Black Cohosh: Herbal Remedy for Menopause

Black Cohosh (Latin name Cimicifuga Racemosa) is a perennial herb, with a wide range of uses. It belongs to the buttercup family and is native to Eastern part of North America. The roots and rhizomes (underground stems) of Black Cohosh are used for preparing herbal cures. The main constituents include triterpene glycosides, cinnamic acid derivatives, chromone, isoflavones, tannins and salicylic acid.

Black Cohosh should not be confused with Blue Cohosh (Caulophyllum Thalictroides). Despite similar names, both differ in terms of properties, uses, side effects etc. At times, the two are used together in order to stimulate labor. However, this combination carries the risk of adversely affecting the newborn and this is attributable to the presence of Blue Coshosh.

Traditionally, Black Cohosh was used by Native Americans and U.S. colonialists to treat a variety of conditions such as amenorrhea, chorea, dropsy, hysteria, itch, lumbago, nervous disorders, snakebite, yellow fever, fever and uterine disorders. But in recent times, Black Cohosh has come to be known as a herbal treatment for relieving menopause and menopausal symptoms. These include symptoms likehot flashes and night sweats, anxiety and depression, and vaginal dryness.

Clinical studies carried out in Germany indicate that Black Coshosh produces effects similar to estrogen. The daily dosage (as recommended by Germany’s Commission E Monographs) is, in extracts with alcohol 40 - 60 percent (v/v) corresponding, 40 mg of the drug. The phyto-estrogenic properties of the herb help in restoring hormonal balance in the system. For this reason, Black Cohosh has become a popular herb for menopause in the Western World. It is also recommended by herbal professionals as an effective herbal remedy to prevent miscarriage.

Women all over the world are becoming increasingly skeptical about hormone therapy because of the risks associated with it. An increase in the incidence of cardiovascular problems, breast cancer, blood clots caused by hormone therapy indicates that the risks seem to far outweigh the benefits. As such, more and more people are resorting to the use of alternative treatments with fairly mild side effects, such as Black Cohosh.

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According to some studies, Black Cohosh may increase the effects of synthetic hormones in women who are on contraceptive pills or those on HRT. Since Black Cohosh produces estrogen-like effects, some believe that it may cause metastasis of the breast cancer tissue. But an experiment was carried out on mice to test this claim and it was found that Black Cohosh does not increase the risk of breast cancer, though it did promote metastasis of cancer to the lungs.

Black Cohosh has but a few side effects like gastric problems and liver dysfunction, though this rarely occurs. Moreover, there are no contradictions and no known interactions with other drugs. However, Black Cohosh should be avoided during pregnancy or lactation. In any case, it is recommended that you seek medical advice before using it.

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