Textbook of Natural Medicine 2nd Edition Volume 2Michael T. Murray, ND See book keywords and concepts |
| Recent scientific investigation into Remifemin, an extract of black cohosh standardized to contain 1 mg of triterpenes calculated as 27-deoxyacteine per tablet which has been used in Germany for over 40 years, has shown that it is a safe and effective natural alternative to hormone replacement therapy in the treatment of menopause and may offer some benefits in PMS as well. In one study of 135 women, Remifemin was judged to have "performed very well" in PMS in that it reduced feelings of depression, anxiety, tension, and mood swings. |
Dr. Gary Null See book keywords and concepts |
Cimicifuga is derived from black cohosh, a powerful herb for treating hysteria and female complaints. It is needed when a woman feels as if a dark cloud of gloom has settled over her. She fears losing her mind. Often this stems from a very difficult delivery where the woman had a mini nervous breakdown, feeling at one point as if she was going insane. This leaves her with a great fear of ever having a baby again. Often she has alternating states. |
Textbook of Natural Medicine 2nd Edition Volume 2Michael T. Murray, ND See book keywords and concepts |
| Botanical medicines
Chaste berry (Vitex agnus-castus) and phytoestrogen-containing herbs like dong quai, black cohosh, and licorice are popular herbal recommendation for PMS. Their appropriate use is described below.
Progesterone therapy
Although progesterone administration is a popular recommendation made by many physicians (MDs and NDs alike), we have some reservations. |
David Brownstein See book keywords and concepts |
Phytoestrogens are found in soy products and herbal products like Dong Quai and black cohosh. An adequate intake of phytoestrogens will minimize the symptoms of estrogen deficiency. In Asian countries, where the intake of fermented soy products* is very high, women suffer virtually no adverse symptoms of menopause. Phytoestrogens contain compounds that have no propensity to increase the risk of breast cancer, and many studies show that they may reduce the risk for cancer. Eliminate caffeine and drink adequate amounts of pure water per day. |
Dr. Gary Null See book keywords and concepts |
Blue cohosh, black cohosh, yarrow, and chaste tree help to balance hormone production. Other herbs for balance include raspberry leaf, dong quai, wild yam, and passion flower. |
Textbook of Natural Medicine 2nd Edition Volume 2Michael T. Murray, ND See book keywords and concepts |
| While black cohosh is the more popular herbal approach to menopausal symptoms in Germany, chaste berry extract is probably the most popular herbal approach to PMS. In two surveys of gynecological practices in Germany, physicians graded chaste berry extract as good or very good in the treatment of PMS. More than 1,500 women participated in the studies.87,88 One-third of the women experienced complete resolution of their symptoms while another 57% reported significant improvement.
Chaste berry extract appears to be particularly useful in cases of corpus luteum insufficiency or prolactin excess. |
| Recent scientific investigation has upheld the use of black cohosh in both dysmenorrhea and menopause.
A special extract of Cimicifuga racemosa standardized to contain 1 mg of triterpenes calculated as 27-deoxyacteine per tablet (tradename = Remifemin) is the most widely used and thoroughly studied natural alternative to hormone replacement therapy in menopause. Clinical studies have shown this cimicifuga extract to relieve not only hot flashes, but also depression and vaginal atrophy.34 For more information see Chapter 75. |
National Women's Health Network See book keywords and concepts |
There is little information on the long-term effects of many of these herbs, including black cohosh. Traditionally, herbs are used for a limited time, and there is no reason to assume that they are safe for long-term use.
Kava can cause mild gastrointestinal upsets or allergic skin reactions. Large chronic doses can cause a fish scale-like skin rash, often accompanied by eye irritation. Kava can decrease the effect of levodopa in Parkinson's patients. |
| Power Herbs
When menopausal symptoms start to interfere with life, many women use herbs to relieve them. black cohosh, chaste-tree berry, dong quai, ginkgo, ginseng, kava, licorice, red clover, and St. John's wort are among the most popular.
Unfortunately, clinical studies on the efficacy and safety of these herbs are lacking, even though some of them have powerful hormone-like effects.
Here are the most commonly used herbs—and what we know about them so far. |
Ruth Winter, M.S. See book keywords and concepts |
See Malic Acid. black cohosh • Cimicifuga. Snakeroot. Bugbane. Used in astringents, it is a perennial herb with a flower that is supposedly distasteful to insects. Grown from Canada to North Carolina and Kansas. It has a reputation for curing snakebite. It is used in ginger ale flavoring. A tonic and antispasmodic. No known toxicity. See also Cohosh Root.
BLACK CURRANT EXTRACT • The extract of the fruit of Ribes nigrum, a European plant that produces hanging yellow flowers and black aromatic fruit. BLACK LOCUST • Extract of Robinia Pseudocacia. Black Locust Extract. Acacia Glycolystat. |
Berkeley Holistic Health Center and Shepherd Bliss See book keywords and concepts |
| Nerve Tonic
One part each black cohosh root, cayenne, hops, lady's-slipper root, skullcap, valerian, wood betony HB, mistletoe. Powder and mix these ingredients thoroughly and place in gelatin capsules; take two capsules three times a day.
Dr. Christopher's Comfrey Paste
This can be used topically to heal burns, fractures, sprains, and cuts. For third-degree burns, wash the affected area thoroughly and apply with a bandage; do not disturb for three days, thus allowing granulation of new skin tissue to take place. The honey will keep the burn free from danger of infection. |
Ruth Winter, M.S. See book keywords and concepts |
In 1992, the FDA proposed a ban on black cohosh in oral menstrual drug products because it has not been shown to be safe and effective for its stated claims. Blue cohosh is Caulophyllum thalictroides. Papoose root. Squaw root. The rhizome contains fungicidal saponin, glycosides (see), gum, starch, salts, phosphoric acid, and a soluble resin. Herbalists use it for menstrual irregularities and pain and to ease the pain of childbirth. It is also used to treat worms.
COIX LACRYMA JOBI • Extract of Job's Tears. Asiatic flowers and seeds. COLA ACUMINATA • Kola nut extract. Guru Nut. |
National Women's Health Network See book keywords and concepts |
The frequency and intensity of hot flashes decreased in both groups, but there was no statistical difference between the black cohosh and the placebo group. Excessive sweating decreased significantly more in the treatment group than in the placebo group. Other symptoms improved equally in both groups. Scores on a health and well-being scale did not change in either group.
An unblinded, controlled, three-month comparative study compared forty drops of Remifemin liquid twice a day with conjugated estrogens at the standard dosage of 0.625 mg per day and diazepam (a tranquilizer) at 2 mg per day. |
Nicola Reavley See book keywords and concepts |
Commonly used herbs include black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa), chamomile (Matricaria recutita), skullcap (Scutellaria laterifolia), white willow (Salix alba) and valerian (Valeriana officinalis). Feverfew (Tanacetumparthenium) is a very useful herb in the prevention of migraine. See page 3 84 for more information on these herbs and the precautions that may be necessary.
Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a condition in which there is a serious defect in the immune system, the body's natural defense against disease. |
| Herbs which may be useful during menopause include chaste tree ( Vitex agnus castus), St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum), motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca), dong quai (Angelica sinensis), and black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa). See page 384 for more information on these herbs and the precautions that may be necessary.
People who exercise regularly are healthier than those who don't. They are less likely to develop diseases such as high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes and cancer. |
| Herbal medicine and arthritis
Herbal medicines that may be useful in the treatment of arthritis include Devil's claw (Harpagophytum procumbens), celery (Apium graveolens), ginger (Zingiber officinale), parsley (Petroselinum crispum), willow (Salix alba), cayenne (Capsicum annuum), dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon), black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa), wild yam (Dioscorea villosa) and feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium). See page 384 for more information on these herbs and the precautions that may be necessary. |
Velma J. Keith and Monteen Gordon See book keywords and concepts |
| It will go away in a few hours but you will know that you should take less the next time or switch to a combination without black cohosh.
Has been used in the following:
Afterpain Arthritis Asthma Blood purifier Bowel
Bronchitis. |
| Herb Sources-Alfalfa, black cohosh, Blue Cohosh, Burdock, Capsicum, Cascara, Catnip, Chickweed, Dandelion, Eyebright, Fenugreek, Ginger, Goldenseal, Hawthorne, Hops, Horsetail, Kelp, Licorice, Marshmallow, Mullein, Papaya, Red Clover.
Case History:
F. suffered from chronic sore throat for over 30 years. She was given many different kinds of antibiotics, had her tonsils removed and even had cortisone shots in the nostril. She had tried using Vitamin A and C but it wasn't until she added 100 mg. of pantothenic acid every 3 or 4 hours that she saw any results. |
| Hydrangea, Brigham Tea, Chaparral,
Lobelia, Burdock, Sarsparilla, Wild Lettuce, Valerian,
Wormwood, black cohosh, Capsicum, Black Walnut, Yucca, Scullcap.
— often relieves the pain and stiffness of arthritis and helps to remove the congestion that causes the arthritis.
— arthritis is a chronic condition. Best results are achieved using arthritis combinations with compatible vitamins, minerals and diet. (See Ailments)
— comes in regular or concentrated capsules. MOST COMMON USES
Arthritis Gout Rheumatism
Bursitis
Case History:
K. |
| DIGESTION
Herbal Combinations:
Digestive Combinations (See Digestive Combinations)
Comfrey/Pepsin
Single Herbs:
Alfalfa Aloe Vera
Barberry Bayberry black cohosh Blessed Thistle Cascara Sagrada Cayenne Camomile
Comfrey
Dandelion
Echinacea
Eyebright
Fennel
Fenugreek
Garlic
Ginger
Ginseng
Goldenseal
Juniper Berries
Licorice Root
Lobelia
Myrrh
Papaya
Peppermint
Vitamins & Minerals: Natural Multiple Vit. & Min. Supplement B Complex, Vitamin F, Magnesium. |
Lita Lee, Lisa Turner and Burton Goldberg See book keywords and concepts |
Along with the decrease of progesterone production, causes of estrogen dominance include an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) and the ingestion of estrogens—from estrogen drugs (as in hormone replacement therapy or birth control pills), environmental estrogens, or phytoestrogens (plant-derived estrogens such as black cohosh). |
Velma J. Keith and Monteen Gordon See book keywords and concepts |
| TRACE MINERALS
Herb Sources
Alfalfa, black cohosh, Black Walnut, Burdock, Cascara Sagrada, Chaparral, Dandelion, Eyebright, Hawthorne, Horsetail, Juniper Berries, Kelp, Lobelia, Parsley, Peppermint, Red Clover, Rose Hips, Sage, Sarsaparilla, Thyme, Valerian Root, White Oak Bark, Yellow Dock.
CHAPTER 4
This and That
THIS AND THAT
Acidolphilus
Lactobacilli Acidophilus, a live, friendly bacteria, beneficial to man.
-quickly restores friendly bacteria in case of diarrhea, or after an antibiotic. Helps keep this part of the immune system strong. |
the Editors of PREVENTION See book keywords and concepts |
I milliliter ginger
Blend the blue cohosh, black cohosh, wild yam, cramp bark, and ginger in a dark glass bottle. used since the Middle Ages to relieve menstrual cramps. It combines well with cramp bark, says Gayle Eversole, Ph.D., a certified nurse practitioner and a professional member of the American Herbalists Guild (AHG) in Everett, Washington.
If necessary, you can repeat the dose once during the night, but don't take it any later than 4:00 a.m., or you may not wake up on time. If you need daytime relief, you can take 15 to 30 drops of tincture one to three times a day. |
Gary Null See book keywords and concepts |
In the final stages of pregnancy, it can be combined with black cohosh, squaw vine, and peppermint to relax the pelvis, speed up delivery, and make delivery less bloody.
Ginger is one of the best natural remedies for nausea, especially when accompanied by small, frequent, meals, fresh air, and plenty of rest. Ginger can be taken as a capsule or tea.
(Other herbal tips: A washcloth soaked in ginger or comfrey tea and applied to the area promotes healing of an episiotomy. Rosemary added to bath water relieves tension and back pain. |
National Women's Health Network See book keywords and concepts |
Three studies showed improvement in menopausal symptoms in women who took black cohosh.1' 2' 3 The studies made use of the Kupperman Menopausal Symptom Index, a long-used but inadequate scale of menopausal symptoms. Two obvious examples of its inadequacy: It does not include vaginal dryness, but it
Unfortunately, clinical studies on the efficacy and safety of these herbs are lacking, even though some of them have powerful hormonelike effects. does include formication, or the sensation of insects crawling on one's body. |
Thomas Bartram See book keywords and concepts |
Liquid Extracts: Combine Echinacea 2; black cohosh half; Damiana 1; Ginger quarter. Dose: 1 teaspoon in cup Red Clover tea, before meals. Diet. Dandelion coffee, high fibre, low fat, low salt, molasses, lamb's liver. Foods containing Vitamin B12.
Supplements daily. Vitamin B12. Folic acid 400mcg, Vitamin C, Floradix.
ANAEMIA: HAEMOLYTIC. A blood condition due to abnormal destruction of red blood cells in the spleen. |
Mark Stengler, N.D. See book keywords and concepts |
For more about natural hormone-balancing options, see black cohosh, Vitex, and Natural Progesterone.)
The last issue of hormone balance is the concept of insulin resistance, which I described earlier. The consumption of refined carbohydrates leads to insulin spikes that promote fat storage. Over time, the cell insulin receptors become less sensitive to insulin so the body stores the glucose as fat.
Another condition known as "Syndrome X" also comes into play. This refers to a cluster of conditions. |
John Heinerman See book keywords and concepts |
A Medical Testimony for Lung Disorders
In the Bulletin of The Lloyd Library of Botany, Pharmacy and Materia Medica Number 30 (Cincinnati: 1931; P-271) is a testimony given by an early physician of eclectic medicine in 1823 regarding black cohosh. Dr. J.S. Gardner recommended this herb in tea form (2 cups daily) for all lung problems. Speaking of his own experience, he wrote as follows-.
Shortly after commencing the use of this remedy.the hectic paroxysms, which had attended me some time previously, were entirely checked. |
Dr. Mary Dan Eades See book keywords and concepts |
Contraindications—For black cohosh to be of any medicinal value, it must be prepared from recently dried roots.
- Blue Cohosh -
Caulophyllum thalictroides
Forms—The root is used to make tea and tincture.
Nutritional value—Calcium, folic acid, inositol, iron, magnesium, pantothenic acid, phosphoric acid, phosphorus, potassium, silicon, vitamins B3 and E. Blue cohosh is used primarily to support function of the female reproductive system. It is a powerful emme-nagogue (stimulating the menstrual process) that also acts as a diuretic and expectorant. |
| Caution: Avoid black cohosh if you are pregnant.
• Essential fatty acids can be found in borage seed, flaxseed, lemongrass, parsley, primrose, pumpkinseed, and sage. Caution: Do not use sage if you suffer from seizures.
• Silica is an herb that supplies silicon, which is needed for strong hair, bones, and nails. Recommendation: Visit your local natural foods store and buy silica (or horsetail or oat straw, both of which contain silica). Follow the directions on the label. |