What about black cohosh?
Black cohosh tends to be one of those supplements that is recommended by a friend, it’s not advertised widely.
Like all products recommended by a friend, it may not have the same effect on you.
We are all different, what your sister experiences is not necessarily what you will, or do, experience.
Cimicifuga Racemosa, is available as a tincture, as drops to put into water to drink, and also as tablets, the most common being Remifemin.
Caution : There is a warning not to use Black Cohosh if you are taking prescribed blood pressure treatments or are sensitive to Asprin or Salicylates.
Black Cohosh was used by the Native Americans who called it “black snake root” because of its gnarled black root. They boiled up the root and drank the tea, and used it to ease menstrual cramps, labour pains and as an abortifacient. ( It produces endometrial stimulation.)
Relief of emotional symptoms
It was originally thought that Black Cohosh had similar properties to plant estrogens, but more recent research suggests that it has more of a serotonin effect. There is a link between low levels of serotonin and depression.
So it’s thought to help with the mood swings, depression and weepiness that are associated with hormone fluctuation.
Many women have reported a lessening of hot flushes, but the researchers say otherwise. Black Cohosh doesn’t alleviate hot flushes, they say.
If you find that it relieves you, then believe your own senses. In any case, all research studies have shown that black cohosh is well tolerated for up to 6 months. Like any therapy that you decide to use, 6 months is recommended.
The Research
The latest study found that the standardised preparation of black cohosh worked no better than placebo for relieving menopausal hot flushes.
There’s still room for large, sound trials testing bigger doses, different dose schedules, or longer treatment periods.
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I used it in the past, it was very effective. I am a breast cancer survivor now, so anything that does what black cohosh does I can’t really use. But if you are not prone it is a great sub for HRT