Black Cohosh and Hot Flashes

As women today advance in years and experience the inevitable changes in their bodies, choices are available to assist them in dealing with the more challenging aspects. While advances in modern medicine have brought relief to some of the discomforts of physical change, many women prefer natural remedies such as Black Cohosh.

Found primarily in the forests of North America, Black Cohosh, also known as Squaw Root, Black Snake Root, and Rattle Weed, can grow up to eight feet tall. The medicinal properties of the plant are found in its roots.

Originally used by the Indians of North America for dealing with such maladies as malaise, rheumatism, aches, pains, gynecological problems, as well as a host of others, Black Cohosh gained popularity with European settlers. It was used throughout the nineteenth century as a home remedy for ailments common to both males and females. The popularity of the plant spread to Europe, where it is still used extensively today.

Today, Black Cohosh is being used by women in America to deal with hot flashes that accompany menopause. Numerous studies have been conducted on its medicinal properties and the findings are, as yet, inconclusive. Recently, fukinolic acid has been identified in the plant, and found to have

some estrogenic activity, but again, no one study has led to a definitive conclusion as to the plants ability to deal with the symptoms of menopause.

Since Black Cohosh is sold as a dietary supplement and not a drug, the Food and Drug Administration does not oversee regulation of its production, consistency, and effectiveness. It is important for women considering this alternative to understand the facts, and not be influenced by unrealistic marketing information.

There are few adverse effects related to the taking of Black Cohosh, but do, in some cases, include headaches, stomach discomforts and a heaviness in the legs. One life-threatening instance of liver disease has been reported as a result of the use of Black Cohosh, however the exact cause could not be absolutely identified. Women considering this supplement as a way of combating hot flashes should be aware of these mild, but known discomforts and decide accordingly whether or not Black Cohosh should be taken.

A number of sources of useful information on Black Cohosh exist on the internet and should be perused before adding it to your diet. Clinical trials have been conducted and their results are made available to the public, many appearing on internet sites.

The suitability of Black Cohosh as means of relief for the hot flashes that accompany

menopause will largely be left to the individual. Definitive evidence suggesting Black Cohosh reduces the incidence and severity of hot flashes has yet to be found. As with any non-regulated supplement purported to offer relief of discomfort, caveat emptor, or buyer beware.

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