How to Use Black Cohosh

Black cohosh is a perennial plant that was used by Native Americans for menstrual cramps, hot flashes and arthritis. It was also used as insect repellent and for treating snake bites. This herb is now commonly used as a nutritional supplement. Since it acts like the hormone estrogen, it is used to treat menopause symptoms in women. Black cohosh should be used with proper care to avoid serious side effects.

Instructions

• 1

  Buy black cohosh at any store that sells nutritional supplements. It is available in capsules and in dried root form.The dried root is used to make tea and can be used if you have trouble swallowing the capsule.

• 2

  If you want to use the roots: Boil them for 20 minutes to make the tea .Black cohosh tea is used to treat coughs and high cholesterol. The tea also helps relieve muscle aches and rheumatism.

• 3

  If you want to take the pills: Take one capsule of 20 mg twice daily, or one 40 mg capsule daily. It takes one to three months to see results from using this herb.

• 4

  Go for a week without the capsule each month if you plan on using black cohosh for a prolonged period. This will help to reduce the side effects from the herb.

• 5

  Do not store black cohosh in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down, and it may lose its effect.

• 6

  Do not use this herb when you are using hormones for replacement therapy or oral contraceptives as black cohosh is know to have some hormonal effect.