Uses of Black Cohosh

Black cohosh can be used in a variety of ways but its usage normally depends on the needs of the person taking it. For centuries black cohosh has been used to treat conditions affecting the female reproductive system, such as menstrual irregularities, and infertility. Today it is commonly known as an herbal supplement that helps relieve menopausal symptoms. Due to black cohosh's hormone-like qualities, it is especially effective in treating symptoms resulting from hormone imbalance.

Cultural Practices and Traditional Uses of Black Cohosh

Native American tribes used black cohosh to remedy a wider range of aliments than many doctors would suggest today. Yet, such traditional practices demonstrate the herb's beneficial properties and provide further clues as to how this somewhat ambiguous herb affects the human body.

Among other things, black cohosh uses ranged from treating stomach problems and headaches to female reproductive problems, including menstrual irregularities, infertility, and menopause. Keep reading to learn more about cohosh�s effects when taken with other herbs.

Black Cohosh and Other Herbs

In the past, using a combination of blue and black cohosh to induce labor was a popular medical practice. Today, other, better researched medicines are more commonly used but black cohosh may still be effective in this way.

As very little testing has been carried out into the black cohosh herb, the adverse effects of this supplement when taken in conjunction with others are unknown. It is always advisable to seek professional medical advice when contemplating using a new supplement, and never more so when already taking prescribed medication or other herbal remedies on a regular basis.

Read the next section to discover more about the modern uses of black cohosh, its products, and the recommended dosages of this herb.

Modern Uses for Black Cohosh

Nowadays, many women use black cohosh to relieve a variety of problems related to the female reproductive system; some of these are:

. Infertility
. Menstrual Irregularities
. Menopause Symptoms:
- Mood swings
- Depression
- Hot Flashes
- Sleep disturbances
- Night sweats

Black cohosh is most commonly used to alleviate menopause symptoms because of its apparent estrogen-balancing qualities. However, very little research has been carried out into this herb and medical professionals are not agreed on how exactly black cohosh is effective. The American Medical Association has gone as far as to say that Black Cohosh is only helpful in the short-term.

Different Black Cohosh Products

The Black Cohosh Root or Rhizomes (underground stems) are the most commonly used part of the plant, and can be ground up and made into different products for consumption. Available products include black cohosh tablets, black cohosh pills and black cohosh extract in its natural form, which can be made into black cohosh tea.

Black Cohosh Dosage

Cohosh dosage is dependant on the person taking it and the problems they are suffering from. Due to the differing preparation methods of this herb from company to company, it is important to read any information given upon purchasing cohosh.

Black cohosh is commonly taken in tablet form and is known to have the equivalent to 20 mg of root per tablet. Recent trials found that around 40 milligrams per day of such tablets lessened menopause symptoms in 70% of the women tested.

It's important to check with a doctor before taking new medication to make sure that the intake of black cohosh herbs does not have any negative effect on any other medication being used.

Cohosh Uses and Weight Loss

Although it isn�t regarded as an herb for weight loss, one use of black cohosh is to reduce weight that has been gained as a result of hormone imbalance. During menopause, as estrogen levels drop, the body looks for other stores of estrogen. Fat cells contain large amounts of this hormone and so the body begins to produce more fat cells as a way to boost estrogen levels.

Unfortunately, fat cells cannot be used in the same way muscle cells can, and so a rise in fat cells may result in increased weight. Thus, when black cohosh use balances and raises estrogen levels it can, in turn, stop the production of fat cells which promotes weight loss. As well as helping to boost a woman's confidence, this may also help fight against weight-related health problems.

Safety during Black Cohosh Use

It is always advisable to consult a doctor or medical professional before ingesting a new type of medication, even if it is a natural remedy. Another way of ensuring safety during a course of black cohosh supplements would be to only take the recommended amount. Keep reading to learn more about what to do in case of overdose.

Overdose

If more than the recommended amount of black cohosh extract is consumed it's important to seek medical attention immediately. Although it is unlikely that any serious side effects will occur, it is possible that high levels of the black cohosh supplement in the body could cause kidney and liver damage if not treated straight away.

Now that the side effects of black cohosh have been explained. Click the following link to continue reading about black cohosh benefits.

Conclusions about Black Cohosh

Black cohosh is great for treating some menopause symptoms, but it has recently been criticized for adding artificial hormones to the body. In doing so, black cohosh can trigger side effects and can even cause serious conditions such as breast cancer.

Alternative treatments are just as effective as black cohosh, but without the side effects. Non-estrogenic herbs, for example, are a great option for treating menopause symptoms. Read more in the following article.