By Linda Bruton
Black cohosh for hot flashes has been used hundreds of years. Black cohosh, also known as Cimicifuga racemosa and Actaea racemosa, is a member of the buttercup family. The perennial plant originated in North America. Black cohosh common names are bugbane, rattleroot, bugwort, rattletop, macrotys, rattleweed, and black snakeroot. Its preparations are mixtures of underground stems (rhizomes) and roots.
Many women commonly use black cohosh for hot flashes, but it is also used to relieve night sweats, menstrual problems, and mild mood changes. This herb is sold in the U. S. as a dietary supplement. Just why it is so effective is not understood completely by researchers. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has stated that the effectiveness of black cohosh for hot flashes can last six months or more for women displaying menopausal symptoms.
Once upon a time black cohosh was believed to be associated with lower levels of certain hormones and estrogen receptors. In the latest studies, however, this was shown to be false. This information is extremely important for women considering estrogen-based supplements and remedies. The use of estrogen replacement therapy has been shown to increase the risk of breast cancer. That is why a non-hormonal solution like black cohosh for hot flashes is welcome to so many women.
The optimum black cohosh dosage may vary in different supplements. You may also find that the dosage that relieves your symptoms will be different than other women. Remifemin is one of the many available preparations of black cohosh you will find at your health food store. It contains 20 mg of black cohosh root extract per tablet. If you aren't sure where to start, Remifemin is widely available and a good supplement to try.
Compared to other black cohosh preparations, Remifemin is well researched. It has been used for decades in treating menopause symptoms in Germany. The GEC (the German counterpart of the FDA) conducted extensive testing to determine Remifemin's safety and the efficacy of the other herbal products available. The commission has approved black cohosh for hot flashes as a safe product when utilized according to its dosage instructions.
A recent thorough study conducted by Liske revealed that forty milligrams of Remifemin a day decreases over seventy percent of the hot flash symptoms of menopause. The hormonal changes were also evaluated and effects related to estrogen were not found. The published study done by the Annals of Internal Medicine revealed that black cohosh for hot flashes is a very effective treatment. On top of that, the Breast Cancer Research and Treatment Foundation also found that black cohosh is safe for women with a history of breast who cannot take estrogen. Black cohosh for hot flashes is thus a terrific alterative to hormone therapy.
Black cohosh has few side effects. A few women have reported gastric discomfort, but only for a short time. Clinical trials which compared black cohosh to estrogens preparations showed lower incidence of adverse results from black cohosh. You should note, however, that this herbal product is not adequately studied in pregnant women or women who are breastfeeding. Women who are undergoing treatment for their high blood pressure should take proper cautions as well.
As you will note, black cohosh for hot flashes is a treatment that works very well for the majority of women suffering menopausal symptoms. It relieves most symptoms, while causing few - if any - side effects. If you are suffering from menopausal hell, it is well worth trying!
About the Author: Discover how YOU can relieve hot flashes and menopausal symptoms without HRT. Pick up your free special report "Coping with Hot Flashes the Natural Way" by clicking here: http://www.survivemenopause.com
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