Another Use for Cohosh Black cohosh also contains estrogen, and studies show that this herb relieves vaginal dryness, hot flashes, and depression. Dr. Collins suggests taking 250 to 300 milligrams of black cohosh three times a day. If you combine it with dong quai , take up to 4,000 milligrams of each per day for up to six months. Some women start with 4,000 milligrams per day and then, once their symptoms are under control, decrease the dose slowly to find the minimum dose that maintains control, says Dr. Collins. Try a Woman s Tonic Dong quai is a Chinese herb with a centuries-old reputation as a woman s tonic.
Herbalists say that it relieves vaginal dryness associated with menopause and menstrual problems.
Many women find great relief from using dong quai , which is sometimes called dang gui , tang kwei , or Chinese angelica . Take 300 milligrams of dong quai two or three times a day along with licorice for one to two months, says Dr. Jeanne. You shouldn t take it while you re menstruating, however, since it can increase blood loss. It also contains substances that can cause a rash or severe sunburn if you re exposed to sunlight. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any other information storage and retrieval system, without the written permission of the publisher.