What is Black Cohosh?
Black Cohosh is the most popular herb used for generations by women for curing the hormonal imbalance. It is also known as Black Bugband, Black Snakeroot and Fairy candle. This plant is usually found in the dense forests of United States and Canada. It is tough and tall with inflorescence that is unbranched and indeterminate and bears pedicellate flowers of white blossoms and it is 1 to 3 feet tall. The flowers blossom in June and July. It survives in moist and shady areas. The plucky black rhizome which is a part of this plant is used for preparing medicines. This plant contains Cimicifugin (macrotin) which stimulates Estrus. It also consists of different components like Isoflavones, Salicyclic acid, Tannins, Resins, Starch and Sugar. Nowadays, it is widely used as a nutritional supplement for hot flashes, mood swings, vaginal dryness, insomnia, menstrual cramps and bloating. The dried root of this plant is used in the form of tablet to treat these menopausal symptoms and is easily available at any drug store. The root was harvested first by the Native Americans. It acts as a sedative and people use it for night disturbances and hot flashes.
Other Names for Black Cohosh
Black Cohosh is also known with other names also. Let us see the different names to eradicate confusion:
Bugbane, Cimicifuga, Black Snakeroot, , Bugwort, , Cimicifuga Racemosa, Cimicifuge, Cohosh Negro, Cohosh Noir, Cytise, Herbe aux Punaises, Macrotys, Phytoestrogen, Phytoestrogene, Racine de Serpent, Racine de Squaw, Racine Noire de Serpents, Rattle Root, Rattle Top, Rattlesnake Root, Rattleweed, Rhizoma Cimicifugae, Sheng Ma, Snakeroot, Squaw Root.
Black Cohosh Root
Black Cohosh root is also known as bugbane coz the flowers has a strong aroma which is used as an insect repellant. The word "Cohosh" comes from the Algonquian tribe which means rough. Finely chopped dried root is use to make tablets, decoctions and tinctures. The root is effective on the various parts of the body. It work on the brain chemical Serotonin. It has a +ve effect on the female hormones and so it is used to cure the symptoms of menopause.
How Black Cohosh Work?
The research about the working of Black Cohosh is not clear but it is quite possible that it has effects on women's estrogen levels. In the recent research it has been stated that the fukinolic acid found in Black Cohosh contains estrogenic activities in vitro. There are other active ingredients also like glycosides, resins, triterpene and isoferulic acids and caffeic.
It has effect on the hormone levels, the vagina and the uterus. However there is no relevant research has been done on this herb.
Uses of Black Cohosh
Black Cohosh is used as an insecticide by the gardeners to protect the crops from harmful pests. Native American tribes found it valuable for centuries for treating body ailments like fever, rheumatism, menstrual cramps and snake bites. Nowadays it is used in naturopathy, herbal remedies and women to get relief from hot flashes and other symptoms of estrogen deficiency and hormonal imbalance. It is considered best for recovering menopause symptoms such as mood disturbances, heart palpitations hot flashes, night sweats, migraines, and vaginal dryness. It is FDA approved as a food and not a drug. Drinking Black Cohosh tea can help in the treatment of menstrual cramps. It is an anti-inflammatory herb. It reduces inflammation and severe contractions of the uterine muscles which is responsible for menstrual cramps. Before the menstrual period it is beneficial to drink Black Cohosh tea. The anti-inflammatory, decongestant and astringent Black Cohosh properties may help with, asthma, bronchitis, nasal congestion, colds and flu respiratory tract infections. Drinking Black Cohosh tea twice daily may help to give relief from sinus and respiratory conditions. Black Cohosh helps in relieving pain and aches of the people suffering from Rheumatoid Arthritis. Those having this problem should take Black Cohosh Supplement daily.
Contemporary use
Black Cohosh is used as a dietary supplements nowadays, for curing menopause, premenstrual tension, and other gynecological problems. According to recent scientific research it contains phytoestrogens that bind to estrogen receptor site thus inducing an estrogen like effect. Scientific research has proven that Black Cohosh is the most promising therapy for menopausal symptoms. It has been used to treat the variety of afflictions by various tribes of Native Americans. In the mid 19 century it has been used by the pioneers and the Europeans to cure Rheumatism, nervousness, dysmenorrheal, endometriosis, amenorrhea and to induce the production of breast milk.
What are the Common Black Cohosh Preparations?
Preparations of Black Cohosh are made from its roots and rhizomes. One such preparation is Remifemin that contains Black Cohosh extract balanced with 20 mg of root per tablet. The manufacturer changed the formula and prepared a solution of root extracted with ethanol 60% by volume to tablets ((root extracted with isopropyl alcohol, 40% by volume), complicating the comparison of research results. Extracts of black cohosh are standardized to 26-deoxyactein content (erroneously reported in the scientific literature as 27-deoxyactein [2]), a member of a group of chemicals called saponins. Preparations of black cohosh usually contain 1 mg of total triterpene saponins (expressed as 26-deoxyactein) in each 20-mg dose of extract.
What are the Clinical Studies Done on Black Cohosh?
A lot of clinical studies have been done on Black Cohosh for safety purposes as scientists believe that research should be done on the various supplements to ensure its prolonged safety. An early study in Germany states that Black Cohosh is very valuable for treating menopause. A 2009 study by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) didn't find black cohosh to be any more effective than a placebo. However they still consider this supplement to be used universally for treating menopausal symptoms of many women.
Black Cohosh Benefits
Side Effects and Safety of Black Cohosh
One of the side effects of black cohosh extract also called Actaea racemosa and Cimicifuga racemosa is of real concern. It is familiar with the results of oestrogen in females and therefore counteracts dysmenorrhea, undesirable PMS and menopausal signs and symptoms for example insomnia, cramp, evening sweats, anxiety and menopausal flashes. Some women found it effective and helpful. It is usually considered safe. You will populations who have to take extra preventive measures. Take the required time to learn if you're one of them and discover how you can securely and effectively use black cohosh extract supplements. Black Cohosh is not used during pregnancy, it may cause miscarriage. Before using it a discussion with a Physician is necessary. The bigger dose of this supplement can cause headache, vertigo, uterine contractions, bradycardia, vomiting and nausea. So it is suggested to take 40 to 80 mg dosage of its extract per day. Liver toxicity is another significant side effect to take into account. Safe, for those who have liver damage or consume large amounts of alcohol you need to speak to your healthcare provider before you begin taking Actaea racemosa. Another popular herbal treatments engaged in the same side effects as black cohosh extract include ephedra, eco-friendly tea, St. John's Wort, garlic clove, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, milk thistle, and peppermint.
Allergies
Avoid taking Black Cohosh or other members of the Ranunculaceae (buttercup or crowfoot) family if some allergic reactions take place. It also contains small amounts of salicylic acid (which is found in aspirin) but the quantity is not clear in commercially available products. Precautions should be taken by those people who are allergic to aspirin and other salicylates.
Conclusion
Black cohosh is very useful for the treatment of menopause and it acts as a most powerful ingredient in the menopausal supplements. It is sold as an herbal product. But do not confuse Black Cohosh to Blue Cohosh as it causes damaging effects on the heart. Stop taking Black Cohosh supplement if you experience symptoms of allergies. Do not take it without consulting your doctor.
Black Cohosh is the most popular herb used for generations by women for curing the hormonal imbalance. It is also known as Black Bugband, Black Snakeroot and Fairy candle. This plant is usually found in the dense forests of United States and Canada. It is tough and tall with inflorescence that is unbranched and indeterminate and bears pedicellate flowers of white blossoms and it is 1 to 3 feet tall. The flowers blossom in June and July. It survives in moist and shady areas. The plucky black rhizome which is a part of this plant is used for preparing medicines. This plant contains Cimicifugin (macrotin) which stimulates Estrus. It also consists of different components like Isoflavones, Salicyclic acid, Tannins, Resins, Starch and Sugar. Nowadays, it is widely used as a nutritional supplement for hot flashes, mood swings, vaginal dryness, insomnia, menstrual cramps and bloating. The dried root of this plant is used in the form of tablet to treat these menopausal symptoms and is easily available at any drug store. The root was harvested first by the Native Americans. It acts as a sedative and people use it for night disturbances and hot flashes.
Other Names for Black Cohosh
Black Cohosh is also known with other names also. Let us see the different names to eradicate confusion:
Bugbane, Cimicifuga, Black Snakeroot, , Bugwort, , Cimicifuga Racemosa, Cimicifuge, Cohosh Negro, Cohosh Noir, Cytise, Herbe aux Punaises, Macrotys, Phytoestrogen, Phytoestrogene, Racine de Serpent, Racine de Squaw, Racine Noire de Serpents, Rattle Root, Rattle Top, Rattlesnake Root, Rattleweed, Rhizoma Cimicifugae, Sheng Ma, Snakeroot, Squaw Root.
Black Cohosh Root
Black Cohosh root is also known as bugbane coz the flowers has a strong aroma which is used as an insect repellant. The word "Cohosh" comes from the Algonquian tribe which means rough. Finely chopped dried root is use to make tablets, decoctions and tinctures. The root is effective on the various parts of the body. It work on the brain chemical Serotonin. It has a +ve effect on the female hormones and so it is used to cure the symptoms of menopause.
How Black Cohosh Work?
The research about the working of Black Cohosh is not clear but it is quite possible that it has effects on women's estrogen levels. In the recent research it has been stated that the fukinolic acid found in Black Cohosh contains estrogenic activities in vitro. There are other active ingredients also like glycosides, resins, triterpene and isoferulic acids and caffeic.
It has effect on the hormone levels, the vagina and the uterus. However there is no relevant research has been done on this herb.
Uses of Black Cohosh
Black Cohosh is used as an insecticide by the gardeners to protect the crops from harmful pests. Native American tribes found it valuable for centuries for treating body ailments like fever, rheumatism, menstrual cramps and snake bites. Nowadays it is used in naturopathy, herbal remedies and women to get relief from hot flashes and other symptoms of estrogen deficiency and hormonal imbalance. It is considered best for recovering menopause symptoms such as mood disturbances, heart palpitations hot flashes, night sweats, migraines, and vaginal dryness. It is FDA approved as a food and not a drug. Drinking Black Cohosh tea can help in the treatment of menstrual cramps. It is an anti-inflammatory herb. It reduces inflammation and severe contractions of the uterine muscles which is responsible for menstrual cramps. Before the menstrual period it is beneficial to drink Black Cohosh tea. The anti-inflammatory, decongestant and astringent Black Cohosh properties may help with, asthma, bronchitis, nasal congestion, colds and flu respiratory tract infections. Drinking Black Cohosh tea twice daily may help to give relief from sinus and respiratory conditions. Black Cohosh helps in relieving pain and aches of the people suffering from Rheumatoid Arthritis. Those having this problem should take Black Cohosh Supplement daily.
Contemporary use
Black Cohosh is used as a dietary supplements nowadays, for curing menopause, premenstrual tension, and other gynecological problems. According to recent scientific research it contains phytoestrogens that bind to estrogen receptor site thus inducing an estrogen like effect. Scientific research has proven that Black Cohosh is the most promising therapy for menopausal symptoms. It has been used to treat the variety of afflictions by various tribes of Native Americans. In the mid 19 century it has been used by the pioneers and the Europeans to cure Rheumatism, nervousness, dysmenorrheal, endometriosis, amenorrhea and to induce the production of breast milk.
What are the Common Black Cohosh Preparations?
Preparations of Black Cohosh are made from its roots and rhizomes. One such preparation is Remifemin that contains Black Cohosh extract balanced with 20 mg of root per tablet. The manufacturer changed the formula and prepared a solution of root extracted with ethanol 60% by volume to tablets ((root extracted with isopropyl alcohol, 40% by volume), complicating the comparison of research results. Extracts of black cohosh are standardized to 26-deoxyactein content (erroneously reported in the scientific literature as 27-deoxyactein [2]), a member of a group of chemicals called saponins. Preparations of black cohosh usually contain 1 mg of total triterpene saponins (expressed as 26-deoxyactein) in each 20-mg dose of extract.
What are the Clinical Studies Done on Black Cohosh?
A lot of clinical studies have been done on Black Cohosh for safety purposes as scientists believe that research should be done on the various supplements to ensure its prolonged safety. An early study in Germany states that Black Cohosh is very valuable for treating menopause. A 2009 study by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) didn't find black cohosh to be any more effective than a placebo. However they still consider this supplement to be used universally for treating menopausal symptoms of many women.
Black Cohosh Benefits
- Black Cohosh has been greatly used by Native Americans for more than 200 years.
- It is used for PMS, menstrual irregularities, uterine spasms and reduces inflammation of Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and neuralgia.
- Native American tribes like Cherokee, Iroquois, Penobscot and Micmac used it for curing kidney ailments, malaria, rheumatisms and sore throat.
- It is a wonderful plant use to cure women's muscular pains, uterine pain and tender uterus.
- It is also used as a mild sedative.
- It benefits hypertension by dilating blood vessels and relieving high blood pressure.
- It relieves bloating problems due to its mild diuretics like properties.
Side Effects and Safety of Black Cohosh
One of the side effects of black cohosh extract also called Actaea racemosa and Cimicifuga racemosa is of real concern. It is familiar with the results of oestrogen in females and therefore counteracts dysmenorrhea, undesirable PMS and menopausal signs and symptoms for example insomnia, cramp, evening sweats, anxiety and menopausal flashes. Some women found it effective and helpful. It is usually considered safe. You will populations who have to take extra preventive measures. Take the required time to learn if you're one of them and discover how you can securely and effectively use black cohosh extract supplements. Black Cohosh is not used during pregnancy, it may cause miscarriage. Before using it a discussion with a Physician is necessary. The bigger dose of this supplement can cause headache, vertigo, uterine contractions, bradycardia, vomiting and nausea. So it is suggested to take 40 to 80 mg dosage of its extract per day. Liver toxicity is another significant side effect to take into account. Safe, for those who have liver damage or consume large amounts of alcohol you need to speak to your healthcare provider before you begin taking Actaea racemosa. Another popular herbal treatments engaged in the same side effects as black cohosh extract include ephedra, eco-friendly tea, St. John's Wort, garlic clove, ginkgo biloba, ginseng, milk thistle, and peppermint.
Allergies
Avoid taking Black Cohosh or other members of the Ranunculaceae (buttercup or crowfoot) family if some allergic reactions take place. It also contains small amounts of salicylic acid (which is found in aspirin) but the quantity is not clear in commercially available products. Precautions should be taken by those people who are allergic to aspirin and other salicylates.
Conclusion
Black cohosh is very useful for the treatment of menopause and it acts as a most powerful ingredient in the menopausal supplements. It is sold as an herbal product. But do not confuse Black Cohosh to Blue Cohosh as it causes damaging effects on the heart. Stop taking Black Cohosh supplement if you experience symptoms of allergies. Do not take it without consulting your doctor.
