Black Cohosh - Herb for Hot Flushes

Wednesday, April 12th 2006

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How does black cohosh work?

The first stages of the menstrual cycle are mostly influenced by estrogen. Estrogen has a profound effect on emotions. If the cycle is balanced, the estrogen output stimulates libido and promotes a zest for life. When estrogen is low or imbalanced, severe mood swings, endometriosis, cramping, painful menstruation and other menstrual irregularities occur in pre-menopausal women. Black Cohosh binds with estrogen receptor sites in the body and is beneficial for women experiencing menopause symptoms, which are marked by a decrease of estrogen such as hot flushes.

Evaluation of black cohosh for hot flushes

This study was to estimate the effectiveness of black cohosh to reduce hot flushes. Only women who reported at least 14 hot flushes per week participated in this study. These women received black cohosh extract for the last four weeks of this five week study. The data was collected by having daily questionnaires. Of the 21 women who completed this study, average age was 56 years.

The result of the study was that the daily hot flush average of the women decreased 50 percent at the completion of the study. The weekly hot flush average of the women decreased 56 percent at the end of the study. Most patients reported less trouble sleeping, less fatigue and less abnormal sweating. No adverse effects caused anyone who participated in the study to stop taking black cohosh extract. The conclusion was that black cohosh seems to reduce hot flushes and has low toxicity.

The extract of black cohosh standardized to contain 1 mg 27 deoxyacteine per tablet at a dosage of up to 4 mg daily for 12 weeks has been shown to provide symptomatic relief comparable to that of hormone replacement therapy without the risk of serious side effects. Nature's Way Standardized Black Cohosh tablets dosage is based on the approved German strength.

Reproduced unabridged from the April - June 2006 issue of Health and Herbal News, with the kind permission of Health and Herbs International Ltd.

The following products are all useful for Hot Flushes and Hormonal Balancing:

Black Cohosh
Change of Life
DIM
Estrosoy Plus
Femaprin
Maca
Menopause Complete
St Johns Vitex
Wild Yam Gel Extra Strength Gel

Related health information can be found here:

Adrenal support
DIM Plus to assist in cancer prevention
Herbal phytoestrogens and menopause
Hormonal Changes
Menopause
Menustrual Problems
Multi-Power the energy pack
Suffering from menopausal or menstrual problems? Then consider Dong Quai - the queen of female herbs
Suffering from menopausal symptoms? Femitone may help
Vitex agnus castus
Wild Yam can help relieve PMT and other menstrual problems

Related articles can be found here:

"AT LAST" Wild Yam Cream and Gels

Balance your estrogen/ testosterone levels naturally with DIM (Dinndolylmethane)

Balance your hormones the Peruvian way - The amazing Maca

Hormone Balancing

Iron helps women's brain power

The traditional balancing herb for women

If you need help or advice, you are welcome to email our naturopathic team with your health question.

Disclaimer: The health information presented here has been written for the New Zealand health consumer. It is of a general nature and is only intended to provide a summary of the subjects covered. The information is not intended to be comprehensive or to provide medical advice to you. While all care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information, no responsibility or liability is accepted, and no person should act in reliance on any statement contained in the information provided. All health ailments should be treated by a qualified health professional.

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