Top 9 Herbs for Perimenopause

Perimenopause has become a hot topic as GenXers take to social media and the internet to share their stories.

Although there are various approaches to address perimenopausal symptoms, like hot flashes, mood swings, and changes in body composition, herbs have been tried and true for centuries.

The key lies in learning how to use them to address and prevent symptoms as part of a holistic perimenopause lifestyle.

This article discusses the top nine herbs for perimenopause from an Ayurvedic and Western herbalism perspective.

How Can I Treat Perimenopause Naturally?

Perimenopause, the final years of a woman’s menstrual cycle when reproductive hormone levels fluctuate and diminish, culminating in menopause, is different for everyone.

Some people seem to sail through with very few symptoms, while others feel as if their lives have been turned upside down.

Common symptoms of perimenopause include:

• Hot flashes and changes in body temperature
• Night sweats
• Weight gain, especially around the middle
• Mood swings
• Heart palpitations
• Low libido
• Trouble sleeping
• Vaginal dryness
• Brain fog and cognitive issues
• Genitourinary symptoms
• Changes in the length and flow of the menstrual cycle
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Fatigue

This is not an exhaustive list of symptoms, but it gives a good idea of what to look for as you get into your 40s and 50s.

So, can you treat perimenopause symptoms naturally?

Yes. Many women and practitioners from various disciplines use herbs, diet, and lifestyle practices to help lessen or eliminate symptoms.

For many perimenopausal women, this is enough. 

Others may choose to talk to their doctors about the risks and benefits of utilizing bioidentical/body-identical HRT as part of an integrative perimenopause strategy.

Either way, herbs can play a pivotal role in creating an empowered and natural transition from perimenopause to menopause.

What is the Best Natural Supplement for Perimenopause?

With herbs (like everything), there is no one-size-fits-all.

For example, in Ayurveda, one perimenopausal woman may be given a series of herbs and lifestyle changes to help with hot flashes and mood swings. In contrast, another may be given an entirely different regime to help with sleep, bladder urgency and low libido.

So there is not one best natural supplement for perimenopause.

However, if we had to pick one best overall supplement for perimenopause (and any time in a woman’s life), it would be Organic India’s Essential Female.

This formula is an incredible ally because it addresses all the major perimenopausal concerns women may have, whether mind, body or spirit.

Essential Female contains:

• Shatavari: One of Ayurveda’s most well-known women’s health herbs that provides support during all phases of menstruation, from onset through perimenopause. It promotes normal libido, helps relieve vaginal dryness, supports healthy sleep cycles, musculoskeletal function, and energy. 
• Guduchi: Also known as the “nectar of the gods”, this ancient herb may benefit joint health, immune function, sugar metabolism, and cognitive function.
• Holy Basil (Tulsi): A powerful adaptogenic herb that promotes a feeling of calm alertness, reduces stress, supports immunity, supports adrenal function, and builds resilience.
• Lodhra: A female tonic shown to support normal estrogen, support the liver (which plays an essential role in hormone conjugation), and has been used to help with hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and mood balance.

In subsequent sections, we’ll discuss more about these herbs and others for perimenopause.

Top 9 Herbs for Perimenopause

Every culture in the world, from East to West, has its favorite herbs for perimenopause…and we wish we could share them all!

In the interest of time and space, we present these top nine herbs for perimenopause, featuring cherished Ayurvedic herbs and other herbs from around the world.

As always, check with your Ayurvedic practitioner, integrative doctor, or herbalist for individual recommendations.

1. Shatavari

As discussed previously, in Ayurveda, Shatavari is considered the most essential herb for women at all stages of life.

Considered an adaptogen (stress reliever), female rejuvenator, immune-regulator, and whole-body tonic, Shatavari offers various benefits for perimenopause, including:

• Temperature regulation
• Estrogen support
• Libido support
• Vaginal dryness
• Mood support
• Sleep support
• Musculoskeletal support

Learn all about the history and research behind Shatavari, in: Benefits of Shatavari for Female Wellness.

2. Maca

Also known as “Peruvian Ginseng”, Maca was once considered more valuable than gold in the ancient Andes.

Like Shatavari, Maca is an adaptogen and considered a reproductive tonic for men and women.

It’s been traditionally used for libido, hormonal support, energy, stamina, and as a nutritious functional food.

Although more research is needed, preliminary studies suggest maca may provide support for libido, normal blood pressure, energy, and mood during perimenopause and menopause.

4. Tulsi (aka: Holy Basil)

Discover more about the traditional uses and science behind Guduchi in: Ayurvedic Herbs: The Immortal Guduchi.

Known as “the queen of herbs” and “liquid yoga”, Tulsi is beloved for its stress-relieving, immune-supportive, energizing, and overall wellness benefits.

Its benefits for perimenopause are lesser-known. However, Tulsi’s stress-busting (adaptogenic), fatigue-fighting, sleep-promoting, and calming properties make it a popular Ayurvedic herb for perimenopause.

Tulsi tea can also be an excellent substitute for caffeinated beverages, giving you a natural energy boost.

Our Peaceful Sleep formula, which contains Tulsi, Ashwagandha, and Gotu Kola, is a popular herbal formula among perimenopausal and menopausal women.

Browse our blog for dozens of Tulsi drink inspirations, like this Soothing Blue Moon Milk with Tulsi and Shatavari.

Discover more about the queen of herbs in: 5 Surprising Tulsi Tea Benefits

3. Guduchi

Guduchi (also known as “nectar of the gods”) isn’t typically thought of for perimenopause, but this Ayurvedic herb can provide specific benefits for:

• Joint health
• Sugar metabolism
• Cognitive function
• Inflammatory response
• Immune function

You can find Guduchi in our Essential Female formula.

5. Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha has become a popular herb for various aspects of women’s health, including stress relief, sleep, and reproductive health benefits.

It can provide similar benefits during perimenopause, with research suggesting it can support mental/emotional well-being, urogenital symptoms, estrogen levels, and hot flashes.

Learn more about Ashwagandha in: Shatavari vs. Maca vs. Ashwagandha: A Comparative Guide.

And check out our Organic Ashwagandha Gummies for a tasty way to get your Ashwagandha anytime. Or our Ashwagandha capsules or Joy supplement for daily mood support.

7. Black Cohosh

Black Cohosh is one of the best-known herbs in Eastern and Western herbalism for perimenopause and menopausal symptoms.

Researchers believe its natural phytoestrogen compounds are responsible for its beneficial effects, including:

• Hot flashes
• Sleep issues
• Mood swings

Some studies suggest it may also help support healthy bone density.

6. Lodhra

As mentioned in the previous section, Lodhra is prized in Ayurveda for its purported benefits for supporting normal estrogen, progesterone, and FSH (follicle-stimulating) hormones while discouraging androgen hormones, which can disrupt female reproductive function.* 

Its estrogen-supportive properties are believed to be responsible for its benefits for healthy aging, natural beauty, vaginal dryness, mood, and hot flashes. You can enjoy its benefits in our all-star multiherbal women’s formula, Essential Female.

Learn more in: Top 9 Lodhra Benefits for Women

8. Evening Primrose Oil

Many perimenopausal women report positive effects from taking Evening Primrose oil.

As a rich source of the essential fatty acid gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), studies suggest Evening Primrose Oil may help with hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and other perimenopausal symptoms.

9. Chasteberry (aka: Vitex)

Vitex is used in various female herbal formulas for everything from PMS to menopause.

For perimenopause, this versatile plant has been shown to reduce vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes and night sweats), vaginal dryness, and promote emotional well-being.

Explore Organic India’s Herbs for Perimenopause

Despite the stigmas Western culture places on getting older, perimenopause can (and should) be a time of deepening empowerment, enlightenment, wisdom, and resilience.

Sure, there may be unwanted (and annoying) symptoms, but it’s all part of a process of positive transformation—and herbs can help make this a lot easier.

Organic India offers various traditional Ayurvedic herbs and female wellness formulas to support you in this time of transformation.

Some of our most popular perimenopause supplements include:

• Essential Female
• Shatavari
• Peaceful Sleep
• Tulsi Sleep Herbal Tea
• Organic Ashwagandha
• Organic Ashwagandha Gummies
• Tulsi Teas

What makes our products different?

For starters, our herbs are all grown on regenerative organic or certified regenerative organic small family farms in India, where farmers are paid a fair wage for their goods and services.

We purposefully partner with 2000 independent small family farmers (50% have been with us for over 15 years) to ensure the cleanest, highest-quality herbs from seed to shelf. And yes, we test for potency, identity, and purity.

We’re also the world’s first Fair Trade Certified supplement company, and a certified B-Corp.

Learn more about our company ethos here.