Black cohosh

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Herbs: black cohosh has a history as a folk medicine for relieving menstrual cramps. Take 250 mg three times a day of a dry powdered extract. Tinctures can also be taken at 2-4 ml three times per day. Blue cohosh has also been used traditionally for easing painful menstrual periods. Blue cohosh, which is generally taken as a tincture, should be limited to no more than 1-2 ml taken three times per day. False unicorn was used in the Native American tradition for a large number of women's health conditions, including painful menstruation.

Most, but not all, of these clinical trials have shown a reduction in the frequency and severity of hot flashes. black cohosh can also be taken as a decoction or tincture. To make a decoction, boil about 100 mg of the rhizome in 8 oz of water for 10 minutes, strain the herbs, and split the liquid into three amounts. Drink one of these in the morning, at noon, and at night. Or, take 30-60 drops of tincture twice a day for optimal effect.

Mugwort is a bitter digestive, uterine, and liver tonic that brings the menstrual cycle back into balance, while stimulating the uterus. black cohosh has phyto-estrogenic properties that stimulate uterine movement. Raspberry leaf is a wonderful, nourishing uterine and pelvic tonic that is high in vitamins and minerals. Combine equal parts of these dried herbs and drink an infusion made from 1 tsp per cup of water, or take 2 ml of a combined tincture, twice a day.

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If you suffer from these symptoms, it may be worth it to see if exercise, paced respiration, black cohosh, or evening primrose oil work for you. uterus and menopausal symptoms starting to disturb her life, we recommend an estradiol—usually Angeliq, a 17 beta estradiol (many generic preparations are available), in a small dose of about 0.3 milligram. Use the smallest amount that controls your symptoms. þ Increase in 0.25-milligram amounts every ten days until your symptoms are controlled. (The equivalent for patches is 0.025 milligrams patch a day).

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Isopropanolic black cohosh extract and recurrence-free survival after breast cancer. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther; 45(3): 143-154. 2007. Zierau O, Bodinet C, Kolba S et al. Antiestrogenic activities of Cimicifuga racemosa extracts. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol; 80(1): 125-130. 2002 Black Currant Ribes nigrum description Medicinal Parts: The medicinal parts are the leaves collected after the flowering season and dried, the fresh ripe fruit with the tops and stems and the fresh leaves collected in summer. Flower and Fruit: The flowers form richly blossomed racemes.

Uebelhack R, Blohmer JU, Graubaum HJ, et al. black cohosh and St. John's wort for climacteric complaints: a randomized trial. Obstet Gynecol; 107(2 Pt)l): 247-255. 2006. Uebelhack R, Gruenwald J, Graubaum HJ, Busch R. Efficacy and tolerability of Hypericum extract STW 3-VI in patients with moderate depression: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Adv Ther; 21(4): 265-275. 2004. Uehleke B, Mueller SC, Uehleke B. et al: Interaction of St. John's Wort with digoxin, the relation to dosage and formulation (abstract). Phytomedicine 7(SII):2(). 2000. Upton R (ed): St.

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J Agriculture Food Chemistry 51:2193-99, 2003] Women are trying extracts of black cohosh, red clover, vitex, dong quai and a host of other plant estrogens in an attempt to beat the sometimes difficult symptoms of menopause. Generally speaking, phytoestrogen extracts in pill form all deliver about 50-100 mg of active ingredient. Doses below 2 mg per kilogram of body weight are considered safe. Thus, a 100-pound female could safely consume up to 90 mg, a 160-pound female up to 145 mg and a 200-pound female up to 180 mg of plant estrogen extract.

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Randomized trial of black cohosh for the treatment of hot flashes among women with a history of breast cancer. / Clin Oncol; 19(10):2739-2745. 2001 Kim SJ & Kim MS. Inhibitory effects of Cimicifugae rhizome extracts on histamine, bradykinin and COX-2 mediated inflammatory actions. Phytother Res; 14 (8):596-600. 2000 Lehmann-Willenbrock E, Riedel HH. Clinical and endocrinologic studies of the treatment of ovarian insufficiency manifestations following hysterectomy with intact adnexa. Zentralbl Gynakol; 110 10):611-8. 1988 Liske E.

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Herbal Treatments Herbal remedies, including dong quai {Angelica sinensis), black cohosh (Cimicifuga race-mosa), alfalfa (Medicago sativd), licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra), and ginseng (Panax ginseng), have been used for many years in treating menopausal symptoms, and they are frequently effective. As far as we are aware, black cohosh is the only herb that has been demonstrated by clinical research to relieve menopausal symptoms,14 although the other herbs mentioned have been shown to have estrogen-like effects in animal studies.

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Ojeda cites the following herbs as estrogen-stimulating: black cohosh, alfalfa, hops, sweetbriar, horsetail, buckwheat, sage, rose, and shepherd's purse. Among the herbs she recommends to support progesterone are wild yam, chasteberry, sarsaparilla, and yarrow. The herbs can be taken as supplements or teas.41 Traditional Chinese Medicine In traditional Chinese medicine, insomnia is seen as an imbalance between the yin and yang energies of the body. Yin is the calming, slow, quiet, wet, dense, feminine life energy, while yang is the fast, bright, strong, loud, expansive, masculine life energy.

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Although it is often used to curb menopausal symptoms, black cohosh is particularly effective for heavy, dull, aching rheumatoid arthritis and muscular pains. Typical dose: 60 drops (approximately a standard teaspoon) of the tincture in 6 ounces of water three times a day. If you find that the herb causes mild stomach upset, take it with food. •Capsaicin, the active ingredient of cayenne pepper. It is an effective topical painkiller. Typical dose: Apply the cream two to three times daily. •Hops, an herb that has a sedative effect. It can ease the nerve pain of rheumatoid arthritis.

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A recent report states that "evidence from in vitro, animal and clinical studies all suggest that black cohosh is a safe, herbal therapy for menopausal women if taken for a limited period." [Expert Opinion Drug Safety 3:615-23, 2004] CHASTEBERRY (Vitex) This fruit extract from a shrub native to west Asia and southwestern Europe has been traditionally used for thousands of years to quell symptoms involving menstrual difficulties. In a study of 1,634 patients, a remarkable 93% reported a decrease in the number of premenstrual symptoms, with no serious side effects.

There are many herbs that have mild estrogen-like activity, including rosemary, licorice, red clover, flaxseed, soy, coffee, kudzu, black cohosh, onions and grapes. The active estrogen-like molecules in these plants are lignans (flax, rye), quercetin (onions), resveratrol (grapes, wine), formononetin (clover), glabridin (licorice), and isoflavones (soy), to name a few. Which of these plant hormone-like molecules are best for humans?

Whole ground flaxseed exhibits unique properties for health promotion over and above those provided by other plant estrogens such as red clover, black cohosh or vitex. Flaxseed has unique components that (1) inhibit the synthesis of estrogen; (2) control iron (IP6 phytate); (3) and favorably balance omega-3s over omega-6 fatty acids. While soy also provides phytoestrogens with omega-3 oil and phytate, these are minor components of soy. Crushed flaxseeds are far richer in omega-3 and phytate.

Yet it is apparent that flaxseed exhibits unusual health benefits not observed in other herbal phytoestrogens such as red clover or black cohosh. A possible explanation for the reasons for the widespread health benefits attributed to whole ground flaxseeds is described below. The recent introduction of the world's first lignan extract (Brevail, Lignan Research) is noteworthy. Brevail assuredly provides 50 mg of lignans extracted from flaxseed whereas the lignan content of flaxseeds themselves can vary considerably.

For comparison, black cohosh exhibits very little if any ability to block androgens and progesterone. [J Steroid Biochemical Molecular Biology 84: 259-68, 2003; Reproductive Fertility Development 13: 325-29, 2001] A test conducted in Australia shows that red clover extract taken in doses ranging from 28 to 85 mg per day significantly raised HDL cholesterol and improved bone mineral density by 4.1%. [Menopause 8: 259-65, 2001] However, in another study, an 86-mg extract of red clover was not found to exhibit cholesterol-lowering properties.

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Another in vitro study failed to demonstrate any significant binding to estrogen or progesterone receptors as well as estrogenic effect of black cohosh (Zava et al, 1998). Extract of Cimicifuga racemosa in doses up to 100-fold the human therapeutic dose did not exert estrogenic activity in rats with experimentally induced, hormone-responsive mammary tumors. The Cimicifuga racemosa extract did not have a direct effect on uterine tissue proliferation or an indirect effect on pituitary-secreted, estrogen-regulated hormones (Freudenstein et al, 2002).

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Some of the most effective herbal compounds to regulate menstruation, ease menopausal symptoms and maintain proper hormone production by the pituitary gland include black cohosh, agnus castus and false unicorn root, best utilized when taken together. Agnus castus is known for safely removing fibroids, cysts and endometriosis. Taking 25-35 drops of agnus castus tincture with water each day for three months can normalize and stabilize female hormone production. Another effective natural alternative to HRT is pfaffia. Wild yam root, applied topically, may relieve hot flashes almost immediately.

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Dong quai: Can be used together with black cohosh, as directed on product label DIM (diindolylmethane): A balancer of estrogen metabolism. 100-200 mg per day * FOR ADDED EFFECTIVENESS: Cruciferous vegetables: Cabbages, cauliflower, mustard greens, bok choy, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, radishes, and turnips Flax/high fiber: Ground flaxseeds, any other fiber, 35 g Fermented soy: Miso, tempeh, and natto Vitamin E: 400 IU, twice daily. Up to 1,000 is tolerable, but do not increase if you are on anticoagulants.

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According to the Mayo Clinic, there are several herbal supplements that could produce harmful side effects when used in combination with medications, such as black cohosh, garlic, ginger, kava, milk thistle and scotch broom.12 They can also interfere with surgical procedures.

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Menopausal Symptoms The efficacy of a fixed combination of black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) and St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) extracts in women with climacteric complaints with a pronounced psychological component was investigated in a double-blind, randomized, placebo study involving 301 women. The treatment was superior to placebo (P<0.001) in alleviating climacteric complaints (Uebelhack et al, 2006). Marked improvement of subjective and physical symptoms of menopause was observed in pre- and postmenopausal women following a 12-week treatment with Kira®, a St.

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It also acts as a tonic to the uterus and lowers blood pressure. black cohosh has an estrogenlike action. Uses Black cohosh is often used to treat menopausal problems such as hot flushes and decreases in bone mineral density. It can also be used to treat painful periods. The other main use for black cohosh is in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Cautions Black cohosh should not be used during pregnancy or lactation, although it can be used in the later stages of pregnancy to prepare the uterus for birth.

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In studies with various types of breast cancer cells, black cohosh has shown no stimulatory effects. Therefore, black cohosh does not increase the risk of breast cancer as conjugated estrogens do. Multiple Sclerosis Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a syndrome of progressive nerve disturbances that usually occurs early in adult life. It is caused by gradual loss of the myelin sheath that surrounds the nerve cell. This process is called demyelination. One of the key functions of the myelin sheath is to facilitate the transmission of the nerve impulse.

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This article reports on the successful use of black cohosh in tincture form as a treatment for depression in three different case studies. Treatment of Depressive Symptoms with a High Concentration Hypericum Preparation. AMulticenter Placebo-controlled Double-blind Study. Witte B; et al. Fortschritte derMedizin. 1995 October 10, 404-408. Results of this double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 97 depression outpatients showed that 100 to 120 mg of hypericum extract led to noticeable improvement in 70 percent of the patients. Antidepressant Principles of Valerian Fauriei Roots.

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Keep in mind that black cohosh may give some women an upset stomach. Large doses may even cause nausea and dizziness. Until long-term safety studies can be done, don't take black cohosh for more than six months. Vanquish insomnia with valerian. A recent German study found that valerian extract may relieve mild insomnia. In earlier studies, valerian users reported that they got to sleep faster and slept better. In the United States, capsules containing 400 to 530 milligrams (mg) of whole ground valerian root are generally taken 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime.

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I use licorice with black cohosh, chaste tree, and white peony to reduce menopausal hot flashes, sweating, and formication (sensations of skin crawling). Licorice also can be used topically to help heal herpes virus lesions (shingles, oral, or genital herpes). Dosage and Safety Tincture (1:5): 10-20 drops, three times per day. Decoction: Add lh tsp. dried root to 8 oz. water, decoct 10-15 minutes, let steep 10-15 minutes. Take 4 oz. twice per day.

John's wort is the "depression herb," saw palmetto is the "prostate herb," or black cohosh is the "menopause herb" is good for companies selling these herbs, but it does a great disservice to the plant and the public. Each herb has a personality—a range of uses, activities, and specific qualities that make it appropriate, or not, for each person. Real herbal medicine is more than using an herb to replace a pharmaceutical medication. Real herbal medicine uses diet, herbs, and lifestyle changes to prevent illness, relieve symptoms, and enhance normal physiological function.

HERBAL PERCEPTIONS TODAY Certain herbs, such as black cohosh, echinacea, garlic, kava, milk thistle, saw palmetto, and St. John's wort, have become popular over the last twenty years but herbal medicine has not. Herbal medicine is still poorly understood by the public, medical practitioners, and the media. After a brief honeymoon during which herbs have been portrayed as "wonder drugs," we are now seeing article after article on the dangers of herbs.

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HERBS AND SUPPLEMENTS Studies of herbs and supplements for the treatment of hot flashes have not shown consistent results. Soy, black cohosh, dong quai root, and evening primrose oil have all been promoted for hot flashes. In an initial study of 104 postmenopausal women randomized to 40g daily of soy or a placebo the number taking soy showed a statistically significant reduction in the number of hot flashes compared to the women taking placebo.

In another study 351 women ages forty-five to fifty-five who had two or more hot-flash symptoms per day were randomly assigned to black cohosh, mul-tibotanicals, multibotanicals plus dietary soy counseling, placebo, or hormone therapy for one year. Only hormone therapy was associated with significant reductions in hot flashes. Taking dietary soy actually turned out to be less effective at stopping hot flashes than taking a placebo for one year. Other placebo-controlled trials did not find any efficacy of soy extract for hot flashes.

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