Black Cohosh For Irritability

Black cohosh is an herb that has been used for centuries to relieve some of the bothersome symptoms associated with menopause, including hot flashes, vaginal dryness and irritability. Several studies have proven the herb effective for treating both the physical and psychological symptoms of menopause, but some studies have also shown no noticeable improvement according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Always speak with a knowledgeable medical professional before using black cohosh to improve your health.

Physical Description

Black cohosh is a member of the buttercup family. The flowering perennial reaches heights between 4 feet and 8 feet and is most often found growing in shady forest areas in the eastern United States according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. It is also known by several other names, including black snakeroot, squaw root and bugwort. In medicinal applications, the rhizomes and roots can be used to make herbal supplements. Consult with a health professional before using black cohosh to treat irritability or other mood changes.

How It Works

Black cohosh may be useful for treating irritability and other bothersome menopause symptoms, because it contains phytoestrogens that act similarly to estrogen in the body. However, studies on this effect have been mixed according to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Other active constituents in black cohosh include glycosides, salicylic acid and tannins. It is not yet well understood how black cohosh works in the body. Always speak with a medical professional before using this herb to improve your health.

Dosage

Women who turn to black cohosh as an herbal remedy for the psychological symptoms of menopause can take capsules or tablets containing the herb or add a tincture to water. The recommended dose for tablets or capsules is between 40mg and 80mg daily according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.

When using tincture, add 2ml to 4ml to water three times a day. A tea can also be made using dried black cohosh root, but it may not be as effective for relieving menopause symptoms. Before trying black cohosh supplements, speak with a health-care practitioner about safety and dosing.

Safety Warnings

Women with a history of breast cancer or who are at risk of breast cancer because of family history should never take black cohosh supplements. To date, research concerning the herb's effect on breast cancer cells in limited and it remains unclear whether it stimulates the growth of these cells according to the UMMC. Black cohosh is also not safe for pregnant women because it can cause uterine contractions. Additionally, a small number of cases of liver toxicity have been reported in people taking the herb, but a direct link has not been established. Consult a medical professional before taking black cohosh supplements.

Side Effects

Some side effects are known to occur in people using black cohosh supplements to improve irritability. Headaches and mild stomach discomfort are possible according to National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. At high doses, black cohosh can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, slow heart rate, tremors, weight gain, diarrhea and dizziness. Because of possible risks associated with its use, thoroughly discuss black cohosh supplements with a medical practitioner before using it.