Black Cohosh is a perennial plant native to eastern areas of North America. It is found as far north as southern Ontario, and as far South as the state of Georgia.
It has long been used by Native Americans to treat a number of conditions including:
Yellow fever and smallpox
Rheumatism
Menstrual disorders
Snakebites
In the early 1900s, it was a key ingredient in "Lydia Pinkham's Vegetable Compound". This compound was used as a treatment for "female complaints."
The most widely used product in the United States is called Remifemin. It is made from the root and the rhizome of the plant.
In botany, the rhizome refers to a horizontal stem branching off from the root.
Black Cohosh's primary use is as a treatment for the symptoms of female menopausal disorders, specifically hot flashes. It is considered to be an alternative to hormonal therapy.
Research studies on the effectiveness of it as a treatment for menopausal hot flashes have been mixed.
Early studies indicated it was effective as a treatment for hot flashes.
Dr. Andrew Weil provides information on ten research studies, all of them done since 2003, proving this herbs effectiveness as a treatment for hot flashes. The complete story may be found here: Dr. Weil's Perspective...
However, a study released in 2006, indicated it was no more effective then placebo as a treatment for hot flashes.
Also, a report released in 2003, stated this herb could cause the body's immune system to attack the liver. The University of Chicago announced they have discovered the first case of autoimmune Hepatitis, caused by this herb.
Autoimmune Hepatitis can cause individuals to become extremely fatigued. This disease makes walking across a room very difficult.
This condition can cause individuals to feel achy and experience discomfort in the abdominal area. Their skin may also turn yellow and their liver may become enlarged.
Without treatment, this serious disease progresses with most people ultimately dying. Fortunately, once the disease is diagnosed and proper treatment begins, most people recover.
If you are taking it, you should regularly ask your physician for liver function tests.
Preliminary studies of this herb suggest it may be a useful treatment for osteo and rheumatoid arthritis.
In a review of several clinical trials, researchers decided that a mixture of Black Cohosh, Willow Bark, Poplar Bark, Guaiacum resin, and Sarsaparilla might be an effective treatment for arthritis.
It contains glycosides (sugar compounds), isoferulic acids (substances with anti-inflammatory effects), and several other substances that may have medicinal qualities.
It has also been used as an abortifacient. An abortifacient is a chemical that induces abortion. Animals that have mated undesirably are given shots of Black Cohosh to induce abortion.
Dosage
For adults, as a treatment for menopausal symptoms, 20 to 40 milligrams, taken twice daily, is sufficient.
If taken in tincture form, the proper dosage is 2 milliliters, taken twice daily.
Contraindications
It should not be taken, if you are taking any of the following medications:
* Imuran(R)
* SangCya(R)
* Neoral(R)
* Imuran(R)
Pregnant or breast-feeding women should talk to their doctor before taking this herb.
It is not recommended that children take this herb.
Side Effects
You should stop taking it if you experience any of the following side effects:
An allergic reaction such as hives, swelling in the face and hands, or if you have difficulty breathing, feel tightness in the chest, or a skin rash.
Taking excess amounts of it may cause dizziness, headaches, nausea, shaking, vomiting, and a 'hyper' feeling.
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Black Cohosh's primary use is as a treatment for the symptoms of female menopausal disorders, specifically hot flashes. It is considered to be an alternative to hormonal therapy.
In a review of several clinical trials, researchers decided that a mixture of Black Cohosh, Willow Bark, Poplar Bark, Guaiacum resin, and Sarsaparilla might be an effective treatment for arthritis.
