Black Cohosh is a liquid supplement based on the plant extract of black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa). The formula is a certified organic supplement produced by L.A. Naturals, a company that claims to produce only the highest quality liquid formulas based on the purest and potent herbal extracts, vitamins, and nutrients. They offer a large variety of supplements including vitamin sprays such as vitamin D3, the B Complex of vitamins, etc. They offer both alcohol based ad alcohol-free tinctures to suit the needs of a wider range of consumers.
The purpose of this formula is not listed on the manufacturer’ website. However the main uses of the plant’s bark include alleviation of menopausal symptoms, decrease of high cholesterol and high blood pressure, and prevention of prostate cancer.
The formula is advertised as free of gluten, dairy, soy, nuts, egg, fish, shellfish, artificial preservatives, colors, and sweeteners. It is also suitable for vegetarians but should not be used by pregnant or nursing women. Children are also forbidden to use the formula.
1) What is Black Cohosh?
Black cohosh root extract is a very popular alternative medicine treatment used for decades in the treatment of a broad spectrum of affections, from gynecological problems, to arthritis, respiratory conditions, nervous system disorders, spasms, swelling, or fever. One of the modern uses of black cohosh products is to control symptoms of menopause like night sweats, headaches, hot flashes, mood swings, vaginal dryness, or sleeping problems. Some studies support this claim, while others have found no direct link between the alleviation of these symptoms and the effect of black cohosh.
2) Black Cohosh Ingredients
Black Cohosh contains the following ingredients: Black Cohosh includes the following ingredients: Certified Organic Black Cohosh Root (Cimicifuga racemosa), Grain Alcohol (70-80% by volume), and deionized water.
3) What Does Black Cohosh Do?
Black cohosh is a perennial plant originated in the forests of Canada, Tennessee, and Missouri. The root of the plant has been used medicinally for many years in traditional medicine to treat sore throat, fatigue, rheumatism, bronchitis, swelling, fever, snakebite, malaria, alleviate menstrual cramps, and ease labor in pregnant women. Many other benefits have been attributed to this plant extract, but most of them have not been proven scientifically.
In modern medicine, products based on black cohosh are most often recommended to help manage symptoms of menopause, as an alternative to hormone therapy. This use is also unsupported by clinical evidence so far. Black cohosh toxicity can lead to nausea, dizziness, increased perspiration, reduced pulse, and liver toxicity. Please be careful and always talk to your doctor prior to using a dietary supplement.
The herb is not recommended for pregnant women due to its potential in causing premature birth, specifically when larger quantities are consumed. Drug interactions and side effects are also not very well documented, but based on existing evidence it is considered a generally safe product.
4) Black Cohosh Benefits & Results
- Black Cohosh is a certified organic formula
- The supplement does not contain any artificial colors, preservatives or flavors, and most of the common allergens
5) Black Cohosh Product Warnings
- There are no consumer testimonials about L.A. Naturals’ supplement
- The number of clinical trials involving black cohosh is reduced with controversial results
- The manufacturer does not indicate the specific purpose of their product (we had to assume based on the most common recommendations)
6) Black Cohosh Cost
Black Cohosh is sold directly through the manufacturer’s web-site for the price of $12.99. A bottle contains 30ml of liquid solution (1oz.) and will last for 1 month if the consumer uses the minimum recommended dosage (15 drops, 2 times daily). 30 drops is the equivalent of 1 ml.
7) How to Take Black Cohosh
Naturopaths and herbalists also recommend the extract to reduce arthritic pain, lower blood pressure, and treat prostate problems including prostate cancer. Evidence in any of these areas is scarce at this time. In the lack of solid evidence, we can only rely on the consumers’ opinion which for this particular formula, are also missing. However, consumers generally appreciate the benefits of black cohosh products in helping with postmenopausal symptoms. They mainly report reduced sweats and hot flashes after using a product based on the plant extract.
8) Conclusion
Black Cohosh formula is a single ingredient liquid supplement targeted for the use of adults. Because there is no indication of the formula’s purpose we assumed that it is designed for relieving menopausal symptoms, the most popular use of such products. However, although very popular natural remedies, Black cohosh supplements are not supported by scientific evidence which is insufficient and sometimes contradictory. It is why we advise all people interested in using such a product to ask the opinion of a specialized medical professional who is aware of your health state and well informed of black cohosh’s benefits and risks.
The formula may cause headache, upset stomach, or liver problems, so please be careful at the first sign of an adverse reaction. Overdosing is also possible, and to prevent that we advise users to stick to the recommended dosages of the manufacturer or those made by the healthcare provider.
