Black cohosh is a natural alternative to hormone replacement therapy for treating PMS and menopausal symptoms. Native Americans used it for various ailments, and modern research shows it balances hormone levels and acts as a mild anti-inflammatory. However, women should consult a doctor before taking it.
Black cohosh is an herb that has become synonymous with treating PMS and menopausal symptoms, and is now a popular alternative to hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
Hormones can start to affect a woman soon after she reaches her teens. Young women use pain relievers and heating pads for relief, but when menopausal symptoms begin, women need something more. From hot flashes to sore breasts to cramps, women have suffered for centuries. Recently, HRT has been used to alleviate these ailments, but research has shown that the side effects are often worse than the cure. The use of black cohosh as a dietary supplement has proven to be a liberating alternative.
Native Americans were the first to use the black cohosh root. The plant is tall and flowering, similar to goldenrod, but the flowers are white. Also known as the beetle or black snake, it is a member of the buttercup family. Native Americans discovered that the root could be used as a healing herb for malaria, rheumatism, sore throats, colds, constipation, hives, backaches, and to induce lactation. In the 19th century, early Americans used it as a home remedy for fevers and to trigger menstruation; it was even thought to prevent miscarriage and minimize labor pains.
Modern research has shown that while it doesn’t cure anything, black cohosh treats the unpleasant symptoms of PMS and menopause, such as depression and minor aches and pains. It actually balances luteinizing hormone levels and serves as a mild anti-inflammatory. Research has also shown that the herb is a mild sedative and decongestant.
In recent years, women have discovered that black cohosh is a natural treatment for the symptoms of PMS and menopause. The studies are still relatively new, but according to Stanley M. Cohen, MD, assistant professor of medicine at the University of Chicago, the herb may possibly cause the immune system to attack the liver. This is extremely rare, but women should tell their healthcare providers if they are taking it and request a liver function test.
With the approval of a medical professional, black cohosh may be worth considering as an alternative to HRT. Many women have found relief and a better quality of life after taking it. When choosing a supplement, the standardized extract is recommended; This ensures that it includes the necessary ingredients for maximum benefit. This herb may interfere with oral contraceptives and other medications, and unless directed by a medical professional, pregnant or nursing women are advised not to take it.
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