Black Cohosh Benefits

The Black Cohosh benefits has been rumored to treat a variety of ailments. From pms, to menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, uterine pain, and more. In fact, it was originally thought to preserve a girls virginity! But, just because historical and anecdotal use is for a variety of "women's ailments"... this doesn't necessarily mean that black cohosh has any benfits! So what about this herb is actually proven to work? and what are the proper dosages? and what are the possible side effects? Well, first, a little history:

History:

Black Cohosh is native to the central and eastern side of the United States. It is a perrineal plant from the buttercup plant family. Native American tribes that were able to gather it would use it on their women to treat womens health issues, such as PMS, and menopause symptoms (including hot flashes, etc). They would also press the juice out of the plant to use for snakebites, and as a bug repellant.

The Real Deal:

Ok, so the National Institutes of Health website actually published several of the top studies regarding black cohosh benefits, and found:

in a study of 85 breast cancer survivors, there was no evidence that black cohosh has any benefit over a placebo for hot flashes. However, there was a significant improvement for sweating in the treatment group.

In another study of 80 menopausal women, black cohosh was compared to estrogen therapy, and a placebo. The improvements for the women taking black cohosh was substantially better than the placebo AND the estrogen therapy in regards to hot flashes.

There have been other studies that show conflicting evidence, however most were not placebo controlled, and one recent large study had the field of participants that were spread thin...although the results of that study didn't find black cohosh to have much improvement over a placebo.

Another large 12 month long study is being arranged, but as of now, no data from this is available.

Black Cohosh Exposed:

Well, it turns out that black cohosh may provide some real relief to women in menopause suffering from hot flashes, but more research is needed to make a strong conclusion on this. There are also some possible side effects associated with using black cohosh, including hormonal changes, blood pressure changes, headache, perspiration, nausea, to name a few. This isn't a herb that should be taken without a doctors supervision, and it should not be taken at all by anyone on blood pressure medication, hormonally sensitive medical conditions, and pregnant women.

With all the side effects considered, and inconclusive proof, there may be a better option for women who are looking for menopause relief. However, if your doctor feels it is safe for you, it is a possible option with limited proof of black cohosh benefits.

Dosage:

Although there is no dosage, the study with the best results used 8 mg a day of a black cohosh extract, administered in two 2mg pills at a time (as Remifemin)

For another herbal remedy that is proven to work, without as many side effects, check here: home remedies for hot flashes