Edwina Daley is a medical herbalist and naturopath who specialises in helping women through the perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause.
She advocates that the menopause is not a disease, but a natural phase of life that in almost every instance will require extra care and support. She says that if women were to break the taboo by talking more openly and share experiences, there would be a greater collective understanding of menopause and its symptoms and the transition to menopause for many could be far smoother.
With three out of four menopausal women experiencing in some cases debilitating symptoms, such as hot flashes, brain fog, increased anxiety, weight gain and vaginal dryness and atrophy, Edwina says it is more important than ever that we empower women to take charge of their experience with menopause and turn it into a positive one.
In aid of World Menopause Day on Tuesday October 18, Edwina shared her top tips with The Women’s Organisation, giving guidance on ways in which women can take a more organic and holistic approach to managing the mental and physiological impact of menopause and perimenopause.
She suggests that through simple adjustments to their day-to-day habits, and with the help of natural herbal remedies, women can greatly reduce both the physical and emotional effects of menopause.
1. Good gut health – Ever heard the saying ‘the gut is the second brain’? In this case, it really is true. Having a healthy liver function leads to the breakdown and detoxification of hormones, therefore getting rid of excess oestrogen.
It is well-reported that foods that are high in fat, salt, caffeine or alcohol can worsen menopausal symptoms. Natural probiotics and fermented foods such as yoghurt, kefir and kombucha, as well as foods rich in Omega 3, Vitamin D and calcium can be hugely beneficial.
The Women’s Organisation operates a series of workshops to help women manage their gut health – Balanced Belly, Balanced Health, Balanced Life. Keep an eye on our Eventbrite page for upcoming events.
2. Fibre, Fibre, Fibre – leading on nicely from gut health is eating enough fibre to create regular bowel movements. Poor elimination of the bowels means pent up oestrogen will reside in the gut and will likely increase associated menopause systems.
Whole wheats and grains like buckwheat and bulgar wheat, rye bread, brown pasta and rice and SOME cereals are all good sources of fibre, as are vegetables such as carrots, broccoli and sweet potatoes; fruits like apples, bananas and berries; nuts and seeds.
3. Reducing stress and staying relaxed – If you are stressed and in survival mode, your body will make less oestrogen and more cortisol. This will trigger or worsen symptoms such as sleeplessness, general brain fog, and feelings of uneasiness.
Regular exercise, a balanced, healthy diet and incorporating more mindful practices, such as deep breathing and meditation, can all help to reduce stress and can be the key to living a happier and healthier life.
4. Finding the right herbal remedy for you – A lot of menopause symptoms stem from having too much or too little oestrogen. A professional and experienced herbalist, Edwina uses amphoteric herbs to balance sex hormones.
So, whether your oestrogen level is deficient or in excess, Edwina says the right herbal medication can truly work wonders in helping to manage the menopause and subside symptoms.
She adds: “Using plants and herbs for health purposes is one of the most ancient forms of medicine.
“However, it’s important to get in rhythm with your hormones, listen to your body, and figure out your symptoms to find the right herbal remedy for you.”
Herbal remedies are a type of medicine that come directly from the properties of a plant. They are used to treat illness or enhance general health and wellbeing, including treating physical, mental, and hormonal issues.
Whilst taking herbal remedies can be incredibly beneficial, it’s important to consult a professional herbalist like Edwina to make sure you’re choosing the right herbal remedy for you.
If you would like more information on herbal remedies for the menopause, contact Edwina Daley by email on edwinadale@talktalk.net
Edwina Daley is one of many businesses based at 54 James Street in the city’s burgeoning Baltic area and the heart of Liverpool’s creative district. 54 St James Street provides business incubation, virtual office tenancy, and high-spec meeting and conference space. It is also home to The Women’s Organisation.
The Women’s Organisation is the largest developer and deliverer of training and support targeting women in the UK. Our mission is to support women to achieve their full potential; to encourage, enable and facilitate their active involvement in business, employment, learning and community life.
For more information, contact our team today on 0151 707 8111 or email hello@thewo.org.uk