Black Cohosh For Menopause - A Veritable Herbal Remedy

Black Cohosh For Menopause - A Veritable Herbal Remedy

Black cohosh in menopause is a popular herbal remedy for treating different stages of menopause and dysmenorrhea.  Since physical and emotional distress often times play an identifiable role in predisposing a woman to menstrual irregularities and a heightened irritability level, the use of natural remedies do help them in getting back to the normal chore.

Black cohosh (Actaea recemosa, formerly known as Cimicifuga racemosa) is an herb that is an extremely useful phytocrine to promote a woman’s self-ability to balance estrogen by miming its functions. Research based evidences are there to support the clinical efficacy of black cohosh for menopuase in treating woman with menopausal sufferings.

Below are important constituents in black cohosh:

• Isoflavone (Phytoestrogen) – Isoflavones act on the pituitary gland to suppress the secretion of luteinizing hormone. In addition, they bind to estrogen receptors, producing a weak estrogenic effect.
• Isoferulic acids – These have anti-inflammatory ability.

Preparations

Commonly used preparation is black cohosh extract. It is made from its roots and rhizomes.

It is available in capsules, tablets, liquid tincture and extracts that can be mixed with water.

Indications Of Black Cohosh In Menopause

• Hot flushes
• Night sweats
• Mild mood changes

It is a safe alternative to women who choose not to undergo the conventional Hormonal Replacement Therapy (HRT)

Usage

• Recommended dose of black cohosh in menopause is 40 - 80mg per day
• Tincture - 2 - 4ml, thrice a day in water
• Tablets and capsules - Two per day
• A black cohosh drink can be made by putting 20gm of dried root in 34 oz of water. Boil, cool, strain, store in a refrigerator. It lasts up to 48hrs. Drink one cup thrice daily.

Side effects

• Gastric discomfort, abdominal pain, diarrhea, dizziness
• Nausea
• Emesis
• Slow heart rate
• Tremors
• Visual dimness
• Weight gain

Precautions

• Self-medication should be avoided. Under medical supervision only
• Should not be confused with blue cohosh which has similar effects but not proven safe for usage

Contraindications

• Black cohosh should be avoided in pregnant and nursing women
• Women who are on birth control pills or estrogen supplements should not use black cohosh.
• Women having estrogen dependent cancer are not advised to use this herb.

A woman’s quality of life is often associated with a healthy hormonal balance throughout her reproductive and menopausal years. When the hormonal imbalance is causing physical and emotional discomforts, natural remedies may prove to be highly beneficial in easing the uncomfortable symptoms and restore the balance of hormones.

Use of black cohosh in menopause helped some division of women in reducing their gruesome symptoms; some had no effect at all i.e., mixed results were obtained.

Hence forth, the main reason for the distress should be identified and the corresponding supplement should be given to fill the deficiency. As the FDA did not approve many of the forms of this medication, the purity and safety are still under question.

If you are interested in learning more about the specific use of black cohosh in menopause, as well as reviews of natural supplements for menopause symptoms, please visit my website today.