Black Cohosh -- A Natural Remedy?
Categories: Alternative & Green Health, Nutrition & Supplements
Black cohosh (known as both Actaea racemosa and Cimicifuga racemosa), a member of the buttercup family, is a perennial plant that is native to North America. Initial research on black cohosh suggests that it may improve some menopausal symptoms for up to six months. But while preliminary evidence is encouraging, the currently available data is not sufficient to support a recommendation on the use of the herb for menopausal symptoms.
How black cohosh works isn't understood. The safety of black cohosh in pregnant or breast-feeding women or children hasn't been established. Black cohosh is sometimes used by nurse-midwives to induce labor, but it should never be used by a pregnant woman without supervision by a qualified healthcare provider, because it could stimulate uterine contractions and result in miscarriage. Because black cohosh may act like the hormone estrogen in the body, it could also potentially interfere with hormone replacement therapy or oral contraceptives.
Recent Posts
- Thanksgiving Leftovers: Healthy Post-Holiday Recipes (11/26/2009)
- Thanksgiving: The Year's Worst Diet-Buster? (11/26/2009)
- Denise Austin 3-Week Boot Camp: DVD Review (11/26/2009)
- Turkey Tetrazzini (11/26/2009)
- More Healthy Holiday Meals: This Week on AOL Health (11/26/2009)























