Have been hearing a lot about Black cohosh, does it work for Menopause? It is apparently used by native americans for many female problems, and I was told they use it for estrogen replacement.

Black Cohosh is said to relieve symptoms of menopause such as vaginal dryness, hot flashes, headaches, mood swings and heart palpitations. Reviews on it's effectiveness with these symptoms is mixed.

Yes Native Americans and chinese I think used it for normalising menstrual function, to return a woman to her pre-pregnancy state after birth, and for menopause. It has been described as "hormone-like" and a mild euphoric by some. But I am not sure how true these claims are.

Though there are studies on Black cohosh where it has been tested for mood and physical symptoms in menopausal women and found that women who took it did as well as those who took estrogen or valium, and better than those who took nothing.

However, having said that, I don't think I would try it with such limited knowledge on it.

Apparently, black cohosh has not been evaluated by the FDA, so there is no way to find out if it is safe and effective. As a general rule, you should see your healthcare professional if you intend to take any traditional/ cultural medication.

Chocolover is right. The reason there's so much controversy is because people view black cohosh from a "western" view of medicine. In truth, black cohosh has NO hormonal qualities. The way it works for menopause is due to its relaxant qualities. It relaxes the central nervous system and calms down the areas that cause the problem.

Another reason for controversy is because black cohosh is being used to treat symptoms without addressing the underlying causes which involve the liver/colon/blood&lymphatics;, etc. In my opinion, based on experience, black cohosh should be used as part of a complete herbal program for a complete and long-lasting benefit and not just to treat a symptom.

Charles in Arizona
The Herbalist
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^Do you mean that, to a certain extent, black cohosh can also be an effective cure to some health conditions?

Black cohoh was first use for arthritis and muscle pain But now since we are mocing formward it was researche it can be use to treat menstrual irregularities, hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and other symptoms that can occur during menopause.

Is there any side effect of black cohosh?

Based on research the primary side effect of black cohosh would be liver problems. The medicine is good for the body since it is organic but it is advisable to take it for 2 weeks straight and after that for a whole week and go back to the medication again.

I want to give this supplement to my father because he has arthritis. I would ask first a doctor if this is good for him since it has side effects such as liver problems.

That’s a good choice. Do not buy medicine if you don’t have a background of it. Better to ask a physician to examine and determine the medicines if it’s good for your father.