I have symptoms (same as my mother) of early onset Menopause. At 35 years old I've already suffered the hot flashes and night sweats and irregular menstruation. I've had the symptoms come and go since I was about 30-31 years old. A handful of years ago I suffered a false pregnancy and a Native American woman I knew told me about a combination of Soy Isoflavones and Black Cohosh (capsules) to help regulate my hormone levels. The combination brought my hormone levels back into balance within a matter of days, relieved and eliminated ALL of my pregnancy symptoms. When I started having the menopause symptoms more frequently I tried them again on the theory that if they can regulate hormones from "pregnancy" back to normal then perhaps they would help with menopausal symptoms too. I have since discovered that adding St. John's Wart to the mix also helps with the irritability that goes with it all. I've taken these together for 3 years now. I noticed a change within a matter of 2-4 days when not taken consistently. When taken consistently I have noticed that they tend to reduce the frequency and intensity of hot flashes and night sweats (if not eliminate altogether for extended periods of time). They also tend to regulate the timing and duration of menstruation to a more consistent schedule as well as reduce cramping, fatigue, mood swings and irritability. I'm sure like with all herbal remedies there may be mixed results for everyone. But I hope the information helps and if you do decide to try it.. I hope it works wonders for you like it did for me. Tricia

I would get a racing heart rate when I took Black Cohosh and I am allergic to soy, so my doctor suggested ground flax seed and that has helped me tremendously with all of my menopausal issues, plus has lowered my ldl 80 points. I take 4 tbls daily. Flax seed oil is not as beneficial as the seed. It is a phytoestrogen so it's best to check with your doctor if you are estrogen sensitive. When my grandmother was going through menopause in the late 1950's, early 60's, I remember her grinding flax seed everyday and she would comment to my grandfather how it kept her from getting too hot. I was only 5 at the time so I didn't have a clue as to what she meant lol.

Just returned from the Cullowhee Native Plant Conference, where I purchased two different plants that are almost identical to Actaea racemosa: A. americana and A. rubifolia, which likes sweeter soils. They both bloom later than A. racemosa. At a casual glance, they all are very much the same. Maybe the ones I have that bloom so late are the above, since they were rescued from mountain property?? Now I will be on a "mission" to look at the ovaries, which is one way to distinguish. Most references on the internet still have the old Cimicifuga listing. I already knew about dolls eyes, A. pachypoda since I found it on my own mt. property years ago. So much to learn!

capsules do work. or make a simple syrup (equal parts water and sugar) flavored with something that tastes good to you, and use that syrup to flavor your tincture. I do this all the time when my herbal clients need a yucky tasting medicine. : ) I keep rose, orange, lavender and chocolate simple syrups on hand for this.