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| Home > Article Library > Herbs > Black Cohosh - Healing Herb | Search |
| Black Cohosh - Healing Herb |
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Written by Nutrovita
Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa ([Latin]), also known as black snakeroot, bugbane, cimicifuga, and squawroot is an herb that has become synonymous with treating PMS and menopause symptoms, and is now a popular alternative to hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
Native Americans were the first to use the Black Cohosh root. They discovered that the Black Cohosh root could be used as a healing herb for maladies such as malaria, rheumatism, sore throats, colds, constipation, hives, backaches, and to induce lactation. In the 1800s, early Americans used Black Cohosh as a home remedy for fevers and to bring on menstruation; it was even thought to prevent miscarriage and minimize labor pains.
Black Cohosh has been traditionally used to treat a host of ailments ranging from dysmenorrhea and snakebites to vaginal dryness and rheumatism. Today Black Cohosh extract is available as tincture, dried herb and capsule. Some forms of black cohosh can be brewed to form a tea for drinking. Remifemin is the most common commercial formulation of black cohosh available in the U.S. The antispasmodic properties of Black Cohosh root are used to alleviate menstrual discomfort and painful cramps. With its anti-inflammatory and sedative properties, black cohosh is used to relieve pains and aches. It has shown relief in clearing congestion and coughs. The phytoestrogens contained within black cohosh can ease PMS. Black Cohosh has been used to ease high cholesterol levels and hardened arteries. The phytoestrogens are said to reduce vaginal dryness, depression and other menopausal complaints.
Black Cohosh is a popular alternative to estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) in menopausal women. Black cohosh is thought to work by helping to offset the declining amounts of estrogen in the body during menopause. Health officials have recognized Black Cohosh for its ability to mimic estrogen in the body. Black cohosh helps to relieve hormone-related symptoms that cause discomfort to both menopausal and premenstrual women, including depression, headache, and cramping. The root of this plant can also fight excess water retention by acting as a diuretic, and help inhibit the growth of painful fibroids in the breast and uterus by reducing the amount of estrogen available to these sites. Black Cohosh may prove to be an effective treatment for male infertility in men--one of its components, ferulic acid, protects sperm cells from oxidative damage.
Black Cohosh contains glycosides (sugar compounds), isoferulic acids (substances with anti-inflammatory effects), and, possibly, phytoestrogens (plant based estrogens), among several other active substances. Black Cohosh contains several components including actaeine, cimicifugin, estrogenic substances, isoferulic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid , pantothenic acid, phosphorus, racemosin, tannins, triterpenes & vitamin A.
Uses & Health Benefits
* Today, after decades of clinical studies, Black Cohosh is recommended
for the following: menopausal symptoms, painful menstruation,
premenstrual syndrome.
* Recent studies on Black Cohosh have focused
primarily on the relief of menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes and
depression.
* Black Cohosh has been used to ease the symptoms of
menopause and menstrual discomfort.
* Black Cohosh treats the
unpleasant symptoms of PMS and menopause such as depression and minor
aches and pains. Black Cohosh actually balances out luteinizing hormone
levels and serves as a mild anti-inflammatory.
* Black Cohosh has
also been used for rheumatism, cough, high cholesterol levels, and
hardening of the arteries.
* Black Cohosh is found to be a natural
treatment for the symptoms of PMS and menopause
* Research has also
shown that Black Cohosh is a mild sedative and decongestant.
Side Effects Of Black Cohosh
Very minor effects such as stomach discomfort, nausea, vomiting and dizziness may occur. High dosage of Black Cohosh can lead to headache and dizziness and low blood pressure. Weight gain and stomach upsets can also result. The use of Black Cohosh is contraindicated during pregnancy on account of its ability to stimulate uterine contractions. There have been instances of autoimmune hepatitis in some cases where black cohosh was taken.
About the Author
This article written by the Research & Herbs Department At Nutrovita.com.
| Important Notice: The content and information in this article is the sole responsibility of the article's author who retains copyright. Publication of this article by The Cauldron: A Pagan Forum is not endorsement of the statements, opinions, or claims of fact made in the article. |