Black Cohosh A Natural Menopause Support

Black cohosh is one of the traditional herbs used by Native American Indians to treat illnesses. Some say it could aid in kidney problems and rheumatism. While some women also use it to relieve hot flashes during menopause. Learn more about the herb and why more people choose it as an alternative cure.

What is Black Cohosh?

Black cohosh, Actaea racemosa, can be cultivated as a medicinal plant. It is widely used as a treatment in the United States, Australia, Germany, and other regions of Europe. In Germany, it is an approved alternative treatment for hormonal problems.

It is a flowering herb that likes to be under the shade and often grows very slowly. It is usually found within the small woodland openings, and its roots and rhizomes are used for medicinal purposes. It is also known as black snakeroot, black bugbane, or fairy candle.

You can grow it in your garden. You can make a bitter dark tea by brewing the cleaned, dried root of this herb. If you don’t have the time to watch over your plants, some roots may be available in the market as they have grown popular worldwide. The herb may also be available in the market as an extract, as capsules and other supplement forms.

Black Cohosh for Menopause

Early German studies claim that Black cohosh could alleviate menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, sleep problems, vaginal dryness, anxiety, and night sweating. A study published in the US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health in 2013 showed that Black Cohosh can help lower the vasomotor (hot flashes and night sweats), psychiatric (anxiety and depression), physical (fatigue and sleep disturbance) and sexual (low libido and vaginal dryness) symptoms of menopause.

How it works in the body is still unknown. However, researchers concluded that it contains a potent chemical that has a very similar structure to estrogen that attaches itself to particular receptors in the body, which causes its effects for menopausal symptoms relief. Studies regarding the action of black cohosh in the body are still being conducted.

Other Uses

Aside from the ability to regulate the hormonal balance in the body, the plant also exhibits anti-inflammatory actions. It is also used for arthritis and high blood pressure. Black Cohosh also prevents osteoporosis as it could slow down bone loss. Despite these claims, the use of this herb for several illnesses still needs further research.

Risks involved

Side effects of headaches and stomach upsets using black cohosh have been reported. Liver damage is also possible with the long-term use of this herb. The use of this herb may not be safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women, those taking birth control pills, have or have had breast or uterine cancer, have liver damage, have a high risk of stroke, blood clots, seizure and those who have allergies to aspirin.

Healing with Black Cohosh

There is no specific recommended daily intake for this herb, but most researchers have been using 20mg to 40mg of BlackCohosh supplements two to three times a day. Most experts believe that consumption of the herb should not exceed 900milligrams per day.

A lot of studies have been made to look into the efficiency of Black Cohosh in relieving menopausal symptoms. Besides Black Cohosh, there are plenty of herbs for menopause! Find out more about the best herbs for your symptoms in our article.