Black Cohosh is commonly used to treat menopausal symptoms. It is an adaptogen, which means that it helps bring the hormones into balance. If they are too high, it brings them down; if they are too low it brings them up. It also contains estrogenic substances and binds to estrogen receptors. It also acts on serotonin receptors and may relieve hot flashes and improve mood.
The benefits of Black Cohosh include:
The benefits of Black Cohosh include:
- Calming the nerves, less nervous tension, less nervous irritability.
- Fewer hot flashes.
- Reducing inflammation.
- Increasing adrenal activity, improving the body’s ability to respond to stress.
- Normalizing metabolism.
- Traditionally used to treat insomnia, menopause, hormonal imbalances, and sexual disinterest.
- Increasing bone density.
How to use Black Cohosh:
- Always use as directed by your physician and as directed on the label of your supplement.
- Do not take for more than 6 months at a time. Stop for about a month, then resume. Stay on Black Cohosh for as long as symptoms persist.
- It is commonly used in conjunction with vitamin E, evening primrose oil, B complex, and vitamin C.
- When combined with St. John’s Wort it can improve mood and smooth mood swings.
- German health authorities have approved 40 mg/day for 6 months for menopausal symptoms, PMS and dysmenorrhea.
- Do not take if you have liver problems.
- Do not take if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Common side effects include mild gastric effects. Overdoses are characterized by nausea, vomiting, dizziness and headache.
References
Duke, J. A. (1997). The Green Pharmacy. Emmaus, PA: Rodale Press.
Find a Vitamin or Supplement: Black Cohosh. (2016, May 6). Retrieved from WebMD: http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-857-BLACK+COHOSH.aspx?activeIngredientId=857&activeIngredientName=BLACK+COHOSH&source=2
Geller, S. E. (2007, January 8). Botanical and Dietary Supplements for Menopausal Symptoms: What Works, What Doesn’t. Retrieved from US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1764641/
Gottlieb, B. (1995). New Choices in Natural Healing. Emmaus, PA: Rodale Press.
Pedersen, M. (1998). Nutritional Herbology. Warsaw, IN: Whitman Publications.
Duke, J. A. (1997). The Green Pharmacy. Emmaus, PA: Rodale Press.
Find a Vitamin or Supplement: Black Cohosh. (2016, May 6). Retrieved from WebMD: http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-857-BLACK+COHOSH.aspx?activeIngredientId=857&activeIngredientName=BLACK+COHOSH&source=2
Geller, S. E. (2007, January 8). Botanical and Dietary Supplements for Menopausal Symptoms: What Works, What Doesn’t. Retrieved from US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1764641/
Gottlieb, B. (1995). New Choices in Natural Healing. Emmaus, PA: Rodale Press.
Pedersen, M. (1998). Nutritional Herbology. Warsaw, IN: Whitman Publications.
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