Women’s Herbal Wisdom

(Page 7 of 7)

March/April 2005
By Linda B. White, M.D. 
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Scientists have yet to pinpoint how black cohosh works. Unlike HRT, it does not influence blood levels of reproductive hormones, nor does it stimulate cells in the uterus or breast. In fact, it can actually inhibit division of breast cancer cells and enhance the inhibitory effect of the cancer drug tamoxifen. The implication is that black cohosh doesn’t seem to pose a risk for uterine or breast cancer. A recent analysis in the Journal of the North American Menopause Society confirmed the safety of this herb.

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You can take black cohosh as a standardized extract (40 mg a day) or tincture. Radoff finds that black cohosh taken frequently (1 to 2 droppersful five times a day) controls hot flashes and steadies emotions. Shelley Torgove, clinical herbalist and owner of Apothecary Tinctura in Denver, adds that women kept awake by night sweats can take 20 mg of encapsulated standardized extract in the morning and evening, then one to two droppersful of tincture two to three times a day. Because research has yet to establish safety, this herb is not recommended for pregnant or nursing women.

Linda B. White, M.D., is the coauthor of The Herbal Drugstore (see Bookshelf, Page 58) and an adjunct faculty member in the health professions department at Metropolitan State College in Denver.

The reference list for this article is extensive. If you would like a copy, please send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to “Women’s Herbs,” Herbs for Health, 1503 SW 42nd St., Topeka, KS 66609; or e-mail editor@HerbsForHealth.com.

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