What is Black Cohosh?
Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga Racemosa) is a herb used by Native American Indians for medicinal purposes. The Native American Indians later introduced it to the colonists from Europe. It is an extremely popular treatment for a variety of female health issues such as menopause, premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and acne.
Found in North America, most typically in hardwood forwards as far north as Ontario, Canada and as far south as Georgia, USA. It’s a member of the Ranunculaceae family (or the buttercup family), which is a group of over 2,000 species of flowering plants which can be found all over the world, not just North America.
Black Cohosh Benefits
Native Americans have long used Black Cohosh Plants for a variety of reasons.
Nowadays, however, it is primarily used to treat the symptoms shown with menopause.
Studies show that women who use black cohosh for menopause may see a reduction in hot flushes. The studies have shown that as well as reducing hot flushes, which is when you experience night sweats as well as palpitations and flushing of the face. The herbal medicinal plant can also help improve the mood and sleep patterns of women who are experiencing menopause.
This is also further backed up by a study in the International Journal of Reproductive Biomedicine found that Black Cohosh can be an alternative treatment for people experiencing hot flushes, among other Iranian medicines.
As to why it is effective towards the menopause? The experts aren’t exactly sure. The most plausible theory is that the plant may give off certain estrogenic activity, which would explain why it can be harmful to women who have breast cancer, or estrogen-positive tumours.
Due to most of the clinical studies being carried out only last of around six months and the wider scientific research is mixed as to whether it is an effective medicine or not. It is therefore advised by the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) to use Black Cohosh for no longer than 6 months at a time.
Native American also used Black Cohosh to treat:
- Kidney Problems
- Malaria
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Joint Pain
- Sore throat
- Labor Menstrual cramps
Now, when the early North American colonists came along, they then used Black Cohosh in their own unique way such as for:
- Snake bites
- Uterus problems
- Nervous Disorders
As well as many others.
Black Cohosh Side Effects
According to WebMD, Black Cohosh is ‘possibly safe’ to be taken orally by adults for up to a time period of 12 months. Although, we’d probably go with 6 months as advised by ACOG due to trials only lasting for said amount of time.
There are some mild side effects that you may experience when supplementing such as
- An upset stomach
- Cramps
- Headaches
- Rashes
- Feeling heavy
- Vaginal spotting/bleeding
- Weight gain
There have also been concerns in regards to Black Cohosh being associated with liver damage, whilst everything is still unconfirmed it is being looked into. People are using Black Cohosh should avoid excessive overuse and watch out for the symptoms of liver problems such as
- Yellowing of skin/eyes
- Fatigue
- Dark urine
If you experience any of these symptoms whilst taking Black Cohosh, contact a medical professional who will then provide professional medical advice.
WebMD also advises against supplementing with black cohosh if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, people who suffer from breast cancer and hormone-sensitive conditions, as well as liver disease and protein S deficiency. This is because it has been shown in studies to have adverse effects, especially with its estrogen-positive traits.
Black Cohosh Dosage
Due to the number of clinical trials, there has been over the years, it has been established that if you are using Black Cohosh for menopausal symptoms then the recommended daily amount is between 20 mg – 80 mg.
However, since you can use Black Cohosh for Osteoporosis as well, the recommended dosage amount is 40 mg per day.
Native to North America, Swanson Black Cohosh has gained worldwide fame as a “feminine herb,” thanks to its unique ability to promote emotional and physical balance throughout the menstrual cycle and to help ease the midlife transition into menopause.* Our convenient capsules combine 530 mg of powdered black cohosh with 20 mg of extract.
One of the benefits of Black Cohosh is that the roots can be dried up and then put into capsule form. Capsules are the most convenient way to supplement Black Cohosh, which is why they are one of the most popular hormone therapies.
