Black cohosh, also known as black snakeroot, burbane, bugwort, squawroot, and by its Latin name, Cimicifuga racemosa, is a plant native to the United States and Canada. Its root, which is black, is thick and knotted. American Indians used the roots to treat conditions such as snake bites, joint inflammation, pain relief, menopause and gynecological disorders, according to Supremehealth.com.
Black Cohosh
Black cohosh has analgesic and painkilling properties, according to MayoClinic.com. The root contains compounds that appear to be inflammation fighters. Black cohosh contains a chemical that affects women's reproductive systems -- formononetin stimulates the production of estrogen, and might have cancer fighting properties.
Hormone Therapy
Black cohosh is a popular alternative medicine treatment for symptoms of menopause, reports MayoClinic.com. Such symptoms include hot flashes, mood disturbances, palpitations and vaginal dryness. A few studies indicate that black cohosh can ease menopause symptoms for up to six months, although the overall research findings are mixed.
Hair Loss
According to MayoClinic.com, heredity is the cause of many types of hair loss, including male pattern baldness. Permanent hair loss can also occur from inflammation damage to hair follicles. Alopecia, another type of hair loss, is caused by an autoimmune disease with no known origin. A shock to the system, from either mental or physical trauma, can produce changes in the natural growth cycle of hair and cause hair loss, according to MayoClinic.com. Medications, poor nutrition and disease can result in hair loss as well.
Hair Loss and Black Cohosh
"With its ability to regulate estrogen levels, black cohosh has been found to be helpful in the treatment of hair loss in women," according to Supremehealth.com. "Black cohosh is a common ingredient in many hair loss remedies."
Safety Issues
Avoid black cohosh if you are allergic to it or to any other member of the buttercup or crowfeet plant family. Use it cautiously if you are allergic to aspirin or any other product containing salicylic acid. In larger than recommended doses, black cohosh can cause stomach pain, diarrhea, dizziness, nausea, tremors, joint pain and headache. The side effects of taking black cohosh over a long period have not been tested. The safety of black cohosh in relation to breast cancer has not been determined either. Women with a family history of breast cancer should consult their doctor before taking black cohosh. Pregnant and breast-feeding women should avoid black cohosh.
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