Natural remedies for menopause include using all natural approaches such as diet, exercise, relaxation and herbs and other natural therapies. If you have a strong commitment to dealing with menopause symptoms, these approaches will work very well to counteract them. Natural remedies for menopause work best if you start them early -- as soon as the first symptoms are noticed.

Diet can be regarded as a great natural remedy for menopause. After all, we all eat every day; so why not eat healthily and in a way which will reduce menopause symptoms? In the UK and USA 'eat 5 a day' has become a common recommendation relating to fresh fruits and vegetables consumed daily. One believable story is that this started with 'eat 10 a day', but the respective governments knew they could never sell '10 a day' to the majority of their populations. However 10 a day is MUCH better than 5 a day.

So, eat lots and lots of fruit and vegetables, as much raw as possible. Also, cut down on carbohydrates and keep protein consumption low; we need on average only around 100g (3 ounces) a day.

Increase: foods rich in phytoestrogens such as soy products apples, beans, legumes, seaweed, carrots and potatoes.

Decrease: coffee, tea, alcohol, soft drink and sugary food.

Exercise is certainly a great example of the natural remedies for menopause. It helps counteract tiredness and stress. It lifts general health. It helps strengthen bones to reduce osteoporosis, and it helps you burn calories to stay slim.

Exercise must be regular, thorough and vigorous.

Many women agree to overdoing things and tiring themselves out. This exhausts the body and make all symptoms worse -- including those of the menopause. The great thing with exercise and relaxation is that are very well-priced natural remedies for menopause -- in fact, they can be completely free!

Taking time out to spend it on yourself every day may be a good step in the right direction for you. Perhaps follow a pastime you always meant to start.

Yoga is a great way to keep relaxed and get fit at the same time.

Of all the natural remedies for menopause, perhaps more has written about herbs then any other. Many herbs contain phytoestrogens which the body can use to help balance its hormone system. These are not like drugs, forcing their way into the body and often disrupting our systems as much as they help them. Many herbs are gentle natural remedies, making themselves available for the body to use only if it body wants them. This makes appropriate herbal remedies naturally self-regulating.

These great natural remedies include:

* Agnus Castus -- one of the best known remedies for menopause in Europe

* Dong Quai -- one of the most popular remedies for menopause in the Far East

* Ginkgo biloba -- helps to to allay 'brain fog' naturally and so useful for menopause

* St John's Wort -- one of herbalists' favourite remedies for keeping up the spirits in menopause. In Europe this is one of the best known remedies for mild depression

* Red sage -- recommended by many for hot sweats during menopause - well worth trying

Follow the manufacturer's or practitioner's recommendations as to dosage; but certainly take at least a 3-month course.

This article has just scratched the surface of this topic. There are so many natural remedies to use for menopause that you could fill a book. At least you have 4 main categories in this article which can form the basis of your own programme of natural remedies for menopause.

Do your research on the Internet, speak to practitioners in natural healthcare and make a plan of what you will do; and follow it!!