1. Menopause Transition Oenothera biennis, Borago officinalis, Ribes nigrum, (Eleutherococcus senticosus & Panax spp.), Turnera diffusa, Smilax spp. Collage by Nancy Goodman Lawrence

2. What are the signs of menopause?

3. Mood swings Erratic menstrual cycles Decline of fertility Changes in libido Fibroids Hot flashes Depression Skin and hair changes Changes in vaginal mucosa Urinary incontinence Osteoporosis Cardiovascular disease Nervous system changes Immune system changes

4. Oenothera biennis Family: Onagraceae Part used: Seed oil, (leaf, root)

5. Night Blooming & Moth Pollinated

6. Onagraceae family Fuscia Fireweed Other family members

7. Oenothera biennis Constituents: Fixed oil containing GLA & Triacylglycerides

8. Oenothera biennis Actions & Indications: Normalizes prostaglandin synthesis and fatty acid metabolism. Therefore reduces generalized inflammation, balances hormones, and regulates blood sugar. Dose: 1-3 gel caps TID Safety: Use with caution in epilepsy & pregnancy

9. Borago officinalis

10. Family: Boraginaceae Part used: Seed oil, Leaf, Flower

11. Borago officinalis Contains Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (leaf) Saponins choline, mucilage, potassium and calcium salts, tannins GLA

12. Borago officinalis Actions & Indications Demulcent Adrenal restorative/adaptogen Galactagogue Expectorant Use especially in hypercholesterolemia, lung conditions, and chronic exhaustion

13. (Ribes nigrum) Family: Saxifragaceae Part used: Seed oil Whole fresh or dried berries are traditionally used in preserves, pastry fillings, cereals, and meat pies.

14. (Ribes nigrum) Contains: GLA Anthocyanin s Vitamins C, B1 Flavonoids Minerals

15. (Ribes nigrum) Actions & Indications: Hypotensive Cardiac tonic GI tonic Inflammation modulating Analgesic Use as tonic restorative by adding to the diet or including the oil as a supplement.Ribes nigrum

16. (Eleutherococcus senticosus & Panax spp.) Eleutherococcus senticosusPanax quinquefolius

17. (Eleutherococcus senticosus & Panax spp.) Family: Araliaceae Part used: Root Contains: Triterpenoid saponins Eleuthrosides Ginsenosides Coumarins Lignans

18. Turnera diffusa Family: Turneraceae Part used: Leaf

19. Turnera diffusa Contains: Volatile oils Hydroquinones – arbutin, damianin Cyanogenic glycosides Small amounts of beta-sitosterol Alkaloids Damiana is reputed to help with Fibromyalgia, energy, emphysema, low estrogen, low libido, hot flashes, impotency, infertility, menopause, Parkinson's disease, PMS, prostatitis, ALS.

20. Turnera diffusa Actions Diuretic & urinary antiseptic Aphrodesiac & pelvic tonic Nervine

21. Turnera diffusa Dosing Infusion: 1-2 tsp/cup, TID Tincture: 1:5, 1-2 ml TID Safety No reports of toxicity

22. Smilax spp. Family Smilacaceae Part Used Root bark

23. Smilax spp. Contains: Steroidal saponins Phytosterols, incl. beta-sitosterol Flavonoids Safrole Dosing: Tincture: 1:2-1:3, 3–5 ml TID Decoction: 1T/cup, 1 cup TID Toxicity: Theoretical liver and kidney damage; no reports of toxicity

24. Smilax spp. Principal Actions Hormone modulator Inflammation modulating Alterative Absorption enhancer Emulsifier Indications Low libido Synergize formulas Improve liver function and hormone metabolism