Black cohosh menopause is a natural herb found in the United States, often used to treat pre-menopause and menopause symptoms, such as:
• Headaches
• Hot flashes
• Mood changes
• Sleep problems
• Heart palpitations
• Night sweats
• Vaginal dryness
Native Americans are said to have used black cohosh to treat women's maladies, specifically related to menstruation and menopause. Along with menstrual cramps and hot flashes, black cohosh was also used to treat arthritis, muscle pain, sore throat, cough and indigestion.
In fact, in Europe black cohosh has been widely used for decades and is approved in some countries for painful menstruation, premenstrual discomfort, pre-menopause (perimenopause), and menopausal symptoms.
In the United States, studies continue to determine the long term effectiveness of black cohosh. Some pre-menopausal women use black cohosh to address symptoms of PMS, but there are numerous warnings to know this herb’s side effects. (see below)
About Black Cohosh the herb
A member of the buttercup family, this perennial plant is also known by its common names like bugbane, bugwort, rattleroot, and rattletop. Insects avoid it, which accounts for some of the names and the uses of this herb. Black cohosh was used by Native Americans as an insect repellent and snake bite tincture.
How much black cohosh should you take?
Black cohosh is available in health food stores, some drug stores and online in tea, capsule, tablet or liquid extract forms. As always, be sure to follow the dosage recommendations and let your physician know you plan to use this herb, as it may negatively interact with other drugs.
Many experts agree that no one should take black cohosh for more than six months at a time. For menopausal symptoms, the dose of black cohosh used in studies has been 20-40 milligrams tablets of a standardized extract taken twice a day. More than 900 milligrams a day of black cohosh is considered an overdose. Aside from teas and tinctures, one popular commercial preparation is the German product, Remifemin®, which contains black cohosh extract.
Side effects of taking black cohosh?
Some menopausal women report black cohosh side effects include headaches and upset stomach. Typically, these side effects usually occur at high doses or when the herb has been used for more than six months.
Reports of liver problems after using black cohosh, are still being investigated.
Risks associated with taking black cohosh?
Black cohosh may not be safe for:
◦ Women who are pregnant (although it is sometimes used to induce labor)
◦ Women who have -- or have had -- breast cancer or uterine cancer
◦ Women who have endometriosis
◦ People with liver disease, a high risk of stroke or blood clots, or seizure disorders
◦ People with allergies to aspirin
Pregnant women should not use this herbal treatment as it has been found to increase risk of miscarriage. If you are not pregnant or breast-feeding and your health is otherwise in good condition, you are safe to use this medication. Generally, if you are perimenopausal or menopausal, black cohosh is a safe, successful herbal medication.
Research on black cohosh
According to Sloan Kettering Memorial Hospital, “More research is needed. It is not clear if black cohosh is beneficial for menopausal symptoms due to conflicting results from various studies. There is not enough evidence to support its anticancer effects in humans. Patients should use caution as liver failure has been reported from its use.”
