Black Cohosh (also known as Actaea racemosa, black bugbane, black snakeroot, or fairy candle) is a perennial plant native to eastern North America from the extreme south of Ontario to central Georgia and west to Missouri and Arkansas. Nature’s Way is one of the many pharmaceutical companies using this plant as an ingredient for their products.
Native Americans used this plant to treat gynecological and other disorders, including kidney problems, sore throats, and even depression.
Black Cohosh is used today mainly as a dietary supplement marketed to women as remedies for the symptoms of menopause, premenstrual tension, and other gynecological problems.
1) Details on Black Cohosh Ingredients and Uses
Black Cohosh includes the following ingredients: Black Cohosh, 2.5% Triterpene Glycosides, Cellulose, Maltodextrin, Modified Cellulose Gum, Silica, and Stearic Acid.
2) Is Black Cohosh Right for You?
As we have stated above, Black Cohosh has been used for hundreds of years in treating a wide range of health problems, from gynecological problems to depression.
However, its usage and effectiveness in treating these health problems are controversial. According to some placebo-controlled clinical trials that included a sufficiently high number of participants in determining the statistical significance of clinical outcomes, the use of Black Cohosh appears to be safe, but ineffective for treating menopausal hot flashes.
Furthermore, this ingredient was associated with some side effects, including liver damage, headaches, dizziness, seizures, diarrhea, sweating, nausea and vomiting, low blood pressure and slow heartbeats, constipation, and various weight problems.
Those who are allergic to aspirin should not use Black Cohosh. Those with a family history of osteoporosis, heart problems, or high blood pressure should also avoid using this supplement. Women who are pregnant or nursing and those that take various forms of prescription medications may want to consult with their doctor before taking this product.
3) Black Cohosh Cost
Black Cohosh based supplements are usually inexpensive. However, the cost will depend on the brand of the product and the quality of the ingredients.
This type of supplementation should be available for purchase from both online and offline retailers.
4) The Bottom Line – “Does it Work?”
The simple assumption that all herbal remedies are innocuous is incorrect. Many doctors and scientists are coming forward to warn potential consumers against such misconceptions.
The herbal remedies appear to be safe because they are sold online without prescription and because indigenous people have used them for thousands of years. This assumption is also incorrect.
We recommend our readers to be cautious, conduct further research, and discuss any change in diet and lifestyle with their healthcare professional. Like prescription medication, these herbal remedies may be associated with some unwanted side effects. Taking them without knowing their products may do more harm than good.
I am taking this product for several months and it really helped me with my insomnia and night sweats. Once I ran out of pills and I didn’t think something would happen if for 2 or 3 days until I get a new pillbox. The next night I had a pond in my bed from my sweat.
I used it for my hot flashes that were so annoying and since Ive been taking it my flashes are not as severe as usual.
It is a great product. After using it, my hot flashes and irritability was reduced almost to not even feeling it.