Black Cohosh

[BabsieGirl]

Can anyone tell me about this supplement? My dr recommended this however, I'm not too familiar with what it does and how it affects your body (long or short term.)

Thanks a lot
Babs

 

[atherjen]

Black Cohosh is a perennial flowering plant native to northeastern North America. It's normally found growing in shady woodlands ranging from Maine to Ontario, and from Georgia to Missouri. It was a popular herb in the armamentarium of Native North American herbalists; used particularly for female complaints arising from premenstrual and menopausal conditions. Currently, Black Cohosh is recommended by the Commission E (a recognized compendium of official German monographs) for premenstrual and menopausal support. It is one of the most popular herbs sold in the United States today for addressing the climacteric symptoms associated with menopause, such as anxiety and hot flashes.

Black Cohosh appears to support the endocrine regulatory system through its effects on estrogen and luteinizing hormones. Black Cohosh is contraindicated for pregnant women due to an increased risk of spontaneous abortion. It can potentiate the effect of antihypertensive medications and therefore should not be taken concurrently with these types of medications.
by Nick Rana,CN, Technical Services Manager

Also some good reads:

http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/blackcohosh.html

http://www.womenshealth.org/a/black_cohosh_remifemin_cimicifuga_menopause.htm

 

[bandaidwoman]

It mainly works by decreasing the lutenizing hormone levels. It does not have estrogenic effects that we used to think it did. however, the clinical trials are still small and contradictory depending on what formulation (although the remifenem one is the most and best studied) and overall, it does seem to be safe. A study , albiet small, in Denmark showed possible increase in aggressive breast cancer in those who were highly predisposed but it was small and poorly done and further trials are needed.

 

[BettyBlu]

I've heard people using it for inducing labour.

 

[Stacey]

It reduces your cramps- helps with Endometriosis!!!

Babsie- My friend says it helps people to get pregnant also?? She took it & got pregnant..but I haven't tried it yet.. just have read about it.

 

[BabsieGirl]

Wow, that's a first hon. I had no idea. There's another site I belong to (regarding Endo only) and their reports say it can also cause breast cancer. So I'm a little sceptical.

Natural Soy seems to be your best bet, from what I've been reading anyway.

 

[Stacey]

YEP I AGREE girlie!! It does scare me.