Black cohosh has long been used by Native Americans for a wide variety of ailments, including snake bites, sore throats and menstrual cramps. Black cohosh has been accepted for several decades in Germany as effective for relieving menstrual and menopausal symptoms such as night sweats. However, in the United States it is available only as a supplement as there is insufficient scientific evidence to recommend it for any use. Consult with your doctor before using black cohosh medicinally.
Treatment
Menopause is a phase marked by the end of menstruation and loss of fertility. Women who have not menstruated for a year or more are considered postmenopausal. If you are menopausal, you may experience some unpleasant symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats -- heavy perspiration resulting from hot flashes at night. Treatment options include healthy lifestyle habits, such as regular exercise and smoking cessation, acupuncture and herbal supplements, including black cohosh.
Dosing
Black cohosh is usually taken in dosages ranging from 40 to 80 mg per day.
It has been studied in doses of 20 mg of concentrated extract, taken twice daily, for menopause and hot flashes, according to the Palo Alto Medical Foundation. Black cohosh tincture may be taken in doses of 2 to 4 ml in water or tea, three times per day. Short-term use of less than six months for the relief of menopause symptoms is advised until more scientific information is available, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Effectiveness
The majority of preliminary human studies reviewed support the possible use of black cohosh for relieving menopause-related hot flashes, says the Palo Alto Medical Foundation. Some research has shown that black cohosh may be as effective as estrogen for managing hot flashes in postmenopausal women, according to the Foundation. UMMC reports that other research comparing black cohosh to an antidepressant called fluoxetine (Prozac), which is sometimes used for menopausal symptoms, demonstrated that black cohosh was more effective in relieving hot flashes and night sweats.
Considerations
According to Drugs.com, black cohosh is generally well tolerated and causes few side effects. However, in large doses consisting of more than several grams a day, black cohosh may cause side effects such as abdominal pain, nausea, headaches and lightheadedness, notes the Palo Alto Medical Foundation. A case of hepatitis and a few cases severe liver failure has been reported from black cohosh use, but these have not been verified. Avoid black cohosh if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Member Comments