Black cohosh

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Healing with Whole Foods: Asian Traditions and Modern Nutrition Paul Pitchford See book keywords and concepts

Black cohosh, motherwort, and wormwood can be used singly, but more effective is the following combination: an infusion of equal parts flax seed, black cohosh, and motherwort, with one-half w part lobelia. Honey is especially useful when dysmenorrhea is accompanied by constipation (it lubricates the intestines). Absence of Menstruation (Amenorrhea). [This section also applies to women with suppressed, scanty, or delayed menstruation.] Amenorrhea is often assow ciated with a low-fat diet.

Death By Prescription: The Shocking Truth Behind an Overmedicated Nation Ray Strand, M.D. See book keywords and concepts

John's wort in combination with black cohosh may be contraindicated, which means it should not be used during pregnancy and lactation due to potential uterine stimulation, which could lead to a miscarriage.16 Ginkgo biloba has become a popular herb for a wide variety of medical problems, the most common being hardening of the arteries. Several studies have shown that Ginkgo biloba helps increase the circulation of blood in the brain and extremities. Many herbalists and researchers believe it improves one's ability to think and boosts stamina as a result of this increased blood flow.

The Natural Medicine Guide to the 50 Most Common Medicinal Herbs Heather Boon, BScPhm, PhD and Michael Smith, BPharm, MRPharmS, ND See book keywords and concepts

In a review article, Beuscher comments on a study using a combination product containing both black cohosh and an extract of St John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum L., Clusiaceae). In this multi-center trial conducted over 12 weeks with women (n=812) suffering from psycho-vegetative symptoms of menopause (including irritability, poor concentration, fear, insomnia, depression), 90% of patients noted an improvement.2 It should be noted that standardized extracts of St. John's Wort have now been shown to be effective in the management of mild-moderate depression when given as a single agent.

The Way of Chinese Herbs Michael Tierra, L.Ac, O.M.D. See book keywords and concepts

Common Names: Chinese black cohosh, black cohosh, cimicifuga Family: Ranunculaceae Part Used: PJiizome Energy and Flavors: Cool; sweet, acrid, slightly bitter Organ Meridians Affected: Lung, spleen, stomach, large intestine Properties: Diaphoretic, antipyretic, antifungal, antibacterial Effects and Indications: Clears wind heat, regulates the circulation of qi, relieves pain. It can be used for headache caused by wind heat; gingivitis; hives; diarrhea; venting eruptive skin diseases, such as measles, in the early stages; and prolapsed internal organs, such as the anus and uterus.

The Complete Encyclopedia of Natural Healing: A Comprehensive A-Z Listing of Common and Chronic Illnesses and Their Proven Natural Treatments Gary Null, Ph.D. See book keywords and concepts

Ginger is one of the best natural remedies for preventing nausea, especially when accompanied by a diet of small, frequent, meals, as well as fresh air, and plenty of rest. black cohosh is an old-time woman's remedy that grows in the deep, dark forests of eastern America. It was used by pregnant Native American women to ease childbirth and diminish labor pains. When taken in the last two or three weeks of pregnancy, black cohosh helps ripen the cervix and bring down the fetus. Sometimes the herb is taken together with blue cohosh.

The Clinician's Handbook of Natural Healing Gary Null, Ph.D. See book keywords and concepts

BLACK COHOSH Depression This article reports on the succesful use of black cohosh in tincture form as a treatment for depression in 3 different case studies. —D. Frances, "Cimicifuga for Depression," Medical Herbalism, 7(1-2), Spring/Summer 1995, p. 1-2. Measles Cimicifuga-Pueraria decoction has been shown to effective in the early stages of measles. When used according to traditional Chinese Methods, additional studies have found it to be effective in influenza, mumps, measles complicated with pneumonia, congenital syphilis and tonsilitis as well. —H.M. Chang & P.P. But (eds.

This review article cites studies supporting the use of black cohosh as an estrogenic agent in the treatment of women suffering from menopausal symptoms. —J.M. Snow, "Cimicifuga Racemosa (L) Nutt. (Ranunculaceae)," The Protocol Journal of Botanical Medicine, Spring 1996, p. 17-19. Pregnancy Clinical evidence suggests black cohosh relives the pain and distress of pregnancy, contributes to easy and quick uncomplicated deliveries, and promotes uterine involution and recovery. —D.B. Mowrey, The Scientific Validation of Herbal Medicine, New Canaan, CT, Keats Publishing, 1986, p. 108.

The New Optimum Nutrition Bible Patrick Holford See book keywords and concepts

So too have the herbs agnus castus, dong quai, black cohosh, and St. John's wort. Vitamin E is also helpful for menopausal symptoms. One possible explanation is that vitamin E protects essential fats and prostaglandins from oxidation. Balancing your hormones The following guidelines will help you keep your hormones in balance. However, if you are suffering from a major hormone imbalance such as estrogen dominance, it may be necessary also to take small amounts of natural progesterone.

Smart Medicine for Healthier Living : Practical A-Z Reference to Natural and Conventional Treatments for Adults Janet Zand, LAc, OMD, Allan N. Spreed, MD, CNC, James B. LaValle, RPh, ND See book keywords and concepts

Week 3: Twice a day, take one dose of a dong quai or black cohosh and chaste tree combination formula, plus an antioxidant combination (see under Week 1, above). Week 4: Three times daily, take one dose of dong quai or black cohosh and red raspberry leaf (see under Week 2, above). Note: You should also use a calcium and magnesium combination formula providing at least 1,000 milligrams of calcium and 500 milligrams of magnesium daily throughout the month.

The Herbal Drugstore Linda B. White, M.D. See book keywords and concepts

Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) This herb seems to reduce the fluctuation of estrogen and its influence on the breast. black cohosh is also credited with regulating hormones. Typical dosage: 500 milligrams of product standardized to 0.2 percent triterpenes, one to three times per day. Caution-. Do not take while pregnant. Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens) This herb has a significant anti-inflammatory effect that helps reduce inflammation of the breast. It also can help regulate estrogen influence on the breast.

Prescription for Dietary Wellness: Using Foods to Heal Phyllis A. Balch, CNC See book keywords and concepts

Barberry, black cohosh, goldenseal, skullcap, parsley, white oak bark (herbal extracts). Hypoglycemia Best: beet green, beet, kale, turnip, turnip green. Good: bok choy, cabbage, green pepper, mustard green, parsnip, spinach, kelp. Best: avocado. Good (but must be unsweetened): apple, blueberry, cranberry, grapefruit, kiwi, lemon (drink mixed with an equal amount of water or herbal tea). Best: artichoke leaf, astragalus, dandelion root, gentian, gotu kola, licorice root (herbal extracts). Also, spirulina.

Good: black cohosh, gentian, ginkgo biloba, goldenseal, licorice, parsley, rose hip (herbal extract). Also, primrose oil. Good: beet green, carrot, celery, green pepper, kelp, sea vegetable, sprout. Good: cranberry, grapefruit, pineapple, prune. Insomnia Best: all leafy greens, watercress, kale. Good: alfalfa, beet green, cabbage, carrot, dandelion green, onion, pepper, reishi mushroom, sea vegetables, Swiss chard,turnip. Best: banana, lemon, peach, papaya, blueberry. Good: apple, apricot, cherry, grape, pineapple, prune.

Best: black cohosh, garlic, licorice, raspberry leaf, sarsaparilla, Siberian ginseng (herbal extracts). Good: aniseed, buchu, chasteberry, dong quai, ginger root, gotu kola, parsley, passionflower, squawvine, valerian root (herbal extracts). Also, primrose oil. Obesity Best: celery, cucumber, kale, kelp, watercress. Good: all leafy greens, broccoli, cabbage, carrot, green bean, radish, spinach, shiitake mushroom, tomato, turnip, turnip green. Best: grapefruit, lemon, pineapple, strawberry, watermelon. Good: tart apple, cranberry, papaya.

Estro-Logic, a natural estrogen-balancing formula produced by Wakunaga of America Company, is an herbal product containing extracts of astragalus, black cohosh, chaste tree berry, motherwort, sage, and wild yam, and it also includes isoflavones. It has been shown to reduce menopausal symptoms. THE POSTMENOPAUSAL YEARS (SIXTY AND BEYOND) By the year 2020, women will account for 85 percent of persons aged sixty-five and older who live alone. The number of women aged 100 years or older will double in the next ten years.

The Herbal Drugstore Linda B. White, M.D. See book keywords and concepts

Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa) Another hormone balancer, black cohosh is approved in Germany for several conditions associated with female hormonal irregularities. Because hormonal imbalances are thought to be the cause of endometriosis, this herb is worth a try. Typical dosage: three 500- to 600-milligram capsules per day,- or 10 to 25 drops of tincture as often as every four hours. Caution-. Do not use during pregnancy or attempts to become pregnant. Two Treatments worth a Try Many herbalists use castor oil packs for any kind of pelvic pain.

Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa) Sometimes recommended during menopause, black cohosh has the ability to relieve pain, cramps, and uterine swelling,- it is often blended with vitex in commercial formulas for menstrual difficulties. It must be taken over a period of time to be effective. Typical dosage-. 3 to 4 dropperfuls of the tincture two times per day. Caution: For some women, this herb brings on heavy menstrual bleeding. Cramp Bark (Viburnum opulus) and Black Haw (V. prunifolium) Each of these safe, time-tested remedies works to relax the uterine muscle.

The Natural Way to Heal: 65 Ways to Create Superior Health Walter Last See book keywords and concepts

Generally try motherwort, dong quai, raspberry shoots, and chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus); St John's wort for depression; and black cohosh for period pain. Maca is most helpful for all conditions, helps after hysterectomy, is safer than hormonal replacement therapy, and is also recommended for age-related decline of sexual function. additional therapies: Take a hot sitz bath or sit on the north pole of a strong magnet for general strengthening. Press foot reflex areas on heels; use blue lighting to reduce bleeding, orange lighting to increase it.

The ABC Clinical Guide to Herbs Mark Blumenthal See book keywords and concepts

An ethanolic black cohosh extract inhibited growth of T-47D human breast cancer cells (Dixon-Shanies and Shaikh, 1999).

The Constituents of Medicinal Plants: An Introduction to the Chemistry and Therapeutics of Herbal Medicine Andrew Pengelly See book keywords and concepts

Isoflavones are also found in liquorice (Glycyrrbiza glabra), alfalfa {Medicago sativa), black cohosh {Cimicifuga racemosa) and red clover {Trifolium pratense). Anthocyanins Anthocyanin pigments are found in flowers and red, blue and black fruits. They are present in the plant as glycosides of hydroxylated 2-phenylbenzopyrylium or flavylium salts. The aglycones (non-sugar portion) are known as anthocyanidins—only six are of widespread occurrence. Chemical structure has a significant influence on anthocyanin colours.

The ABC Clinical Guide to Herbs Mark Blumenthal See book keywords and concepts

In vitro Formononetin, the isoflavone thought to be an active estrogenic component of black cohosh in earlier studies (Jarry et al, 1985; Jarry and Harnischfeger, 1985), is not detected in the commercially available isopropanolic and ethanolic extract (Struck et al, 1997) and is not a constituent of the dried root (Hagels et al, 2000). An isopropanolic/alcoholic extract inhibits the proliferation of estrogen-receptor positive (ER+) human breast cancer cell lines (MDA MB 435S) (Nesselhut et al, 1993).

In Chinese medicine, rhizomes of many different species of Actaea have been traditionally used to treat inflammation, fever, headache, pain, sore throat, and chills. black cohosh has been used in Europe for more than 40 years to treat symptoms associated with menopause. In 1996, nearly 10 million retail units of a standardized ethanolic and isopropanolic extract were sold monthly in Germany, Australia, and the U.S. The herb has become increasingly popular as a dietary supplement in the U.S., with retail sales in mainstream markets in 2000 ranking 14th among all herbals.

Randomized trial of black cohosh for the treatment of hot flashes among women with a history of breast cancer. J Clin Oncol 2001;19(10):2739-45. Jarry H, Harnischfeger G, Diiker E. Studies on the endocrine efficacy of the constituents of Cimicifuga racemosa: 2. In vitro binding of constituents to estrogen receptors. Planta Med 1985;51(4):3l6-9. Jarry H, Harnischfeger G. Studies on the endocrine effects of the contents of Cimicifuga racemosa. Influence on the serum concentration of pituitary hormones in ovariectomized rats. Planta Med 1985;51(4):46-9. Karnick C.

Physiological investigation of a unique extract of black cohosh {Cimicifugae racemosae rhizoma): a 6-month clinical study demonstrates no systemic estrogenic effect. / Womens Health Gend Based Med 2002; 11 (2): 163-74. Liske E, Wiistenberg P. Therapy of climacteric complaints with Cimicifuga racemosa: a herbal medicine with clinically proven evidence. Menopause 1998;5(4):250. Liske E, Wiistenberg P, Boblitz N. Human-pharmacological investigations during treatment of climacteric complaints with Cimicifuga racemosa (Remifemin®): No estrogen-like effects. ESCOP. The European Phytojournal 1998.

The Healing Power of Herbs: The Enlightened Person's Guide to the Wonders of Medicinal Plants Michael T. Murray, N.D. See book keywords and concepts

Clinical studies show that extracts of black cohosh relieve not only hot flashes, but also depression and vaginal atrophy.5 In addition to exerting vascular effects, black cohosh reduces luteinizing hormone (LH) levels, thus implying a significant estrogenic effect. Remifemin®, a commercial formulation, is the most popular natural alternative to estrogen therapy in Germany.

The Natural Way to Heal: 65 Ways to Create Superior Health Walter Last See book keywords and concepts

Take vitamin B6, vitamin E tablets, and magnesium in high doses; alkalize your system with calcium and magnesium; frequently suck on a tablet of magnesium orotate; take lecithin, glutamine, MSM, taurine, black cohosh, and copper salicylate; try raw egg yolk, mussel, or oyster extract. Have a chiropractic neck adjustment; do head and neck exercises; do the herbal parasite cure; sanitize your bedroom. Minimize emotional stress; reduce your exposure to fluorescent or flickering lights, television, and computer games. Try south-pole magnets placed at the temples.

Medical Herbalism: The Science Principles and Practices Of Herbal Medicine David Hoffman, FNIMH, AHG See book keywords and concepts

As of December 1998, this list included: American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) Beth root (Trillium spp.) black cohosh (Cimifuga racemosa) Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) Blue cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides) Echinacea (Echinacea spp.) Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) Helonias root (Chamaelirium luteum) Kava kava (Piper methysticum) Lady's slipper (Cypripedium spp.) Lomatium (Lomatium dissectum) Osha (Ligusticum porterii) Partridgeberry (Mitchella repens) Peyote (Lophophora williamsii) Slippery elm (Ulmus rubra) Sundew (Drosera spp.

The Way of Chinese Herbs Michael Tierra, L.Ac, O.M.D. See book keywords and concepts

Dose: 3-9 grams Black cohosh (SHENG MA) Cimicijuga foetidae et species Common Names: black cohosh, cimicifuga, Chinese cohosh Family: Ranunculaceae Part Used: Root Energy and Flavors: Cool; spicy, sweet, acrid, slightly bitter Organ Meridians Affected: Lung, spleen, stomach, large intestine Properties: Diaphoretic, antipyretic, antifungal, antibacterial Effects and Indications: Clears wind heat and fever, regulates the circulation of qi, relieves pain and headaches, and hastens the completion of eruptive skin diseases, such as measles, in the early stages.

Fundamentals of Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy Dr. Michael Heinrich, Joanne Barnes, Simon Gibbons and Elizabeth M. Williamson See book keywords and concepts

Anti-inflammatory activity has been demonstrated in vitro and in vivo (rodents) for certain constituents, fractions and extracts of black cohosh (for review, see Upton 2002). Toxicity Adverse effects are rare, but may include gastrointestinal OAc PkTh Jh >t-0 H '"<>\)h HO-V-HO-^- OH Ah Actein disturbance and lowering of blood pressure with high doses. It should be avoided in pregnancy and lactation because of insufficient data. Chasteberry, Vitex agnus castus L.

AHP, Santa Cruz Upton R (ed) 2002 black cohosh. In: American herbal pharmacopeia. AHP. Sacramento Williamson EM (ed) 2002 Major herbs of Ayurveda. Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh 19 The reproductive and urinary tracts Drugs used in hormonal disorders have been covered in Chapter 18. Other drugs that are used in obstetrics, including substances used in childbirth, and genitourinary disorders and erectile dysfunction in men, will be mentioned briefly here.

Herbs for Health and Healing Kathi Keville See book keywords and concepts

In fact, black cohosh preparations, such as Cimi-cifuga-Pentakran, are commonly sold in European pharmacies to reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes or to which is used to relieve hot flashes. After two months, the herbs lowered the women's luteinizing hormone levels. At least three different synergistic compounds that have this effect were found in black cohosh. Robert Atkins, M.D., a well-known nutritional specialist, says that out of hundreds of his patients who complained of hot flashes, approximately 80 percent of them responded to ginseng.

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