Black Cohosh

Black cohosh is a native North American perennial plant that is in the same family as the buttercup. As a herbal treatment black cohosh has been used to treat menopausal symptoms in women and in traditional medicines black cohosh to induce labor was a common practice. There have been several black cohosh pms clinical trials that have resulted in mixed data with some indicating there may be a slight hormonal effect in using the herbal treatment that reduces the negative effects and discomfort of pms.

Since black cohosh has an anti-estrogen or estrogen-antagonistic property studies have been undertaken that have shown that the use of the herb with women with a high risk of breast cancer may be reduced significantly. This is a very important breakthrough in non-invasive treatment alternatives using black cohosh root. Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of death among women and more studies are planned. Black cohosh, breast health and menopausal help are all important uses for this herbal plant.

The black cohosh root is the part of the plant is used in herbal remedies and treatments, and may be in several forms including tablets and extracts. The typical dosage of black cohosh is 20 mg, but this dosage will change for men and women, as well as for the particular desired results or treatment.

Since the results with women have been so promising many have wondered "Can men take black cohosh with the same health benefits?". Treatments black cohosh and men in hormonal replacement therapy and hormonal are considered alternative medicines, but it may be effective in short term treatments not lasting more than six months. The herb may also slow down prostate gland growth, similar to estrogen treatments that are often prescribed and include extracts of black cohosh. Men should seek the advice of their doctor before using this treatment.

While there is some natural herbal supporters that claim that black cohosh or glucosamine black cohosh may increase women's breast size, there is no evidence that indicates the same in men. So the answer to the question "Can black cohosh increase breast size in men" should be considered to "No". There are some side effects of black cohosh that should be considered by both men and women.

The most common of the black cohosh side effects include nausia, headaches, severe abdominal pain and dizziness. Some people are very sensitive to the herb and will have very severe effects, especially if dosages beyond the recommended daily dosages are exceeded. Blue and black cohosh should never be used by pregnant women as they can, either individually or used in combination with other herbal supplements or drugs, result in termination of the pregnancy.