I'm Having Hot Flashes. Can Black Cohosh Help?
Many menopausal women have reported the effects of black cohosh in treating symptoms of menopause, most notably hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings and depression. However, at this point in time, little clinical research has been done to support these claims and how this herb works remains a mystery. Keep reading below to learn more about black cohosh and its uses.
The Mystery of Black Cohosh
In fact, very little is known about the black cohosh herb. Until recently, scientists believed black cohosh was a phytoestrogenic compound that introduced plant-based estrogens into the body to treat hormone imbalance. New research about the herb has contradicted this information, leaving scientists to wonder exactly how this mystery herb works. Click here to read about how phytoestrogenic herbs treat menopausal symptoms, or continue reading below to learn about the reported benefits of black cohosh.
Benefits of Black Cohosh
Black cohosh has been used by Native Americans as an herbal remedy to treat various ailments for hundreds of years. Keep reading below to learn about the top four health benefits of black cohosh.
1.) Hormone Irregularities
Native to the woods of eastern North America, black cohosh has traditionally been used by Native Americans to treat hormone irregularities caused by menstruation, infertility and menopause. Not much has changed since those days-black cohosh is still one of the leading supplements in treating menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes!
2.) Weight Loss
Up to 90% of women experience weight gain during menopause. Black cohosh is commonly identified as a natural supplement that boosts weight loss by treating hormone imbalance; pitting it as a double threat by combating menopausal hot flashes helping shed those few extra pounds. It may also reduce the risk of weight-related illnesses such as heart disease, stroke, breast cancer, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
3.) Arthritis
The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that black cohosh may help reduce inflammation caused by osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. However, more research is needed to fully support these early findings.
4.) Osteoporosis
The plant-based estrogens in herbs such as black cohosh may help aging women maintain healthy bone density levels. Again, more research is needed to fully support this claim.
Recommendation
Unfortunately, natural supplements are often given very little attention by the medical community. Little is known about the benefits and side effects of black cohosh. You should always consult with a doctor before introducing a natural supplement such as black cohosh into your lifestyle. You can also read more about the reported side effects of black cohosh by clicking here.
