Half of the women who menstruate have menstrual cramps at least one to two days each month, according to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Menstrual cramps can vary widely among women. Some women feel only minor discomfort and others suffer from cramps so severe they are crippling, preventing them from living their everyday lives. Herbalists and Native Americans have used black cohosh for years to treat premenstrual syndrome, menstrual irregularities and menstrual cramps. If you are considering using black cohosh to treat your menstrual cramps, you should discuss the risk and benefits with your physician before use.
Black Cohosh
Black cohosh, also known as black snakeroot, bugbane, bugwort and squawroot, is part of the buttercup family. The tall plant grows in the dark eastern woods of North America, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Black cohosh contains isoferulic acids, which purportedly have anti-inflammatory properties, and phytoestrogens, which are plant based chemicals that may react in a similar manner to the body's natural estrogen.
Menstrual Cramps
Menstrual pain is caused by contractions of the uterus. During your period, your uterus contracts more strongly, causing pain. The uterus contracts due to chemicals known as prostaglandins that are made in the lining of the uterus. At the start of menstruation, levels are high. These levels decrease as your period progresses. Sometimes, extreme menstrual cramping can indicate a more severe condition. Dysmenorrhea is a painful condition that causes severe cramping in the lower abdomen or lower back, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headaches, dizziness and a pulling feeling in the thighs. Common causes of dysmenorrhea include uterine fibroids and endometriosis.
Black Cohosh for Menstrual Cramps
Though herbalists commonly use black cohosh for the relief of menstrual cramps, as of 2010, there have been few scientific studies evaluating the effects of black cohosh to relieve menstrual cramps, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Researchers are currently conducting clinical trials to determine whether phytoestrogens, such as those in black cohosh, can relieve symptoms of menstrual cramps as well as menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness and mood swings.
Warnings
Black cohosh may interfere with hormone-related illnesses such as prostate, breast, ovarian and uterine cancer, as well as endometriosis, a common cause of painful menstrual cramps. Black cohosh may exacerbate endometriosis, making cramping worse. MayoClinic.com explains that there are reported cases of people suffering liver damage and needing a liver transplant following the use of products containing black cohosh. You should always discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor before using this or any herbal supplement.
Considerations
Because the FDA does not regulate herbal products, manufacturing standards vary widely. Drugs.com explains that traces of other drugs and toxic metals have occurred in some herbal supplements. Always use a reputable holistic practitioner or certified herbalist to purchase your herbal supplements.
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