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.

More stories like this in Mind over Menopause

Similar articles on herbs ..

Herbs for Health

The Phytoestrogen Buzz.

You can also use the Search Box in the top right or the tags in the right column.

Phytogestrens have been called ‘natural miracle agents’ which prevent cancer, coronary heart disease and osteoporosis. What are they?

Please note : The term “natural” has no special medical significance. When “natural” is used on a dietary supplement product labeling, its purpose is for marketing only.

What are phytoestrogens? They are plant compounds which are similar in chemical makeup to the female hormone estrogen, on a much lower scale and with much lower potency. They act upon the estrogen receptor sites in your body.

Phytoestrogens are found in the seeds, stems, roots or flowers of plants, serving as natural fungicides and acting as part of the plant’s defence mechanism against micro-organisms.

The interest in phytoestrogens has developed with epidemiological evidence that diets rich in these compounds have led women in Japan and Asia to have a much lower incidence of “Western diseases” such as heart disease, osteoporosis, and cancers of breast, colon, and womb.

We are told that women in these countries don’t experience the discomfort of sudden sweats, hot flushes and mood swings either. Whether this, if actually true, means we can get the same protection by boosting our diets with phytoestrogens is another matter.

There are three types of phytoestrogens and their dietary sources include:

• Isoflavones – The food that is richest by far in phytoestrogens is soybeans. Herbs like black cohosh, red clover, and dong quai and beans such as lima and lentil.
• Lignans – (enterolactone and enterodiol) found in oilseeds like flaxseed and linseed, cereal bran, fruit, vegetables and grains.
• Coumestans – good sources include sprouting seeds such as alfalfa.

However, there is no proof that any food supplement will ease menopausal discomfort.

The herbs ginseng and false unicorn are also said to ease menopause symptoms by acting at estrogen receptor sites. Also, herbs such as liquorice and sarsaparilla are often used to stimulate and boost the adrenal glands, which have now become the main manufacturers of estrogen.

To sum up

• Moderate amounts of foods containing phytoestrogens can be included in the diet. Available evidence concerning phytoestrogens and health is conflicting and incomplete.
• Please consult a registered naturopath or herbalist if you prefer to use alternative therapies and always inform your physician.

Many herbal preparations can have serious side effects or potentially dangerous interactions with anesthesia or other medications. If you take medicines that involve regular blood level monitoring or any medicines known to increase the risk of allergic reactions, don’t take herbal medications without first consulting your physician.

If you have had breast cancer and want to take herbal therapy, get a safety clearance from your cancer specialist first, and if you’re having surgery with general anesthesia, stop taking all herbal preparations a full six weeks before the date of surgery.

Alternative therapy imeans practices used instead of standard treatments – an either-or situation. These same practices can also be used in conjunction with standard treatments, in which case they would then be complementary practices. Always inform your doctor if you use alternative therapies especially if you’re taking other medications or having a dental or surgical procedure.

Recommended Reading

Common Herbs for Natural Health

It’s also good for zapping bacteria, keeping your heart healthy, warding off coughs and colds – and don’t worry it needn’t give you bad breath!

Many marvellous effects and healing powers have been ascribed to Garlic. It possesses stimulant and stomachic properties in addition to its other virtues.

• Apart from the known and ancient use as an antispetic, Garlic can have a powerful antioxidant effect which helps to protect the body against damaging “free radicals”.

• Garlic also has a reputation for assisting with blood pressure management. The research data is not conclusive, however it does appear that there is some evidence to support the role of garlic in reducing systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The reputed beneficial effects of garlic on blood pressure come more from the garlic sulphides which are not destroyed by cooking.

• Garlic might also assist blood pressure indirectly by helping to manage cholesterol levels.

• Garlic assists the circulation of blood

Garlic is not a substitute for prescription medicine, but part of a healthy lifestyle.

Garlic Breath

The answer to garlic breath is to eat parsley.(It’s probably no coincidence that many garlic recipes also contain parsley).

Don’t just sprinkle in a teaspoon of dried parsley when cooking, you need to chew at least one sprig of fresh parsley after your meal containing garlic.

More information

The Mayo Clinic has published some easy to read results on The use of Garlic based on scientific evidence

One question yet remains. Can it ward off the undead?

Recommended Reading

Honey, Garlic, & Vinegar Home Remedies & Recipes