IMPROVE ME – MENOPAUSE TINCTURE

“Natural Hormonal Support”

Angelica sinensis (Dong quai), Trifolium pratense (Red clover), Foeniculum vulgare (Fennel seed), Paeonia lactiflora (Red peony), Dioscorea villosa (Wild yam).

The menopause is a natural ageing process occurring in the ovaries. It marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years. The whole process can be divided into different phases beginning with the perimenopausal period when hormone levels begin to fluctuate, leading eventually to the postmenopausal period when the periods have ceased and the female hormones such as oestrogen have decreased significantly from the levels they were during a woman’s reproductive years. The whole process can begin around age 45 and continue for 10 years or more. During the process many symptoms and the effects of a reduced oestrogen level can be experienced. The symptoms experienced include breast tenderness, changs in menstrual flow, alterations in mood, exacerbation of other symptoms such as headaches and migraines, hot flushes/night sweats, chills, vaginal dryness and infections, urinary tract infections, reduced libido, poor concentration, memory loss, brain fog, depression or anxiety, fatigue, insomnia, joint pain and osteoporosis.Apart from the anti-parasite effect of these herbs they are all very useful in the maintenance of gut health. The “bitter” wormwoods for example are a natural “tune-up” for the gut, increasing digestive enzyme production and movement of the gut and stimulating the liver and other digestive organs to optimise digestion. Oregon grape is another great liver herb and has an anti-inflammtory effect on the gut lining. Clove is an excellent carminative, relieving gut spasms, wind and colic whilst Quassia is a great appetite stimulant and an aid to bowel regularity.

Fortunately, nature has provided many herbs containing constituents that interact with oestrogen and hormone receptors and help to support a woman’s body during the menopausal years. The herbal constituents in question are often called phyto-oestrogens. The best known and most publicised of the phyto-oestrogens are the isoflavones found in soya products. Red clover also contains isoflavone phyto-oestrogens. However, Wild yam (Dioscorea) contains phyto-oestrogens that belong to the steroidal saponin class of chemicals. Fennel contains the phenylpropanoid phyto-oestrogen anethole whilst Chinese angelica contains the dihydrophthalide group of phyto-oestrogens. As the names of these different groups of phyto-oestrogen suggests, they have different structures, but all interact with the human oestrogen receptor. Interestingly, women differ in their sensitivity to the different groups. For example, you may find Chinese angelica works best for you, whilst your sister may find red clover better, due to our in-built, naturally varying individual sensitivities to each group. In order to maximise the effect we have therefore deliberately mixed together these herbs specifically to provide a broad array of the different classes of phyto-oestrogens.

Interestingly, the Peony in the formula acts without interacting with hormone receptors. Instead, it works on the temperature control mechanisms of the body to combat hot flushes. The formula therefore attacks menopausal symptoms from two angles.

To take the mixture, simply add 20 drops to a little cold water and take on an empty stomach, three times a day. One bottle contains a one month supply and can be taken for years if required.

If you are taking HRT or are using any other oestrogenic or progestogenic medication this formula will not be suitable for you.
If you are taking anti-oestrogen medication such as Tamoxifen, Letrozole, Anastrazole etc then do not take this formula.
Do not use this formula if you have or being treated for hormone dependant cancers such as breast, ovarian, or womb cancer.
If you are taking Tibolone, corticosteroids such as prednisolone, anabolic steroids such as nandrolone, this formula will not be suitable for you.
Not suitable for children.