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Black Cohosh as been around for centuries and was widely used by North American Native Americans. It was used for malaise, gynecological problems, kidney problems, sore throats and joint pain. In the 1800’s not only was it used as a diuretic, but also to bring on menstruation.

Today it is sold under the name of Remifemin and there’s a great debate about its uses for menopause symptom relief. Originally researchers thought that Black Cohosh worked by targeting the receptors for estrogen. However, a 2003 study done by Judy L. Bolton, PhD shows that the herb is not estogenic in nature, but rather it bind with seratonin receptors in the same capacity as anti-depressants. Anti-depressants have been shown to reduce hot flashes in perimenopausal women probably because seratonin receptors are some of the same receptors used by the brain to regulate body temperature.

Whatever the debate or the physiological why and how it works, many women claim Black Cohosh does help in relieving hot flashes.

Benjamin Kligler, M.D., M.P.H. looked at the use, indications, contraindications and overall efficiency of Black Cohosh as a reasonable relief for menopausal symptoms. He concludes that while there aren’t enough randomized control trials to be definitive, Black Cohosh does seem to help.

Like many doctors though, he recommends that its uses should only be short term. No longer than six months at a time. With a possible adverse reaction with tamoxifen, it appears to be safe with all other medications.

Side Effects include:

gastrointestinal discomfort
dizziness
headache
giddiness
nausea
vomiting

The doses should not exceed 100 mg a day (divided into two doses) with 40 mg a day being the suggested/standard dose. It is fairly cost effective, ranging from $16-$23 a month for a 40 mg a day supply.