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Herbal supplements made from plant leaves, bark, fruit, flowers, and roots have been used since time immemorial to cure various ailments. One of the many herbal supplements circulating in the community is black cohosh supplements. What are these supplements made of, and what are their health benefits? Read more in this article.
Health benefits of black cohosh supplements
Black cohosh (Actaea racemosa) is a flowering plant whose habitat is found in central and southern North America. The root of this plant has been used as an herbal tea for thousands of years. Native Americans originally used black cohosh to treat snake bites, uterine disorders, and nervous disorders.
As technology develops, black cohosh is more often processed into dietary supplements. In Europe, herbal supplements containing a combination of 20 mg of black cohosh and refermin have been used in the last 40 years to treat a variety of menopausal symptoms - from hot flashes, mood swings, vaginal dryness, and excessive sweating. Some studies say this plant helps reduce hot flashes and improves mood and sleep patterns for women during menopause.
Researchers are not sure how this plant works in helping relieve menopausal symptoms. One study conducted a study on perimenopausal and menopausal women for about six months. Women who took this drug for about six months reported that their menopausal symptoms were better controlled.
Recommended dosages for effective black cohosh supplements include:
- Postmenopausal heart disease: 40 mg daily for three months, stopped, then taken for another three months.
- Mental health in postmenopausal women: 128 mg daily for one year.
- Bone density in postmenopausal women: 40 mg daily for three months.
Other uses of this supplement are to treat several medical conditions, such as kidney problems, malaria, arthritis, sore throats, help with childbirth, and stomach cramps during menstruation.
However, research on the benefits of black cohosh supplements is relatively rare. More research is needed to confirm its effectiveness and safety.
What are the side effects of black cohosh?
Many of the side effects of cohosh supplements have not been scientifically proven. The potential side effects can be mild to serious. One rare, but very dangerous, side effect risk is liver damage. If you have a history of liver disorders, it is not recommended to take this drug.
Also, avoid cohosh supplements if you experience symptoms that could indicate liver problems, such as stomach pain, jaundice, or dark urine. Other side effects include stomach upset, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure, and arrhythmias.
Black cohosh supplements are not recommended for use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. There is a risk of early labor for women who are pregnant. Also, it is not recommended for use in children. Make sure you are not allergic to this plant before using it.
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