Black cohosh is an herb that has been used by Native Americans for centuries, and it is now used to manage a variety of ailments, including menopause, osteoporosis and menstrual cramps. It is approved in Germany for treating symptoms of premenstrual syndrome and menopause. The amount of black cohosh that you can take in a day depends on the condition for which you are using it. Always consult your doctor before using black cohosh medicinally.
How It Works
Black cohosh contains several active chemicals, such as glycosides, or sugar compounds; isoferulic acids, which are substances with anti-inflammatory properties; and, possibly, phytoestrogens, or plant-based estrogens. The most active substance in black cohosh may be a glycoside called 27-deoxyacetin. Possible black cohosh properties include estrogen-like effects, and the ability to improve bone mineral density and lower blood pressure.
Preparations
Commercial preparations of black cohosh are available as tablets that may be standardized to contain 1 mg of glycoside per 20 mg tablet. Because standardization of herbal supplements is not required by the Food and Drug Administration, the black cohosh supplements you buy may contain different amounts of active ingredients. Black cohosh is also sold in combination with other herbs that have similar therapeutic effects, including dong quai and red clover.
Dosing
It is recommended that you take standardized preparations of black cohosh. The typical dose of commercially available tablets is 1 tablet to 4 tablets, or 20 mg to 80 mg, taken twice a day. According to Drug Digest, you should not take black cohosh for longer than six months because the long-term effects have not been studied.
Considerations
Drugs.com states that there is a low incidence of side effects from black cohosh. However, black cohosh can cause side effects such as lightheadedness, headache, perspiration, stomach upset and weight gain. If you take large doses of black cohosh, you may experience a slow heart rate, seizures and vision problems. You should not take black cohosh if you have liver damage or a history of breast cancer. Avoid black cohosh if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
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