Anxiety is a part of most people's lives in varying degrees, from a few times a year to symptoms every day. If your anxiety symptoms get in the way of your daily activities consult your doctor about treating them with natural herbs such as black cohosh. This herb has been found to mainly benefit anxiety and other health problems in women. Black cohosh is not a replacement for your current anxiety medication and should be monitored by your physician.
History
The black cohosh plant was discovered as a medicine by early Native Americans. They found that the root of the black cohosh plant helped alleviate menstrual cramps and symptoms of menopause such as mood swings, hot flashes, irritability and sleep disturbances. Europe has also used the herb's calming properties for more than 40 years. It has been used in Germany as well, for premenstrual syndrome symptoms and pain during menstruation. Past German research found that black cohosh relieved physical and psychological symptoms associated with menopause such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, night sweats and anxiety, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Significance
Although more research needs to be done to identify exactly how black cohosh works, according to the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements, it has estrogenic activity, which can be therapeutic for women suffering from hormonal fluctuations. This can help stabilize hormone levels in females and alleviate or prevent anxiety associated with hormonal imbalances. While further research needs to be done on this herb's estrogenic properties, it has other active compounds, such as triterpene glycosides, resins and caffeic and isoferulic acids.
Other Herbs for Anxiety
If your anxiety plagues you every day and is not in direct relation to hormones, other herbs may be more beneficial for your personal needs. MayoClinic.com recommends kava because it helps you feel relaxed without a sedative effect. However, it is hard on the liver and should be advised by your doctor before use. Valerian is another herb that may help with anxiety, although unlike kava, it may cause you to feel tired, so it should be taken in the evening. Additional herbs that may relieve symptoms associated with anxiety by calming your nerves and helping you feel relaxed include chamomile tea and dandelion root. Talk with your doctor before adding any new herbal treatments to your diet.
Warning
Consult your doctor before taking black cohosh and take it for only six months at a time until further research on its safety for longer periods of time is conducted. This herb may lead to side effects such as headache, dizziness, visual disturbances and perspiration. Other side effects that have been reported during studies on black cohosh include constipation, upset stomach, loss of bone mass, irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure and vomiting. According to the UMMC, black cohosh may interfere with radiation and other common breast cancer treatments as well as certain cancer therapy drugs.
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