Black cohosh (Actaea racemosa, formerly Cimicifuga racemosa) is used for its root to treat a wide range of ailments, especially those that are menopause-related. Native Americans were the first to use black cohosh root medicinally. Black cohosh is commonly ingested in the form of capsules, liquid tinctures, extracts, teas and tablets. Black cohosh tablets are typically taken in doses of 40 to 80 mg per day, tinctures are taken in 2 to 4 mL in water or tea three times daily, and teas are made from boiling and steeping 20 g of the dried root in 34 oz. of water.
Treating Menopausal Symptoms
Many clinical studies have shown the positive effects of taking black cohosh to treat menopausal symptoms. These studies revealed that black cohosh can reduce anxiety, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, night sweats and some other symptoms related to menopause in women, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). Research has indicated black cohosh's use in place of traditional hormonal replacement therapy, or HRT, but many scientists and physicians believe that the relief in hot flashes could be short-term, the UMMC explains. A clinical trial in Germany indicated that black cohosh taken in combination with the herb St. John's wort was 78 percent effective at relieving hot flashes and other menopause-related symptoms, according to the Herb Growing & Marketing Network. The Network also points out that black cohosh has estrogen-like effects that can ease the symptoms of menopause and relieve arthritis or rheumatism related to menopause.
Relieving Menstrual Pain
Black cohosh's estrogen-like effects also led to its traditional medicinal use as a treatment for menstrual pain, the Network states. Black cohosh may offer benefits for menstruating women, including increased fertility, optimized estrogen levels, reduction in menstrual pain and uterine inflammation, as well as decreased production of progesterone in the ovaries, the Network adds. Black cohosh has been commonly used for decades in Europe to treat premenstrual discomfort and menstrual pain, states the UMMC.
Easing Arthritis Inflammation
Black cohosh is used to reduce inflammation and muscular pain associated with rheumatism and arthritis, according to the Herb Growing & Marketing Network. Some early studies have indicated that black cohosh can help to decrease inflammation related to osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, the UMMC agrees. Also, the phytoestrogens (plant-based estrogens) contained in black cohosh may stop bone loss in women at risk for, or suffering from, osteoporosis, according to laboratory studies cited by the UMMC.
Member Comments