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.
- 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.
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.