Black Cohosh Root
Black Cohosh Root is from a tall perennial herb that grows abundantly in eastern North America. The blackish, cylindrical root of this plant gives this herb its name.
Black cohosh has become famous in recent years as a treatment for menopause. Black cohosh seems to produce an estrogen-like effect that reduces symptoms, such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness. Although preliminary evidence is encouraging, the currently available data are not sufficient to support a recommendation on the use of black cohosh for menopausal symptoms.
Many herbalists use black cohosh for PMS symptoms as well.
According to many reports black cohosh reduces major symptoms for many women including:
- anxiety
- irritability
- fluid retention
- breast pain
A National Institutes of Health study says the herb black cohosh won't relieve menopausal symptoms, but ten other studies published in the past four years showed positive results. Mark Blumenthal, PhD, executive director of the American Botanical Council, says, "One study shouldn't negate all of that". Blumenthal says the particular black cohosh extract used in the newest study may be chemically different from the one in the promising studies. That one can be found, he says, in 
Widely used, it's been approved by the German government as a safe and effective nonprescription remedy for menopausal symptoms. Vitabase also offers 
