Discover how menopause can be a transformative journey rather than a medical condition. Learn about the natural and holistic approaches to managing menopausal symptoms, including the use of herbal remedies and the concept of kundalini energy. This article delves into the wisdom of Susun Weed, who has been advocating for a natural approach to menopause for decades.
Menopause is often viewed as a medical condition requiring treatment, but Susun Weed, a renowned herbalist, has been challenging this notion for nearly two decades. According to Weed, menopause is not a pathology but a natural and healthy transition, much like puberty. She emphasizes that menopause is a passage to power and a significant spiritual journey.
Weed draws parallels between menopausal symptoms and the esoteric concept of "awakening the kundalini." Kundalini, a form of energy recognized in various cultures, is often depicted as a serpent coiled at the base of the spine. During menopause, this energy becomes active, leading to symptoms that are often misunderstood.
East Indian yogis spend lifetimes trying to awaken their kundalini, which they equate with achieving enlightenment. When successful, a surge of energy travels up the spine, affecting the endocrine, cardiovascular, and nervous systems. Weed suggests that hot flashes experienced during menopause are akin to kundalini training sessions.
Many American women are turning to herbal remedies to manage menopausal symptoms, even those who are on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or estrogen replacement therapy (ERT). Here are some herbal solutions for common menopausal issues:
Water retention is a common complaint among women on HRT. Herbal tinctures and teas like dandelion and cleavers can help alleviate this issue.
Headaches are another common side-effect of hormone use. Herbs like dandelion, yellow dock, milk thistle, and burdock can help relieve headaches without drug-like actions.
Long-term use of ERT and HRT increases the risk of breast cancer. Nourishing herbs like red clover and foods like beans and yogurt can help mitigate this risk.
Dry eyes affect more than 9% of women using ERT and over 7% of those on HRT. Herbs like oatstraw, chamomile, and chickweed can help.
Women produce at least thirty types of estrogen, including estradiol, estrone, and estrace. Estradiol, the strongest estrogen, is linked to breast cancer. Phytoestrogens, found in plants, can counter the detrimental effects of estradiol by competing for the same receptor sites.
Phytoestrogens are concentrated in seeds, grains, beans, nuts, and roots. They are metabolized by the body with the help of gut bacteria. Foods rich in phytoestrogens include:
Herbs rich in phytoestrogens should be used cautiously. They are generally too powerful for long-term use. Some of these herbs include:
Menopause is a natural and transformative phase in a woman's life. By understanding the role of kundalini energy and utilizing herbal remedies, women can navigate this transition more smoothly. For more information on natural approaches to menopause, visit Susun Weed's website and Ash Tree Publishing.
For permission to reprint this article, contact susunweed@herbshealing.com.
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