Black Cohosh 100 g, 50 g, 25 g

Black Cohosh 100 g ($25.99), 50 g ($15.99), 25 g ($10.99)

Benefits:
Fibroids (uterine myomas). Black cohosh contains at least three classes of compounds that act to regulate hormone use. These compounds bind to receptor sites in the reproductive tract, the brain, and other organs that otherwise would receive estrogen. This reduces overall estrogen activity when estrogen levels are high. These substances also block the formation of luteinizing hormone (LH), which stimulates a surge of estrogen production in the first fourteen days of the menstrual cycle. This stimulates estrogen production when estrogen levels are low. The dual action of the herb allows it to stabilize the body’s estrogen usage. One 3-month study of 244 postmenopausal women found that supplementing daily with 40 mg of black cohosh may decrease the size of uterine fibroids by up to 30%.

Infertility. One of the chemical constituents of black cohosh, ferulic acid, increases the motility and viability of sperm cells by protecting their cell walls from oxidation by compounds released from environmental toxins.

Some older, smaller studies have found taking black cohosh in combination with clomiphene citrate (Clomid) may help those with unexplained infertility or fertility issues related to polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) increase their chances of ovulating and becoming pregnant.

Menopause-Related Problems And Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). Black cohosh offsets a decline in estrogen by providing powerful plant compounds called phytoestrogens that mimic the hormone’s effects. These phytoestrogens bind to hormone receptors in the uterus, breast, and other parts of the body. As a result, black cohosh is reported to lessen hot flashes, vaginal dryness, headaches, dizziness, depressed mood, and other hormone-related symptoms. This makes the herb useful as a substitute for ERT, especially when compared with synthetic hormone replacement therapies. Black cohosh does not appear to simulate the growth of breast tumors, unlike conventional hormone replacement therapy, which has been linked to a slightly increased risk of breast cancer when taken over the long term. Some researchers even think the phytoestrogens might prevent tumor growth by keeping the body’s own estrogen from stimulating breast cells. In a 2018 study of 80 menopausal women who were experiencing hot flashes, those who supplemented with 20 milligrams (mg) of black cohosh daily for 8 weeks reported significantly fewer and less severe hot flashes than before they started the supplement. What’s more, other human studies have confirmed similar findings. Though larger studies are needed, black cohosh appears to be beneficial for alleviating menopause symptoms.

Black cohosh compounds likewise regulate estrogen production before menopause and are especially useful for treating blurred vision and migraine associated with PMS. It has antispasmodic properties that may lessen menstrual discomforts. Black cohosh may increase the blood flow to the uterus, reducing the intensity of particularly painful cramps. Studies have found that black cohosh may help women with or without PCOS who are receiving fertility treatments like Clomid regulate their menstrual cycle, but more research is needed to support this.

Cancer  Black cohosh has some potentially estrogenic activity, meaning it behaves like the hormone estrogen, which may worsen breast cancer or increase your breast cancer risk. However, studies show that black cohosh does not affect your breast cancer risk. In fact, research has shown that taking black cohosh was associated with a decreased risk of breast cancer. One study has also shown that black cohosh extract exhibited anti-estrogen activity and helped slow the spread of breast cancer cells.

Mental health  Black cohosh may have some beneficial effects on mental health, particularly in menopausal women. One review of studies investigated the use of herbal supplements for anxiety and depression in menopausal women. Researchers found that supplementing with black cohosh had no effect on anxiety, but it was linked to significant improvements in psychological symptoms.

Sleep  Although there’s little evidence that black cohosh directly improves sleep, it may help reduce symptoms that are causing sleep disturbances in menopausal women, such as hot flashes. However, a 2015 study of 42 menopausal women found that supplementing with black cohosh seemed to improve sleep duration and quality. Another study noted that a combination of black cohosh and other compounds — including chasteberry, zinc, ginger, and hyaluronic acid — helped improve hot flashes that were associated with insomnia and anxiety.

Weight Loss  Menopausal women may be at an increased risk of unwanted weight gain, as their estrogen levels naturally decrease. Theoretically, because black cohosh may exhibit estrogenic effects, it may have a small beneficial effect on weight management in menopausal women.

 

Recommended Uses
Black cohosh is available in capsules, fluid extracts, tablets, and tinctures. The dosage is 40 milligrams per day, when made into a 40 percent alcohol solution. The herbs should not be used longer than six months unless advised by a physician. Taking too much may cause vomiting, headaches, dizziness, limb pain, and low blood pressure. About 10 percent of women who use black cohosh experience mild stomach upset for one to two weeks after starting the herb. To reduce the chance of stomach upset, take black cohosh with meals. Allow up to eight weeks to see benefits for menopausal problems. During this time some women have been able to reduce the dosage of ERT. There are no firm data that black cohosh can be substituted for ERT, and its cardioprotective effects are unknown.

Black cohosh should not be taken with immunosuppressive drugs used in patients who have had organ transplants. In particular it should not be used with azathioprine and cyclosporine. The herb can also potentiate the action of blood pressure–lowering medications, so these should not be used together. Black cohosh may enhance the effectiveness of tamoxifen and should not be used together without consulting an oncologist. If you are taking iron, don’t take black cohosh at the same time because it binds to iron and makes it unable to be absorbed.

Girls who have not reached puberty should not take black cohosh. The herb should be avoided altogether during pregnancy or while nursing, and by anyone who has an estrogen-sensitive cancer. Black cohosh may interfere with the action of hormonal medications (birth control pills or replacement hormones), so you should consult with a physician before combining it with such medications. You should also consult with your doctor before trying black cohosh if you have heart disease. Black cohosh may have a mild sedative effect, so it should not be taken with tranquilizers. It may also interfere with blood pressure medication.

Some herbal authorities have speculated that the estrogen-like qualities of black cohosh could be hazardous to women with undiagnosed breast cancer. This is particularly true for breast cancers that are sensitive to estrogen.

Be sure not to confuse black cohosh with blue cohosh, which may be toxic.

Botanical Name: Cimicifuga racemosa
English: Also, known as: Black snakeroot, Bugbane, Bugwort, Rattleweed, Rattleroot, Squawroot, Snakeroot, Jiuenti
Habitat: North America, Himalayas around 4000 meters
Origin: North America
Harvested: Wild
Parts Used: Root

General Information:
Black cohosh is a perennial herb that grows up to 9 ft, with irregular leaves, spike-covered with creamy white flowers and large knotty roots and having some short roots. The plant produces a stout, blackish rhizome cylindrical, hard, and knotty bearing the remains of numerous stout ascending branches. Once the leaves died and the fruits formed, roots are collected and dried in pieces. It has only a faint, disagreeable odor, but a bitter and acrid taste. Latin cimicifuga means to drive away” named because some species are used to drive away bugs and other insects. Black cohosh is not related to Blue Cohosh.

How to use:
Decoctions are suitable for roots, barks, large seeds & berries, and other dense material. The simple way to make decoction is, in a saucepan, add 1 tablespoon of dried herbs to 1 cup of water. Bring the water to boil, reduce heat and simmer for 30-60 minutes. Strain and squeeze out as much as liquid as possible and enjoy!

Tips:
You can sweeten your herbal decoctions with bit of honey, natural fruit juice, stevia leaves powder and or licorice root powder.

Precautions:
You should consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.
All information on this website is for educational purpose ONLY
This information has not been evaluated by Health Canada
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.