Last Updated on November 26, 2018 by Marc Seward
What is Pueraria Mirifica?
Women encounter a unique set of conditions as they advance into age, most notably menopause and osteoporosis. While menopause is just a fact of life, it carries with it unpleasant symptoms that can persist for years.
For years, pueraria mirifica also known as Kwao Krua Kao has been used in Asia to address these bothersome conditions among others. Today, pueraria mirifica is taken in supplement form and is considered to herbal equivalent to estrogen.
Many trials have been conducted to test pueraria mirifica’s phytoestrogen properties and its ability to treat menopause symptoms, however more rigorous scientific research needs to be performed.
Pueraria Mirifica Benefits
Found in the wilds of Asia, he plant pueraria mirifica, when extracted, may provide several benefits when taken as a supplement.
1) Menopause
Searing hot flashes, trouble sleeping, vaginal dryness — menopause is a natural yet troublesome process that affects most women as they round their 50s (although it can occur sooner or later than the age of 50).
Menopause occurs when the body decreases the production of hormones like progesterone and estrogen. Pueraria mirifica, which mimics estrogen, helps to reduce these unpleasant symptoms for postmenopausal women. One study found that this supplement helped to reduce such menopausal symptoms as hot flashes and night sweats.
2) Osteoporosis
Many women fear the onset of osteoporosis as they age and for good reason, this condition commonly affects the bones post-menopausal women. When a woman suffers from osteoporosis, her bones become more brittle and are therefore more vulnerable to breaking.
Taking Pueraria mirifica may reduce the risk of osteoporosis and improve the overall health of bones. Although there is no hard evidence regarding the efficacy of this treatment, however, preliminary studies show that the phytoestrogens contained with in Pueraria mirifica may help to restore lost bone density. More research has to be done to determine this effect.
3) Increases Sex Drive
A common casualty of menopause is sex drive. Taking a Pueraria mirifica supplement should help to give your sex drive a boost by increasing libido.
Another benefit to taking a Pueraria mirifica is that it helps to reduce vaginal dryness by increasing moisture. Menopause has a tendency to cause vaginal dryness, which can make sexual intercourse painful.
4) Breast Fullness
Another casualty commonly found amongst post-menopausal women is the loss of breast fullness. Taking Pueraria mirifica may be one way to enhance the bust line and to restore breast fullness.
Some research indicates that Pueraria mirifica increases breast size. More research has to be done to determine how effective this supplement is for increasing breast fullness and size.
Another possible benefit of taking Pueraria mirifica is that it helps to reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
5) Slows the Aging Process
While getting older is unavoidable, there are things you can do to reduce the appearance or slow the gaining process. Pueraria mirifica is loaded with miroestrol compounds and phytochemicals, which help to fight the signs of aging.
Some preliminary studies have found that Pueraria mirifica slows the hair graying process, reduces cellulite, improves circulation, boosts memory, and increases energy levels.
6) Beautifies Skin
Another way that Pueraria mirifica slows the aging process is that it promotes collagen production. The skin relies on collagen to regenerate new healthy cells, which helps to keep the skin young, smooth, and supple.
By boosting collagen production, Pueraria mirifica also helps prevent the development of fine lines and wrinkles. One study has found that Pueraria mirifica was just as effective as naturally derived estrogen when compared with a placebo.
Taking Pueraria Mirifica
In capsule, powder, or liquid form, Pueraria mirifica can be found at most health food stores. For dosage, take between 25-50 mgs of Pueraria mirifica. It is not advised to go over this dosage, due to Pueraria mirifica being bioactive.
If you want to rub Pueraria mirifica into your skin to improve it’s condition and reduce the appearance of stretch marks, Pueraria mirifica can be applied topically.
Some Considerations and Side Effects
- As with any herbs or herbal remedies, discuss taking Pueraria mirifica or any supplement with your physician prior to use.
- Although Pueraria mirifica is considered generally safe, the herb is not suitable for everyone.
- Due to the estrogenic effect of this supplement, Pueraria mirifica may delay periods and may lengthen the menstrual cycle.
- Do not exceed the recommended dosage.
- Pueraria mirifica is extremely estrogenic and therefore has the same potential risks as hormone replacement therapy. People that have a higher cancer risk or those that have a history of breast or uterine cancer should avoid taking this supplement.
- This supplement is not recommended for the use of men.
- Long-term use of Pueraria mirifica is not recommended. Taking this supplement for an extended period of time increases the risk for stroke, heart disease, blood clots, and breast cancer.
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