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How do I Use Black Cohosh for Hot Flashes?

Laura M. Sands
Laura M. Sands

You may use black cohosh for hot flashes by either taking the herb in tablet, capsule, tincture, or liquid form on a daily basis. Dosages for each form may vary and, in some cases, several doses may be needed over the course of a day for optimal effectiveness. You may also use black cohosh in tea by boiling the root of the plant at home and drinking it daily.

For centuries, women have used black cohosh to treat hot flashes associated with menopause symptoms. Many health experts who have studied the effects of this plant for hot flash relief agree that it is helpful as a natural, alternative medicine for women experiencing the physical symptoms of hormonal changes, such as hot flashes and night sweats. This herb was originally an ancient Native American remedy, but it has since been used in recent years in other cultures around the world for effective hot flash relief.

Originally a Native American remedy, some women use black cohosh to treat hot flashes during menopause.
Originally a Native American remedy, some women use black cohosh to treat hot flashes during menopause.

If you choose to take black cohosh in tablet form, be sure to take at least 40 milligrams per day. You may take up to 80 milligrams, which is the highest recommended dosage for hot flash relief, but you should never exceed this amount. If you ever experience side effects, such as nausea, dizziness, headaches or abdominal pain, you may be taking too much or you may be experiencing a toxic effect to the plant itself.

Tea made with black cohosh may be consumed up to three times daily.
Tea made with black cohosh may be consumed up to three times daily.

You may also take the herb in the form of a tea up to three times per day. This may not have the same impact as taking it in other forms, but it is still deemed effective by many who prefer this method. In order to prepare a black cohosh tea, you will need to boil the dried root of the plant in hot water for approximately 30 minutes before straining the remaining contents and allowing the tea to cool.

If you prefer another, more effective method, try taking black cohosh by preparing a tincture. In order to do so, you will need to find a fresh source of the black cohosh root, a dark glass bottle to store your tincture in, cheesecloth for straining the solution, and either vodka or brandy. For exact instructions on preparing a tincture for black cohosh for hot flashes, consult a reputable herbal website or a local herbalist.

Discussion Comments

Animandel

Some women experience depression when menopause starts. I have a friend who has begun menopause at a young age, and she sees the process of menopause as a sign that she is old. This is very difficult for her to deal with and she is experiencing depression symptoms.

The depression may also be related to some of the chemical changes that are going on in her body and the hormonal changes as well. Either way, the combination of menopause and depression is very difficult to cope with.

Black cohosh is said to work in some ways like serotonin, which is a chemical in the brain that helps control our emotional states, so maybe the black cohosh can help treat menopause hot flashes and some of the other symptoms associated with menopause and depression.

mobilian33

@Laotionne - Black cohosh isn't used as an insect repellent anymore, but over the years it has been used for a lot of different ailments. As I understand the story, Indians were the ones who introduced the herb to the people who came over from Europe. The herb was also thought to be good for fighting venom like that produced by the rattlesnake.

Black cohosh has been taken by people for a long time, so there must be some good qualities about it, and people continue to take it, so I don't think there is much danger of the herb harming you.

Laotionne

Isn't black cohosh the same herb that is sometimes used as an insect repellent? I know herbs can have many uses, but I would be hesitant to take an herb for hot flashes treatment when the herb is also used to chase away bugs for fear that it might be harmful to me as well as to the bugs.

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    • Originally a Native American remedy, some women use black cohosh to treat hot flashes during menopause.
      By: roboriginal
      Originally a Native American remedy, some women use black cohosh to treat hot flashes during menopause.
    • Tea made with black cohosh may be consumed up to three times daily.
      By: Fisher Photostudio
      Tea made with black cohosh may be consumed up to three times daily.