Black cohosh, or Actaea racemosa, is a perennial herb that grows wild in the shady woodlands of the Appalachian forests of Eastern North America, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. Black cohosh is also known as squawroot, black snakeroot and bugwort. Native Americans have long used the underground rhizomes and roots to treat certain women's ailments and other conditions.
Menopause
Many medical experts believe that black cohosh may be an effective treatment for symptoms associated with menopause, such as night sweats, hot flashes, anxiety and vaginal dryness. Black cohosh may also be a useful alternative for hormone replacement therapy, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Some physicians advise that the use of black cohosh for hot flashes be limited to six months until more studies can be completed.
Menstrual Problems
Black cohosh tea may be an effective treatment for premenstrual complaints, including dysmenorrhea, or painful, difficult periods. The herb may also be a useful treatment for amenorrhea, which is the absence of menstruation. It may also relieve associated problems such as nausea, depression, mood changes, headaches, acne, vision problems, abnormal blood pressure and excessive hair growth, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Arthritis and Rheumatism
Although research is limited, early studies indicate that black cohosh tea may reduce inflammation and pain associated with arthritis, especially when black cohosh is combined with other herbs, including sarsparilla, willow bark, poplar bark and guaiacum. Black cohosh may also slow bone loss caused by osteoarthritis, although more research needs to be performed regarding the effectiveness of black cohosh alone, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center.
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