transition surfing the wave of

THE POWER OF NATUROPATHIC SUPPORT.

by Marina Kesso and Colleen Kennedy

As we move through the many shifts our lives offer, finding ways to remain connected with our newly emerging selves is essential. For women experiencing the fluxes of menopause, learning to ride the wave face-on brings a much smoother transition.

In the haste of our busy 30s and 40s, it is easy to neglect to tune into the inner wisdom our bodies express, often missing out on important moments of reflection and consolidation. Slowing to acknowledge a deeper calling of our spiritual selves is the ultimate in self-care – and something that is key for women during this transformative time.

With or without symptoms, perimenopause is the time when our bodies see a significant change in our ovulation cycle. Women really begin to enter ‘The Change’ in their late 30s! This process can happen from two to ten years before the complete cessation of menstruation and waning of our more powerful ovarian oestrogen, estradiol. Choosing to prepare ourselves lets us embrace a more joyful transition.

In clinical practice, we understand the importance of placing our focus on the adrenals. The adrenal glands and our fat cells are key sites that take over from the ovaries in producing a less potent oestrogen, estrone, to perform the role of estradiol. Many of the symptoms throughout our menopause are due to this oestrogen switch. How well you can surf the wave of changes your body expresses is often determined by the health of your adrenals. Women may have spent years under chronic stress, relying on their stress hormones to steamroll them through busy work and home lives as mothers, daughters, sisters, friends and wives without proper nourishment. sensuality can instigate an expansion of self-love and a renewal of our inner power. Connecting to Shatavari with Damiana, Rose and Cocoa in this elixir is absolute magic for igniting your most sensual self. Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) is an amazing phytoestrogen plant that mildly activates our oestrogen receptors. This adaptogen supports our adrenals and nervous system. Shatavari relieves hot flashes, anxiety, low mood, poor memory, dryness and heavy bleeding, making it our favourite cooling and reproductive tonic herb for women.

Women are now eagerly seeking out naturopathic support. The use of plant-based phytoestrogens is helpful in balancing the changeover from our stronger ovarian oestrogen to the weaker adrenal type. Oestrogen-modulating foods of legumes, flaxseeds, fermented soya and various vegetables support this. Phytoestrogen herbal allies of Black Cohosh, Red Clover and Shatavari are best used as part of a tailored formula which includes other herbal medicines for the adrenals, liver and nervous system. Intuitively, libido is often a top concern for women during these years. This multifactorial issue is very individual to each woman, stemming from adrenal exhaustion to a range of nervous patterns built up over decades. Nourishing your libido can be vital to allowing you to reconnect to the magic of your everevolving body and self. Revitalising our

1 tbsp Shatavari root powder

1 tbsp Damiana leaf powder

1 tbsp Rose petal powder

1 tsp Cocoa powder

3 Cardamon pods (unhulled and crushed) Honey herbalhealthcare.ie ivywood.ie

Mix the herbs and cocoa in a bowl. Pour the honey into the bowl and mix to create a thick paste. Store your elixir paste in a jar in the fridge. Take a teaspoonful a day in a cup of hot water, milk or milk substitute.

Marina Kesso and Colleen Kennedy run their herbal medicine courses and clinical practices in Mayo and Clare.