Black cohosh has been used for hundreds of years to treat both menopausal symptoms and menstrual cramps, and it is still used to treat these conditions. This herb is used widely in Europe and has been approved in Germany to treat premenstrual discomfort, painful menstruation and symptoms of menopause, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. It may also help relieve pain associated with arthritis. Prior to using black cohosh, consult your health care provider to determine if it is safe for you to use this herb, as it may interact with other vitamins and some cancer treatments.
Step 1
Take 40 to 80 mg of black cohosh tablets per day. The tablets should be standardized to have 1 mg of 27-deoxyactein, according to UMMC. The National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements states that it may also be standardized to 26-deoxyactein.
Step 2
Consume 2 to 4 ml of black cohosh tincture three times daily, if you choose this form of black cohosh, states UMMC. The tincture can be added to tea or water.
Step 3
Prepare a black cohosh tea by putting 20 g of dried black cohosh root into 34 oz. of water; boil this and let it simmer for 20 to 30 minutes until the water has been reduced by a third, explains UMMC. Strain the mixture, cover it and let it cool, as the mixture keeps for up to 48 hours. UMMC suggests drinking 1 cup of the tea three times a day. This is traditionally how black cohosh was used, but it may not be as effective as the tablets or tinctures, which are standardized.
Tips and Warnings
- Do not confuse black cohosh with blue cohosh. Blue cohosh has also been used for menopausal symptoms but has not been researched enough for safety and effectiveness, notes UMMC.
- Women who are pregnant or who have a history of breast cancer should not take black cohosh without consulting their health care providers, states the Office of Dietary Supplements. Individuals with a history of liver disease should also not take this supplement. Before using black cohosh, talk to your health care provider about any medications or other supplements you are taking to see if this is safe for you to use.
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