Change is inevitable but that doesn't make it easy (just ask your hormones.) Dry skin, night sweats and brain fog can all be part of hormonal change. While using clean, natural products is an important aspect of self-care during menopause, herbs such as Wild Yam have been traditionally used in herbal practice to help reduce the occurrence of menopausal symptoms.

So if you're looking for support during this transitional period, let's explore a few Wild Yam products from our Menopause category (plus a few helpful lifestyle tips for good measure).

Wild Yam: Traditional Uses in Herbal Practice

Wild Yam (Dioscorea villosa) has been traditionally used in Western herbal practice for centuries to help with various women's health concerns. Often referred to as "colic root," this herb continues to be valued today in traditional approaches during menopausal transition.

Anna's Wild Yam Cream

Anna's Wild Yam Cream is a natural topical cream containing Wild Yam and Chaste Tree. These herbs are traditionally used in Western Herbal Medicine to relieve menstrual pain and spasms and help reduce occurrence of menopausal symptoms. Suitable for menstruating women, those experiencing peri-menopause, menopause and post-menopausal women. Over two decades of customers have used this product. To use: Massage into the chest, neck, breasts, abdomen, inner arms & thighs alternating the location.

Recommended dosage varies, but key takeaways are:

• Days 7 - 20: use ¼ of a small 2.5ml teaspoon, AM and PM
• Days 21 - 28: use ½ a teaspoon, AM and PM.
• Irregular periods are part of peri + menopausal territory, so if you're using the product and your period hasn't arrived, just count to day 7 from where it should and begin again.
• If you're new to Anna's and haven't had a period for several months, allocate your start day as Day 7 and follow the above protocol.

For Menstrual Discomfort: Start on Day 12 to 20 with 1/4 small 2.5ml teaspoon am & pm then Day 21 to 28 with 1/2 a small teaspoon am & pm.

For Menopause: Start on Day 7 with 1/4 of a small 2.5ml teaspoon am & pm then as above creating a new cycle if necessary.

NB: Day 1 is always the start of your period.

Anna's Wild Yam Cream is TGA Listed (AUST L 345273). Always read the label and follow the directions for use. For external use only. Contains ethanol. Always read manufacturers warnings included on the pack. If symptoms persist, worsen, or if new symptoms appear, see your doctor.

Metamorphosis Skincare for Mature Skin

For changes in skin texture and appearance during this life stage, the Metamorphosis skin and body range is designed with mature skin in mind. Each of the products are formulated with natural ingredients based on traditional herbal approaches. The range contains Wild Yam extract, traditionally associated with supporting skin comfort during menopause. To use: Apply products as directed, typically morning and evening as part of your regular skincare routine.

Lifestyle Approaches During Menopause

It's not just what we use on our skin that counts. How you live each month can make a difference too. Five helpful approaches to consider include:

1. Prioritise plant variety: Many nutrition experts recommend consuming a wide variety of plant foods each week. This can contribute to fiber intake and overall digestive comfort.
2. Consider quality supplements: Many women choose to incorporate supplements into their wellness routines during this transitional time.
3. Focus on gut health: Eating fermented foods can support a healthy digestive system. Research suggests connections between gut health and overall wellbeing during menopause.
4. Manage stress levels: Harvard research has noted that hormonal fluctuations during menopause can affect how we respond to stress. Prioritising mental wellbeing through regular exercise, magnesium salt baths and meditation can be beneficial self-care practices.
5. Choose natural products: Many women prefer natural products during this time. Consider exploring our range of natural fragrances designed to enhance your sense of wellbeing.