Question:
Thanks again for sharing the lovely photo of you and your grandson!
On another note, I wonder what you might know about Alchemilla Vulgaris (Lady’s Mantle) to treat hot flashes – they’ve been coming and going. My friend gave me a small bottle with extract. I’ve done quite a bit of research – including on your site – where nothing came up, but I can’t seem to figure out whether it’s really worth trying it out… especially since I’ve been told by quite a few people that my liver is weak and needs more support (I’m starting ginger compresses for that) and I read that alchemilla may have deleterious effects on my liver. So confusing! Any thoughts or suggestions?
Thanks! A
Answer:
Alchemilla vulgaris works more with kidney, fluid energy. I have used this herb for conditions like vaginal discharge, and menstrual flooding as it has drying, toning, strengthening properties. I have made boluses for vaginal insertion, as well as used tincture with good results. As well as for purulent wound healing.
Sorry I just have not had time to enter much of my collected articles on individual herbs – maybe a retirement project? In my experience, Matthew Wood, Rosemary Gladstar or Susun Weed would be reliable sources for herbal info – they probably all have good websites.
Ginger on the other hand, is definitely good for liver, and as a stimulant herb, can be good for cooling, and is anti-inflammatory. The other two herbs I rely on for hot flashes are Black Cohosh, Cimicifuga racemosa, and Dong Quai, Angelica sinensis. I use these in combination called Flash Ease.
Also there is an excellent Chinese formula which works on balancing hormones and supporting liver function. As I know you are in Bali and cannot access many of the formulas I use, here are links for these products in N.A. . Liver Balance (US) and BP-C (CA).
You may be able to find similar formulas using these herb in Bali. If you can find a local herbalist, she or he may know local herbs which will be well suited to where you are presently living. If not, let me know if anyone coming to visit wants me to order for you to bring . Shipping to Bali might be reasonable, if capsules were taken out of the bottle and sent via any special way you might know.
Other simple techniques for hot flashes are drinking lots of lemon in water, very cooling; wetting your hair before you go to bed, using a cold cloth. or ice pack during night, uncovering your feet….. but liver and hormonal balance are the biggies for sure.
If you wish more detail, feel free to book a follow-up consultation.
You may find more tips in these articles on website , which have Menopause tags:
All the best – you have managed lots of healing miracles, including your amazing writing of the Healing Pilgrimage on the El Camino, so trust you will do well with this.