Using Black Cohosh as Menopause Natural Treatment
For many years, hormone replacement therapy was the preferred treatment for menopausal symptoms. In recent research however, it has been determined that the popular treatment may not be completely safe for a lot of women since it may increase the risk of breast cancer. With this discovery, women are once again making a mad scramble for menopause natural treatment. As with other conditions, natural remedies are gaining ground because people tend to think that there are lesser risks associated with natural treatment. Menopause natural treatment would invariably include taking vitamin and mineral supplements, proper diet and exercise and in many cases, herbal supplements.
One of the most common menopause natural treatment in herbal form is the black cohosh. For many women across the western world, black cohosh has become the definitive menopause natural treatment.
What it is
Black cohosh is a plant that grows naturally in North America. Historically, this known menopause natural treatment was used by American Indians to relieve a variety of conditions. These included rheumatism, malaria and the more common cough and colds. It was also used as treatment for problems in menstruation and other problems related to the female reproductive organ. Black cohosh belongs to the buttercup family. It is also known as rattleweed, bugwort, macrotys and bugbane among other names. It has been made clear that in the U.S., balck cohosh is not sold as a drug but as a supplement.
What it can do
Black cohosh as a menopause natural treatment has been believed to affect both estrogen and serotonin levels. Some therefore claim that black cohosh can alleviate the hot flushes and to some extent depression which are both associated with perimenopause.
How it can be taken
This menopause natural treatment comes in many forms. It can be taken as tea or in its more popular capsule or tablet form. The commercial forms of this menopause natural treatment have percentage specifications as to the amount of black cohosh or it chemical components to be included.
What its side effects are
The side effects of black cohosh as a menopause natural treatment are not clear. There have been some observations which point however to the connection of black cohosh and liver damage.
The verdict
On both sides, the studies on black cohosh are inconclusive. It is not scientifically clear whether it truly can relieve hot flushes. It is also not certain whether its use can really cause damage to the liver. The only thing that is clear is that some people recommend its use while others don’t. As with all other natural remedies, it should be used with caution. Check with your doctor first before deciding to use black cohosh.