Menopause is a typical transition for every woman, and while it is a natural phenomenon, the symptoms—especially hot flashes—certainly can change the course of daily life, comfort, and emotional health. Hot flashes are experienced as sudden warmth, followed by sweating and red skin. Women are often looking for relief through hormone therapy or over-the-counter medications, but not everyone will want to take these measures, and not everyone will be the ideal candidate for them. If one is seeking a completely holistic, side-effect-free option, Ayurveda may be the eligible candidate to consider.
Ayurveda has a history of over 5,000 years of practice in ancient India, and creates a balance of each of the body’s three primal energies—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—to achieve optimum health. According to Ayurveda, menopause is typically a Pitta imbalance case in that internal heat increases as a result of hormonal fluctuations. Instead of addressing the symptom by masking or covering it, it looks to pacify internal heat and use herbs, foods, and lifestyle to restore balance. This blog will explore powerful Ayurvedic Home Remedies for Hot Flashes, offering a natural cooling balm to the fire within.
From an Ayurvedic Perspective – What are Hot Flashes?
Ayurveda links hot flashes to our Pitta dosha, which is the energy of heat, metabolism, and transformation in the body. Pitta takes over when hot flashes arise as our changing hormones cause excess Pitta in our physiology, which equates to heat, irritability, sweating, and emotional extremes.
In Ayurveda, we call this condition “Rajonivritti”, meaning cessation of the menstrual cycle. Therefore, we do not consider menopause a disease, but rather a transition requiring nurturing, cooling, and a return to balance.
Top Ayurvedic Home Remedies for Hot Flashes
Shatavari – the Queen of Herbs
Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) is one of the most revered herbs in Ayurveda—especially for women’s health.
- Benefits: balances hormones, cools the body, improves reproductive health, soothes emotional symptoms.
- How to use it: Mix 1 teaspoon of Shatavari powder in warm milk or water, before bed. For flavour and additional cooling, add a pinch of cardamom.
Aloe Vera Juice
Aloe Vera is considered a natural coolant and detoxifier for Ayurveda treatments for back pain. Aloe Vera is soothing, reduces inflammation, and helps the body detoxify.
- Benefits: cools Pitta, hydrates skin, and helps reduce the frequency and intensity of hot flashes.
- How to use it: Drink ¼ cup of organic Aloe Vera juice on an empty stomach every morning. Check the bottle to make sure it is preservative-free.
Coriander Seed Water
Coriander seeds help in pacifying Pitta dosha and regulating internal heat.
- Benefits: Balances heat, improves digestion, and reduces excess sweat.
- How to Use: Soak 1 teaspoon of coriander seeds in a glass of water overnight. Strain and drink first thing in the morning.
Ashoka Bark Tea
Ashoka (Saraca asoca) means “remover of sorrow” in Sanskrit, and it lives up to its name for menopausal women.
- Benefits: Regulates hormones, supports uterine health, and calms the nervous system.
- How to Use: Boil 1 teaspoon of Ashoka bark powder in water for 5–10 minutes. Strain and drink once daily.
Liquorice Root (Yashtimadhu)
Liquorice acts like a natural estrogen and is excellent for balancing hormone-related hot flashes.
- Benefits: Anti-inflammatory, supports adrenal health, and reduces the intensity of hot flashes.
- How to Use: Mix ¼ teaspoon of liquorice root powder in lukewarm water or herbal tea once a day.
Cooling Buttermilk
Buttermilk (takra) is a powerful Pitta pacifier and digestive booster.
- Benefits: Hydrates, supports gut health, and reduces internal heat.
- How to Use: Blend ½ cup yoghurt with 1 cup water, add a pinch of cumin powder and drink mid-morning.
Dietary Tips to Reduce Hot Flashes
According to Ayurvedic Home Remedies for Hot Flashes, food is medicine. What you eat can directly influence your Pitta levels and help prevent hot flashes.
- Favour Cooling Foods: Cucumber, watermelon, coconut water, leafy greens, and sweet fruits.
- Avoid Pitta-Aggravating Foods: Spicy dishes, fermented foods, alcohol, red meat, and caffeine.
- Include Ghee: Clarified butter helps balance hormones and nourish the reproductive system. Add a teaspoon to warm rice or lentils.
- Hydration: Drink herbal teas (like hibiscus or chamomile), rose water, and plenty of room-temperature water throughout the day.
Lifestyle and Daily Practices (Dinacharya)
Abhyanga (Self-Oil Massage)
- Daily oil massage with cooling oils (coconut or Brahmi oil) is beneficial for balancing Vata and Pitta.
- How-To: You could warm up the oil a little, and just before bathing, massage it into your skin. This will calm the nerves and reduce compiled heat.
Cooling Pranayama
- Pranayama, like Sheetali and Sheetkari, is designed to cool you down.
- How-To: Practice these breathing exercises for 5-10 minutes, ideally twice daily, and certainly during or after a hot flash.
Moon Bathing
- Sit in moonlight for 15-20 minutes in the evenings.
- Why It Works: The moon is purifying and cooling according to Ayurveda. It also helps balance Pitta and induces calm.
Aromatherapy
- Use cooling essential oils such as sandalwood, vetiver, rose, and lavender.
- How-To: You can add them to a diffuser, dab them on your pulse points, or mix them with coconut oil for a body massage.
Bottom Line
Hot flashes are a powerful reminder of the internal shifts your body is going through. But you don’t have to suffer or depend solely on pharmaceutical solutions. With Ayurveda’s gentle, time-tested approach, you can reduce discomfort and enhance your overall quality of life during menopause.
By incorporating cooling herbs, mindful rituals, a tailored diet, and calming lifestyle practices, you support your body’s natural wisdom to restore balance. Ayurvedic Home Remedies for Hot Flashes doesn’t just treat symptoms—it nurtures the root of imbalance to foster long-term well-being. If you’re looking to explore a personalised Ayurvedic approach to menopause relief, Verdant Ayurveda offers expert guidance, organic remedies, and tailored wellness plans.