Black Cohosh Root (Cimicifuga racemosa) 100 capsules: K
Black Cohosh contains natural Isoflavones (phytoestrogens) that bind to estrogen receptors and have mild estrogenic activity which may promote effectual labor contractions, relieve false labor pains, facilitate postpartum recovery, and may be useful for menopause, PMS, hormonal imbalances, stress, nervousness, muscle cramping, lung congestion, inflammatory conditions and hypertension. Nature's Herbs Wild Countryside Black Cohosh Root is harvested from its natural wild environment in the rich open woods of North America. It was used anciently by the American Indians and by the Chinese. Black Cohosh has a long history of use among Native Americans, primarily for female needs, but also for cold and flu, indigestion, hysteria and pain. Black Cohosh has been shown in numerous studies to be both safe and effective, and is widely used in Europe and the US to relieve the symptoms commonly associated with PMS and menopause (particularly hot flashes, menstrual cramps, changes to the vaginal lining and even depression). The 1997 Commission E on Phytotherapy and Herbal Substances of the German Federal Institute for Drugs recommends black cohosh for 'Premenstrual discomfort, dysmenorrhea or climacteric [menopausal] neurovegetative ailments.' 'Side Effects: Occasionally, gastric discomfort.' 'Daily dosage: Extracts with alcohol 40 - 60 percent (v/v) corresponding to 40 mg of drug. Mode of Administration: Galenical preparations for internal use. Duration of Administration: Not longer than 6 months. Actions: Estrogen-like action; Luteinizing hormone suppression; Binding to estrogen receptors.' Hot flashes are hormonal imbalances caused during menopause when the signals between the ovaries and pituitary gland diminish. This decreases estrogen production and increases the production of luteinizing hormone (LH). A recent German clinical study demonstrated that an extract of black cohosh decreases LH secretions in menopausal women – but produces no hormonal changes. The studies, therefore, support the usefulness of black cohosh for symptomatic relief from hot flashes, but not as a substitute for hormone replacement therapy. The extract of this plant is sold in great quantities in the US and Europe under the trade name Remifemin. Results of tests comparing Remifemin to combination treatment with estrogens and diazepam have shown treatment with Remifemin to be superior as measured by the Kupperman Menopausal Index. Other tests such as the Self-evaluation For Depression Scale, the Hamilton Anxiety Inventory, and the Clinical Global Impression Scale--all recognized and trusted measures of clinical efficacy--have been used in studies evaluating the performance of Black Cohosh extract.