Black Cohosh - the Menopause Herb

Historically, Black Cohosh has been used for a range of conditions. Native Americans and U.S. colonialists used it for amenorrhea, bronchitis, chorea, dropsy, fever, hysteria, itch, lumbago, nervous disorders, snakebite, yellow fever, and uterine disorders.

Interest in Black Cohosh and other dietary supplements from women seeking alternative treatments for symptoms associated with the menopausal transition, including hot flashes and night sweats, anxiety and depression, and vaginal dryness has increased recently in the wake of findings from the Women's Health Initiative (WHI), which pointed to a shift in the risk/benefit balance of hormone therapy due to cardiovascular events, stroke, breast cancer, blood clots, and other conditions.

It is used for a variety of complaints, but has become well known in the Western World for its beneficial effect on hormone functioning due to its phyto-estrogenic properties. Black Cohosh is also used by herbalists to prevent miscarriage. Many women miscarry very early in pregnancy and may not even realize that they have been pregnant.

Preparations of Black Cohosh consist of the fresh or dried rhizome with attached roots of Cimicifuga racemosa in effective dosage. The herb contains triterpene glycosides.

Daily dosage as recommended by Commission E Monographs: Extracts with alcohol 40 - 60 percent (v/v) corresponding to 40 mg of drug.

Recent clinical studies carried out in Germany have confirmed that Cimicifuga is strongly estrogenic and that it is effective in relieving menopausal symptoms.

It has as its main constituents triterpene glycosides, cinnamic acid derivatives, chromone, isoflavones, tannins and salicylic acid.

There are no known contraindications to this herb

There are few direct side-effects, except for occasional gastric discomfort, and rare hepatic (liver) dysfunction .

Some authorities have suggested that medicinal quantities of black cohosh may increase the effects of synthetic hormones in susceptible women, e.g. women taking HRT or the contraceptive pill.

Because of its oestrogen-like effects, it is thought that it may promote metastasis of breast cancer tissue. (In an experiment done on mice, black cohosh increased metastasis of cancer to the lungs, but did not cause an increased incidence of breast cancer.)

Black Cohosh should not be used during pregnancy or lactation.

There are no known interactions with other drugs

Ian Finlayson is webmaster and chief author of this website, The Herb Spiral and several other websites dealing with medicinal herbs, and has written innumerable articles on herbs and herbal supplements throughout the Internet.

Black Cohosh and some other Herbs for Menopause

by Ian Finlayson

An increasing number of women are seeking natural ways to relieve their menopause symptoms. For some women it is about learning more about natural medication for menopause, including menopause herbal formulas and products, while others are searching for the most effective treatment for hot flashes.

When we talk about natural medication we are not talking about medicine in the pharmaceutical sense of the word but rather natural substances such as herbs, herbal supplements and nutrients that can help combat menopausal symptoms that can be very distressing during this very natural time of a women's life.

It is generally accepted by herbalists that Black Cohosh is the most effective herb for combating menopause symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats.

As far as a natural ways to deal with menopause, Black Cohosh has even been recommended by some open-minded mainstream practitioners as an alternative to standard hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which has a record of producing undesirable side effects in many women. Indeed, this herb is widely regarded as a natural medication for menopause, that is, an effective herbal remedy.

Another widely acclaimed herb in relieving menopause symptoms is Dong Quai. Donq Quai is a member of the celery family and well known for its ability to regulate the female reproductive system. Its greatest use is to relieve women's ailments such as premenstrual stress, menstrual cramps, irregularity, and the various symptoms of menopause, including relieving hot flashes and vaginal dryness.

The third main herb that is important to be aware of is Red Clover. Red Clover is rich in phytoestrogens whish is a naturally occurring plant compounds. Research has found that herbs rich in these plant-based compounds may relieve symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes. Red Clover is particularly rich in isoflavones, an important class of phytoestrogens. It may even be effective in delaying the onset of osteoporosis.

Other herbs useful for the relief of menopause symptoms are Sage which contains phytoestrogens, Sarsaparilla and the root of the Wild Yam which are natural estrogen promoters.

Other than herbs Soy beans contain a class of isoflavones. Studies suggest that high consumption of soy reduces menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes. Like Red Clover, Soy may also reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis. Vitamin E is also thought to reduce the intensity of hot flashes.

There are many different menopause herbal formulas, that is a combination of herbal ingredients, as well as other formulas containing herbs combined with other natural substances. In fact, some such comprehensive formulas are known to, not only help combat menopausal symptoms but also increase sexual desire. It is important therefore to understand what makes these products useful—an important factor in making an informed decision about a natural way to deal with menopause.

Often better results are achieved using a menopause comprehensive product that is professionally and scientifically formulated by accredited and reputable manufacturers of herbal products that can ensure the proper blending of ingredients to maximize the therapeutic benefits needed to combat menopausal symptoms. Such comprehensive formulas using carefully selected ingredients many times can offer greater therapeutic benefits, often better than taking a single herb or nutrient on its own.

Do not, however, try mixing and matching nutrients and herbs on your own. This can be very dangerous to your health and your purse. Ratios of ingredients need to be balanced perfectly in order for it to be optimally effective.