| WHAT IT DOES BEST: | | | | * Standardized extract: 1-2 capsules or tablets |
| Black Cohosh is most widely known for its use in | | | | twice daily with meals, or as directed. |
| relieving menopausal symptoms, particularly hot | | | | * Solid (dry) extract: 250mg three times daily, or |
| flashes. | | | | as directed. |
| THE BACKGROUND: | | | | * Tincture (liquid alcohol extract): 2-4ml daily, or as |
| Historically, Native Americans used it for a wide | | | | directed. |
| variety of conditions, including rheumatism, sore | | | | Black Cohosh should not be taken longer than six |
| throat, asthma, bronchitis and general fatigue; | | | | months at a time. |
| early American settlers used it in tonics for | | | | Black Cohosh Root is also known by the names |
| female complaints. | | | | Bugbane, Bugwort, Cohosh, Rattle Root, |
| RECENT FINDINGS: | | | | Rattleweed, Richweed, and Squaw Root. Black |
| Significant improvements in symptoms of | | | | Cohosh is native to North America. The genus |
| menopause--including night sweats, hot flashes, | | | | name Cimicifuga is from the Latin cimicus, |
| vaginal dryness and insomnia--have been reported | | | | meaning insect, and fugare, meaning to drive |
| in a number of studies, which mostly used | | | | away (because the plant tends to drive away |
| standardized black Cohosh extract (BCE). These | | | | insects). Black refers to the dark colored rhizome, |
| findings were supported by a large human trial | | | | and Cohosh is an old Indian word meaning dark. |
| published in the May 2005 issue of Obstetrics & | | | | Native American Indians valued the herb and used |
| Gynecology, which found that standardized BCE is | | | | it for many conditions, ranging from gynecological |
| effective in reducing hot flashes during early | | | | problems to rattlesnake bites. For this reason, it is |
| menopause. | | | | sometimes called Black Snakeroot. Some |
| WHATS THE ACTIVE INGREDIENT? | | | | nineteenth-century American physicians used |
| The main actives identified so far are collectively | | | | Black Cohosh for problems such as fever, |
| known as triterpene glycosides. | | | | menstrual cramps, arthritis, and insomnia. Black |
| POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS: | | | | Cohosh has been valued by many societies for its |
| At recommended dosages, some women | | | | nutritional support for women. A popular herb for |
| experience upset stomachs, weight gain and | | | | women, it helps restore healthy menses and |
| dizziness. At high dosages, lowered blood | | | | soothes irritation & congestion of the cervix, |
| pressure, limb pain and vomiting can occur. | | | | uterus and vagina. Black Cohosh can also improve |
| IS IT SAFE TO TAKE WHILE PREGNANT? | | | | circulation and lower blood pressure by |
| Women who are pregnant or nursing should not | | | | temporarily dilating blood vessels. Typically, the |
| use black Cohosh. | | | | rhizome and root of the plant are used medicinally. |
| ARE THERE ANY DRUG INTERACTIONS? | | | | Having effective amounts of calcium, potassium, |
| If taking heart disease or blood pressure | | | | magnesium and iron, Black Cohosh Root is also an |
| medications, consult with your doctor before | | | | abundant source of estrogenic substances. |
| using. | | | | Commonly used to relieve arthritis, lower back |
| WHICH TYPE AND HOW MUCH: | | | | pain and cramps caused by menstruation, Black |
| Black Cohosh is available as a standardized | | | | Cohosh also relieves mucus production, thus |
| extract in capsules or tablets, as dry extract in | | | | easing persistent coughs caused by asthma, |
| capsules or tablets and as a tincture. | | | | bronchitis and whooping cough. Additionally, Black |
| Standardized BCE provides 1mg of triterpene | | | | Cohosh has been used to relieve swelling and |
| glycosides per 40mg capsule or tablet. (Dry | | | | soreness typical of rheumatism, and it is also |
| extracts are liquid alcohol extracts that have been | | | | known as safe sedative to relieve both |
| dried. Tinctures are liquid alcohol extracts.) | | | | nervousness and anxiety. |