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December 27, 2006
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How Black Cohosh Tames a Woman's Hot Flashes

Interesting how news about black cohosh, a natural herb women use to treat the hot flashes associated with menopause, that works like a drug acting on human opiate receptors hits at roughly the same time an Annals of Internal Medicine study attempts to debunk its value.

After analyzing several extracts of black cohosh, scientists discovered elements of the herb may bind with the human "mu" opiate receptor, part of a system that regulates various aspects of female reproductive neuroendocrinology, including the level of neurotransmitters and sex hormones that govern temperature regulation.

Due to a decline in estrogen during menopause, scientists believe those fluctuations may alter levels of brain chemicals, leading the thermoregulatory center in the hypothalamus to function irregularly. Black cohosh can trigger the "thermostat" in the hypothalamus to regulate a woman's temperature.

Just be careful about using black cohosh, as it has been found to interfere with drugs and radiation treatments used in cancer therapy. Some other safe and natural ways to optimize your hormone levels without taking hormone replacement therapy:

Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry, Vol. 54, No. 26, December 27, 2006: 9852-9857

Science Daily December 26, 2006
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Article's Comment     ( 5 Comments )
 
 
 +6 Points           
 
Author of the Article
BY Luanne   
Novice User
  
[ Joined on 09/06 ]
[ Posted on December 28, 2006 ]
Post Reply
It is interesting that Dong Quai, also good for feamale problems; irregularity, hot flashes, PMS, to name a few, has been officially delcared not effective. What was tested was capsules of the dried herb or root, but the effective elements of Dong Quai are best extracted by alcohol, in a tincture, not in water infusion or in the stomach. How often are the herbal alternative to harmful drugs 'tested' willy-nilly with no understanding or science used to really find out if the stuff is effective?
 
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 +1 Points           
 
Author of the Article
BY Natural Woman   
Novice User
  
[ Joined on 01/07 ]
Author of the Article [ Posted on January 11, 2007 ]
 
I was so excited to see this article.  I have tried several different drugs for depression only to be frustrated with the side effects and being "tied" to a prescription drug for the rest of my life.  I then discovered the Arbonne differernce.  Arbonne International has awsome all natural products including one called "Phytoprolief".   It is an all natural hormone balancing cream.  I began using this product about a year ago and have come off of the prescription antidepressant.  Not only does it help to regulate my mood, but increases your sex drive as well.  This product is also made up of black cohosh and dong quai, as well as evening primrose oil, red clover, and chaste tree.  I love it!  It is wonderful and easy to use (lotion form).

 
 +1 Points           
 
Author of the Article
BY Carol W   
Apprentice User
  
[ Joined on 06/06 ]
[ Posted on January 11, 2007 ]
Post Reply
A word of caution here: both black cohosh and donq quai are abortifacient herbs, so one should be very careful to check to see what phase of the menstrual cycle they are in before use. I would also think they should NOT be used during pregnancy or nursing.

 
 +1 Points           
 
Author of the Article
BY Josh Rubin   
Moderator User
  
[ Joined on 06/06 ]
[ Posted on December 27, 2006 ]
Post Reply
There are many herbs and chinese herbs that work well with women that are experiencing hot flashes. I also used functional medicine labs and bio-identical hormones, plus nutriton and lifestyle principles to balance the physiology of women at this age. It works wonders on a physical, mental, and emotional level.
 
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 -4 Points           
 
Author of the Article
BY Carol W   
Apprentice User
  
[ Joined on 06/06 ]
Author of the Article [ Posted on January 21, 2007 ]
 
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