1. By Any Other Name, It's Still the Same
Black cohosh is a plant that is native to North America, and is also known as snakeroot, bugwort, rattletop, and bugbane. The stems and roots of the plant were a traditional folk remedy used by Indians and early settlers. Black cohosh is sill a widely used herbal remedy, and is often brewed in tea, or is used in more concentrated capsules. Either form is readily available at health food stores or herbal supply stores.
2. Curb Those Hot Flashes and Night Sweats
Black Cohosh is most commonly used to ease the symptoms of PMS and menopause such as hot flashes, night sweats, irritability, headaches, vaginal dryness and heart palpitations, although it can take several weeks for those benefits to show up. Many women also find relief from cramps, minor aches and pains and depression that go along with their monthly periods. Some women have had success using black cohosh as a natural alternative to hormone replacement therapy.
3. Drink a Steaming Hot Cup
Tea is the easiest and safest way to use black cohosh. Brewing black cohosh tea is as simple as steeping a tea bag or about a teaspoon of loose black cohosh in boiling water for about 3 minutes. If you use loose black cohosh, strain the tea before you drink it. Black cohosh tends to be bitter, so you may want to sweeten it with a bit of honey or sugar. Drink 2 to 3 cups of black cohosh tea a day for best results.
4. Ease Your Aching Body
Black cohosh can ease the inflammation and joint pain caused by osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, and is a good treatment for muscle soreness caused by tension, strain and overwork. You can drink black cohosh tea, or if you prefer capsules, herbal medicine professionals recommend that you take one capsule with a meal and a full glass of water, and that you take it no longer than six months.
5. Side Effects Unknown
All the possible side effects of black cohosh aren't yet known, so black cohosh should be used very carefully. In some people, it can cause nausea, sweating, stomach pain and headaches. If you're pregnant or nursing, you shouldn't use black cohosh, because the effects on pregnant woman and babies aren't yet known. If you take other medications, don't take black cohosh until you discuss it with your health care provider.
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