The field of herbal remedies is filled with quackery. There are volumes of inaccurate, deceptive, and misleading information. On this page we separate fact from fiction and review herbs that are safe and effective.

Hot Flashes

Early physical symptoms of menopause include hot flashes, night sweats and sleeplessness. Those infamous hot flashes usually last between three and six minutes and may occur up to several times a day. Hot flashes can be disabling and physically draining. They can be associated with profuse sweating and can be quite embarrassing. They can also cause insomnia. Hot flashes generally begin suddenly on the chest, neck and face. Associated symptoms such as headache or pressure, nausea, and difficulty with concentration are common. Those classic signs of menopause have only recently become the focus of scientific study.

Estrogen has been the most commonly prescribed treatment for hot flashes and is in fact the third most commonly prescribed drug in America. Many women can not take estrogen because of a history of breast cancer. Other women have distressing side effects such as irregular bleeding and have chosen not to take estrogen. For these women there are few alternatives. Black cohosh has been the focus of eight studies. These studies have shown that black cohosh may decrease hot flashes in some women.

BLACK COHOSH
(cimicifuga racemosa)
Other Names: Squaw root, Black snake root, Rattle weed
General Description: Black Cohosh is a North American forest plant which can grow up to 8 feet tall.
Parts Used: The rhizome.
Active Ingredient: 24-deoxyacteine.
Traditional Uses: The American Indians boiled the root and drank the resulting beverage for a variety of diseases of women. Hence the name Squaw root.
Current Status: Black Cohosh is fairly well studied in Germany, where it is used to treat hot flashes. Experiments have shown that the herb has substances that bind to estrogen receptors in animal models and lower LH ( a hormone which is elevated in menopause ) in both animals and humans.The herb was an official drug in the U.S. Pharmacopoeia from 1820 to 1926.
Precautions: There are no reports of toxic effects if used in recommended doses.
Not recommended for use in pregnancy.
References: 7, 8, 10, 11, 43

Click Here to return to the symptoms page.

Disclaimer - Menopause-Online^TM is not intended as medical advice. Its intent is solely informational and educational. The information is not a substitute for talking with your health professional.

The Menopause Online web site was created by
Innovative Internet Marketing Solutions