Hot flushes are probably the most well-known (and widely hated!) symptoms of menopause. 

They can be a real pain to deal with; not to mention an embarrassment

Hot flashes usually seem to come at the most inconvenient times. But then again, is there ever really a time when dripping in sweat and going red in the face for no apparent reason is convenient?

What are hot flashes?

Hot flashes are sudden and intense hot sensations in your face and upper body. They can be accompanied by other symptoms like an increased heartbeat, excessive sweating, nausea, dizziness, anxiety, headache, or suddenly feeling weak.

When do hot flashes occur?

Hot flashes typically happen during menopause and can happen at any time of the night or day.

What causes hot flashes?

The main reason hot flashes happen is the same as for most other menopausal symptoms. It can be traced back to imbalances in the hormones, such as the declining level of estrogen. There are some factors that increase the likelihood of hot flashes. These include obesity, physical inactivity, smoking, excessive stress, warm baths, saunas, eating spicy foods, and excessive consumption of alcohol.

So what can I do about hot flashes?

1. Apple Cider Vinegar

Raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar helps regulate toxins that the body is trying to eliminate through perspiration. This can then help to reduce the severity and chance of hot flashes. Mix in one or two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water, vegetable juice or fruit juice. Drink it once or twice a day until the symptoms subside.

2. Soy

Soy foods help balance hormone levels, especially when it comes to estrogen. Try to have two servings of soy foods per day. This can be in the form of soy milk, tofu, or edamame.

3. Flaxseed

Flaxseed is high in phytoestrogens. The phytoestrogens in flaxseed are in the form of lignans. Eat 50g of ground flaxseed daily. You can add a few tablespoons to your oats, yoghurt, soup or smoothie every day.

4. Sage

Sage has been a well-known hot flash remedy for many years. The reason it works so well is that it contains flavonoids, volatile oils and tannins. Drink 2 cups of sage tea per day. Here is the recipe:

• Add one tablespoon of sage leaves to a cup of boiling water.
• Let it steep for five minutes, then strain.
• Add some lemon and honey for taste.

5. Red Clover

Red clover contains plant isoflavones that have estrogen-like properties, so it helps relieve hot flashes. This can once again be made into a tea, with the recipe as follows:

• Add one or two teaspoons of dried red clover to a cup of boiling water.
• Cover, steep for 30 minutes and then strain.
• Drink up to three cups of this herbal tea daily.

Note: Red clover may influence other medications, speak with your doctor before trying it.

6. Vitamin E

Vitamin E has estrogen and can effectively reduce hot flashes. It also replaces necessary electrolytes that the body loses through sweating. 

Note: Vitamin E may take three to six weeks before you notice a difference.

7. B Vitamins

B vitamins, such as B5, B2, B12, B6 and B3, can help treat and reduce the severity of hot flashes. They help regulate hormones like estrogen and progesterone. Also, B vitamins keep the mucous membranes of the vagina healthy, reduce depression, relieve anxiety and correct loss of appetite.

• Eat foods rich in vitamin B5 like fish, whole-grain bread, whole-grain cereals, legumes, avocados, nuts, eggs and bananas.
• Eat vitamin B2 foods like milk and eggs.
• Eat vitamin B12 foods like soy products, eggs, milk and fish.
• Eat vitamin B6 foods like sunflower seeds, turkey, dried fruits and bananas.
• Eat vitamin B3 foods like green leafy vegetables, nuts, beans and peas.

8. Exercise

Daily exercise is not only good for your overall health, but it also helps to effectively fight hot flashes. You should get at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise (walking, dancing, swimming, biking) five times a week. On top of this, you should add 15 to 20 minutes of strength training (Lightweight training, or resistance training) two times a week.

9. Manna Menopause Hot Flust Gel

The Manna Hot Flush gel provides fast & effective relief from hot flushes and night sweats. Simply rub a little bit of the Manna Hot Flush gel in the back of your neck and experience almost instant relief & cooling. You can even use it preventatively! 


What are the benefits of Manna Hot Flush Gel? 
It has a fast cooling effect, relieves muscle spasms, has a calming effect, anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, non-toxic, and non-irritant.

Get the Manna Hot Flush Gel on manna.co.za: