One of the true "women's herbs," Actaea racemosa, or black cohosh, appears to ease a number of problems associated with menstruation and menopause. Native to the eastern part of the United States, black cohosh contains therapeutic properties in its root system, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Those compounds include anti-inflammatories, and, researchers believe, the plant based estrogens known as phytoestrogens. UMMC recommends taking tablets or tinctures rather than tea for menopausal symptoms, but talk to your doctor before taking black cohosh for any medical issues.
Eases Menopausal Symptoms
As a broad-spectrum treatment for menopause, black cohosh boasts an impressive record. Researchers have found that it helps women suffering from hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness and anxiety, according to UMMC. The university, noting that Native Americans used black cohosh to treat menopause beginning at least 200 years ago, reports that quite a few clinical studies confirm that the use of black cohosh is effective for improving menopausal symptoms, and that it may be a safe and effective alternative for women who cannot or will not take hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) for menopause. Not all research supports black cohosh's effectiveness, so consult your physician before making major changes to your menopause strategy. American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology's guidelines indicate black cohosh should be taken for no longer than six months.
Relieves PMS
Herbalists often recommend black cohosh to relieve cramping and irritability related to the menstrual cycle. "Yoga Journal" recommends it for normalizing a delayed menstrual cycle and for relaxing the uterus, which eases cramping. It seems to have an equally relaxing quality on women fighting premenstrual mood swings. "Yoga Journal" recommends taking ¼ to ½ tsp. of black cohosh tincture every two to four hours, while symptoms persist.
May Decrease Breast Cancer Risk
The nonprofit organization Breastcancer.org points to a promising 2007 study published in the "International Journal of Cancer" whereby researchers found that women taking black cohosh to treat menopausal symptoms were 60 percent less likely to develop breast cancer than women who did not take the herb. Researchers caution, however, that more research needs to be done to understand the reason for the connection. Breastcancer.org also notes that phytoestrogens (compounds found in black cohosh) can have anti-estrogen effects. Since estrogens can cause hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer to develop and grow, it's possible that the anti-estrogen effects of black cohosh explain the reduced risk in the women who used it.
Promising Arthritis Treatment
While UMMC cautions that black cohosh's effect on arthritic patients has only been studied in combination with other herbs, it may contain helpful anti-inflammatory properties. The UMMC also points to research that combined black cohosh with four other botanicals, including willow bark and sarsaparilla. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis experienced some pain relief from the herbal combination.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Black Cohosh
- Yoga Journal: Rx for Menstrual Cramps
- Breastcancer.org: Black Cohosh May Cut Breast Cancer Risk
- American Academy of Family Physicians: Black Cohosh
- The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists: Frequently Asked Questions About Hormone Therapy
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