Black Cohosh Extract and Menopause

Black cohosh is a perennial plant native to North America and a part of the buttercup family. Other common names for black cohosh are black snakeroot, rattleroot, rattleweed and bugbane. The scientific name for black cohosh is Actaea racemosa or Cimicifuga recemosa. Black cohosh extract comes from the underground stems, called rhizomes, and roots of the plant.

The Native Americans used black cohosh for many ailments, including colds and coughs, sore throats, malaria, gynecological problems and to help start lactation for breast feeding. Later, it was used to treat rheumatism and to help start menstruation and sometimes induce labor. Traditionally, black cohosh was supposed to be a treatment for rattlesnake bites, but little evidence exists of the effectiveness of this treatment. Currently, black cohosh extract is used to treat the symptoms of menopause, like night sweats and hot flashes. One study has shown that 8 mg/day of black cohosh extract reduced the effects of hot flashes. Another study claimed some improvement in the cells of the vagina, reducing the dryness often associated with menopausal changes.

Additional benefits may include relief from other symptoms of menopause such as palpitations, depression, trouble sleeping and irritability. While black cohosh extract can cause headaches and nausea, the side effects are mild. Other side effects can include a heavy feeling in the legs and weight gain. Although historically used to induce labor, pregnant women should avoid the use of black cohosh, since it has been shown to have some adverse effects on the infant.

Additionally, the effect of black cohosh extract on breast cancer patients has not been studied, so it is not recommended for those diagnosed with this cancer. Black cohosh extract is a main component of some of the nationally marketed, brand name, products to treat menopause. If you are looking for relief for your hot flashes and night sweats, black cohosh may be the answer for you!

Recommended Black Cohosh Extract Supplement

We have stumbled upon a company that produces a product that provides the highest quality of Black Cohosh Extract is Xtend-Life Natural Products from New Zealand. Xtend-Life has one of the strictest regulatory environments in the world for the manufacture of dietary supplements, far exceeding U.S. FDA standards.

Their flagship product, Total Balance, contains standardized Black Cohosh Extract, along with many other potent herbal supplement extracts, numerous vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and other speciality nutrients, many of which are documented in this site.

We here at www.InstantHealthSecret.com personally take Xtend-Life's Total Balance as the foundation of our own health regimen and have achieved excellent results: we have noticed an increase in energy, mental acuity, and general sense of well-being.