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Home >
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Supplement Articles
> Black Cohosh |
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BLACK COHOSH
Articles by a Naturopathic
Doctor ( N.D.)
Can aid with conditions
of high estrogen activity
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BLACK COHOSH |
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Eases the symptoms
of menopause and
arthritis |
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The Latin name of
black cohosh,
Cimicifuga, actually
means bug repeller,
although today it is
better known for its
hormonal activity.
Black cohosh is a
phytoestrogenic
agent. This means
that it contains
plant estrogens,
compounds that look
similar to human
estrogen and can
interact with
estrogen receptors
in the human body.
The important thing to
remember is that these plant
estrogens only stimulate the
receptors a fraction of the
amount that the hormone estrogen
would. Therefore
black cohosh can be
used to treat
conditions of high
estrogen activity,
by blocking the
activity of the
hormone estrogen. |
It can also
treat conditions of low
estrogen activity by binding
to vacant receptor sites and
causing a bit of hormonal
stimulation. Black cohosh is
used to treat menopausal
symptoms, like hot flashes,
anxiety and depression, and
PMS and painful periods.
Black cohosh also contains
aspirin precursor molecules
called salicylates.
Therefore black cohosh has
pain relieving and
anti-inflammatory properties
that are useful for
conditions like arthritis.
Some compounds in black
cohosh have been found to
decrease blood pressure by
dilating vessels making
black cohosh useful for
treating high blood
pressure.
Most black cohosh
supplements are made from
encapsulated dried root.
Be sure to purchase a
product that has been
standardized to the
triterpene content.
This is an assurance that
the product contains black
cohosh and has some active
properties.
Black cohosh may cause
miscarriage when taken
during the first trimester
of pregnancy. It is
potentially toxic to infants
and should not be used by
breastfeeding mothers.
Individuals with estrogen
sensitive tumours or a
history of such tumours
should not use black cohosh.
Theoretically black cohosh
may alter levels of oral
contraceptives, hormone
replacement medication or
blood thinners but this has
not been seen clinically.
Do not use black cohosh if
you are allergic to aspirin. |
Black
Cohosh–
QUICK FACTS
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PARTS USED
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·
Black Cohosh
root. |
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APPLICATIONS |
·
Hormonal
imbalances,
PMS,
menopausal
symptoms,
arthritis,
hypertension. |
OPTIMUM
DOSAGE
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·
40-80mg
daily,
standardized
to 1mg
triterpene
glycosides.
(Clinical
doses may be
higher as
recommended
by your
practitioner). |
WORKS WELL
WITH
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·
Vitamin B
complex,
calcium,
magnesium,
soy
isoflavones,
red clover,
dong quai. |
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IMPORTANT
INFORMATION
click for products |
·
Adverse
effects are
rare and are
usually
limited to
stomach
upset.
·
Black cohosh
should not
be used by
breastfeeding
mothers,
those with a
history of
estrogen
sensitive
tumours or
people who
are allergic
to aspirin. |
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For
informational
purposes only.
Please consult your
health care
practitioner before
taking natural
health care
products. Click here
for full disclaimer. |
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All articles
copyright National Nutrition
2001 - 2011. For educational
purposes only. Please note
that while National Nutrition
supports your right to use
natural health care products for
any therapeutic purpose that you
see fit, that the information on
this website should not be
considered as a claim or as a
substitute for medical advice. |
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