover may reduce hot flashes and improve bone density in postmenopausal women.

9. Acupuncture

Regular acupuncture sessions have been shown in studies to reduce hot flash frequency and improve sleep and mood during menopause.

10. Magnesium

Dosage: 300–400 mg daily

Magnesium helps regulate body temperature, supports sleep, and improves mood, making it a helpful addition to any menopause support routine.

Foods to Support Hormonal Balance

  • Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, kale)
  • Fermented foods (sauerkraut, kefir, yogurt)
  • Omega-3s (chia seeds, walnuts, sardines)
  • Whole soy foods (tofu, tempeh, miso)
  • Leafy greens (spinach, Swiss chard)

What to Avoid

  • Caffeine – May increase hot flash frequency in some women
  • Alcohol – Can trigger or intensify hot flashes
  • Spicy foods – May contribute to temperature spikes
  • High-sugar diets – Lead to blood sugar fluctuations and worsen symptoms

Lifestyle Tips for Managing Hot Flashes

  • Dress in layers to adjust easily when a hot flash strikes
  • Use a fan or keep your bedroom cool to minimize night sweats
  • Practice stress-reducing techniques like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing
  • Exercise regularly to improve circulation, sleep, and mood

Conclusion

Managing hot flashes naturally is possible through a combination of herbal remedies, dietary adjustments, and lifestyle changes. While results may vary, many women find significant relief by incorporating these natural menopause remedies into their daily routine.

Have you tried a natural remedy for hot flashes that helped? Let us know here and read below to see which natural remedies have helped others on Earth Clinic!

Related Links:

Natural Remedies That Alleviate Menopause Symptoms
Perimenopause Remedies


The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.

Glycine

Posted by Alina (Tel Aviv) on 04/27/2021
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

This might just be me, but taking glycine made a huge, immediate difference for me.

I've had hot flashes for about 8 years. At first, ACV helped. Then it didn't. For the last years the hot flashes were severe, accompanied by a feeling of malaise.

I tested the levels of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids and saw I was low on glycine (an amino acid). From the first day I started supplementing with glycine in powder form, all the horrible feeling of malaise disappeared.

For now, I still have hot flashes, but they are weak - no comparison.

I've played with the dose. I've taken from 2000 - 5000 mg. I don't really see a difference with more or less.

I hope that helps somebody.


Garlic

Posted by Gina (Toronto) on 09/23/2020
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

I have stumbled upon a home remedy for night sweats, which I have had for the past year or more. It is fresh garlic. I changed my diet at the beginning of September to lose Covid weight and started eating a lot more veggies and salads. The one thing I have A LOT of every day, is fresh chopped garlic, about two cloves each time, which I grill first before adding the other vegetables.

About a day or two into eating garlic, my night sweats TOTALLY ceased. My body temperature regulates perfectly now. I am stunned because I tried all sorts of remedies and supplements and nothing helped.

Please try this if you wake up at night pouring with sweat, only to freeze a few minutes later after tossing aside the blankets. I would love to know if it helps others too.


Beets and Olive Oil

Posted by Clatterbuck (Beltsville, Md) on 05/24/2018
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

I seem to have cure my hot flashes and night sweats quite accidentally. I had to start taking antihistamines for something else and I noticed that I was not having hot flashes anymore. I stopped taking the antihistamines and the hot flashes started up again. I was curious so I googled hotflashes and antihistamines and sure enough Zyrtec has done a study showing that women reported fewer hot flashes when they took antihistamines. Well I didn't want to take antihistamines for a long period of time so I did some more googling and I found several website that say hot flashes are caused by too much histamine in your body. Apparently your body creates a chemical called DAO which manages histamine production but DAO production goes down when your estrogen starts to fluctuate.

The sites said that you can increase DAO production with consuming beets, olive oil, pea shoots, and increasing your vitamin C intake. I now eat a beet every day and cook with olive oil. I also moisturize my hands and feet with olive oil. I also have to avoid my histamine triggers which are alcohol, chocolate and picked or fermented foods. I feel cool and comfortable now. I hope this helps someone else.



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