A naturopathic doctor in Seattle may recommend black cohosh to patients who deal with painful menstruation and unpleasant symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. Both alternative and integrated medical practitioners recommend herbal remedies as part of a holistic treatment program.
Black Cohosh Benefits
Research has found that black cohosh root is useful for easing cramps because of its anti-spasmodic characteristics. It also appears to have positive hormonal effects. Native American women have been using it for more than 200 years to relieve cramps and mood swings associated with menstruation. A naturopathic doctor in Seattle, may recommend the herb for these uses as well as for troubling effects associated with the onset of menopause.
Standardized Extracts
Standardized extracts usually are the products of choice because they contain a specific percentage of the active ingredient. The percentage may look low, but black cohosh is a powerful herb. Patients can control how much they consume by starting with the lowest recommended dose and gradually increasing it to the maximum recommended if necessary.
Tea is a traditional way of consuming the herb, but tea tends to be weaker in its effects than standardized extracts are. Extracts are available in tablets, capsules and tinctures. Tinctures are extracts dissolved in ethyl alcohol.
Consulting a Naturopath
Consulting a naturopath before beginning to take black cohosh is advisable. The doctor knows which medications and herbs can have negative interactions with this herb and will want to know the products the patient currently uses. A consultation can be scheduled with a naturopath at Seattle Naturopathy & Acupuncture Center, which offers information on its various services at website.
