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Black Cohosh Today
Used in Europe for over 60 years, with
experience in over 1.5 million cases for the treatment of
menopausal symptoms, black cohosh is again becoming known
in its native land as a possible alternative for reducing
unpleasant symptoms associated with menopause. Efficacy and
safety are confirmed by long-term clinical experience, as
well as at least eleven recent controlled clinical studies,
along with acute toxicity studies which help to confirm its
safety.
In Germany, black cohosh is covered
by a positive monograph of the German Commission E. Products
can be labeled for "premenstrual discomfort, dysmenorrhea
or climacteric (menopausal) neurovegetative ailments." The
German authorities suggest a daily dose of a liquid extract
(with 40-60 percent alcohol) equivalent to 40 mg of the dried
root. Transient gastric discomfort is the only side effect
reported by the German authorities. Presumably because long-term
toxicity studies have not been conducted, duration of use
is limited to six months.
Black cohosh will become of increasing
interest to women looking for an alternative to estrogen therapy
in the treatment of menopausal symptoms. Not only is it widely
used in Europe, black cohosh and related species have a long
history of use in both Asia and North America. Among women's
herbs, black cohosh is the most important rising star.
Further reading:
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