Top 5 Natural Remedies for Hot Flashes

Modified on Oct 12, 2023 | Earth Clinic Team

Apple Cider Vinegar Remedy.

As the term suggests, hot flashes can be described as a sudden feeling of warmth. Generally, hot flashes occur most intensely concentrated on the face, neck, and chest. Miserable as they are, many women have found relief for hot flashes with remedies, including one free remedy! Apple Cider Vinegar is the best remedy for hot flashes, according to over 50 women. Other top remedies for these uncomfortable symptoms are vitamin E supplements, organic blackstrap molasses, and herbs like black cohosh and oat straw.

Symptoms of Hot Flashes

An individual experiencing a hot flash is likely to experience a reddening face and intense sweating. Hot flashes are typically considered a symptom of menopause; however, menopause is not the only cause of hot flashes.

The frequency and intensity of hot flashes vary by individual and even by day or week, yet most women who experience hot flashes have them reoccurring for at least a year. Additional symptoms of hot flashes include a spreading warmth or heat over the upper body and face, a flushed or blushing appearance, red or blotchy skin, rapid heartbeat, and sweat over the entire body. Hot flashes leave the affected individual feeling chilled as the hot moment wanes.

While the specific cause of hot flashes is unknown, the common signs and symptoms of the condition seem to be related to the effective functioning of the body's "temperature gauge" or the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus regulates the body's temperature and monitors several other basic metabolic processes. The reduction in estrogen many women experience as a result of menopause may disrupt hypothalamic function, triggering the onset of hot flashes.

While some women may never experience hot flashes, others suffer dozens of hot flashes each day. Hot flashes that occur throughout the night are particularly distressing. An effective hot flash treatment is essential to ensure comfort and health during a critical life transition. 

Natural Remedies for Hot Flashes

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple Cider Vinegar is Earth Clinic's most popular remedy for hot flashes. To read more about how to take apple cider vinegar for hot flashes, ACV side effects, and reader stories, please see this page. 

Blackstrap Molasses

Blackstrap molasses is a simple and inexpensive remedy for hot flashes.

1-2 Tablespoons a day is a typical dose. It can be mixed into coffee, added to oatmeal, or taken straight off the spoon! Women who have ceased menstruating should keep an eye on their iron levels if they take blackstrap molasses. It has a high iron content.

On the other hand, women who experience heavy bleeding during the time of menopause may find that taking blackstrap molasses helps with anemia and also reduces the amount of bleeding.

Exercise

Some women find that regular, moderate exercise helps to reduce hot flashes. Sweating that occurs during exercise helps to rid the body of toxins. Exercise increases lymph flow, which is helpful for overall health. Exercise is also beneficial to improve mood. This is most welcome by women suffering from hot flashes and other menopause symptoms.

Herbs

Women have used many herbs for ages to help with hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms. Herbs can be taken as tea, infusion, capsules, or tincture.

  • Maca Root
  • Black Cohosh
  • Dong Quai
  • Wild Yam
  • Fenugreek
  • Sage
  • Burdock Root
  • Motherwort
  • Chickweed

Peppermint is a cooling herb. A glass of peppermint tea over ice is comforting for overheating. You can keep peppermint essential oil in the purse, and a drop can be placed on the back of the neck to help cool you off should you experience a hot flash when you are out. You can also add one drop of peppermint essential oil to a glass of ice water in place of herbal peppermint tea.

Susun Weed, an herbalist famous for addressing women's health issues, recommends oat straw or red clover infusion for hot flashes in her book, "New Menopausal Years: The Wise Woman Way." She says this will help replace the vitamins and minerals lost during hot flashes. An infusion is like a strong tea.

How to Make an Herbal Infusion

  • Add one ounce of dry herbs (oat straw and red clover) to a quart canning jar.
  • Pour just under a quart of boiling water over the herbs.
  • Cover the jar.
  • Allow to rest for 4 hours.
  • Strain the plant material (great for your compost pile or your chickens!)
  • Sweeten with honey or stevia if desired. (No artificial sweeteners, please.)
  • Drink freely throughout the day, with ice if desired.
  • This infusion will keep for 12-24 hours.

Vitamin Supplements

  • Vitamin E
  • Evening Primrose Oil
  • B-Complex
  • Zinc
  • Iodine
  • Selenium
  • Boron

Dietary Changes

Some women find that avoiding sugar and processed foods significantly affects the hot flashes they experience. Oat (oat straw) is an herb indicated for menopause, making oatmeal an excellent addition to the diet. Oatmeal is a relaxing and nourishing food. 

Baths and Showers

Adding 1 cup of sea salt or Epsom salt to a bath will allow the body to absorb the minerals. Baths are relaxing for most people. But when you are taking a bath for hot flashes, be careful not to take a bath that is too warm, especially before bed.

When convenient, a cool shower will be helpful. Cold showers are a home remedy for a variety of conditions! Please see this page for more information.

Read on and learn specific details of the remedies used by our readers for hot flashes. Have you tried a natural treatment for hot flashes? Please be sure to share your experience with us!

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List of Remedies for Hot Flashes