Benefits of Black Cohosh

Black cohosh, the member of the buttercup family, is a perennial plant found throughout the eastern regions of the United States and Canada. Its botanical name is Actaea racemosa or Cimicifuga racemosa and is commonly known by different names such as bugwort, black snakeroot, rattleweed, etc. This plant was widely used by the Native Americans and was a popular folk remedy to treat reproductive disorders (infertility, miscarriage) in women. It was also used to treat various other ailments such as indigestion, muscle pull, menstrual cramps, rheumatoid arthritis, fatigue and bronchitis. Today, the rhizome (underground stem) and the root of the plant have found their applications in the medical field. They are easily available in the form of capsules, tablets, liquid extracts at drug stores. Black cohosh is also available in tea form.

Advantages of Black Cohosh

Although black cohosh has been associated with a large number of health benefits, only some of the them have been confirmed. Among the most popular black cohosh benefits is its effectiveness in treating menopausal symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, vaginal dryness, hot flashes, etc. Vertigo, sleeplessness, headaches, palpitations, and other such symptoms associated to menopause are also seen to be relieved, with the help of a regular black cohosh usage. Consumption of black cohosh in the form of tea is believed to relieve the alleviating cramps and bloating, women go through during the menstrual cycle.

Black cohosh is also believed to be effective in treating uterine cramps as well as pain accompanied by soreness, tight sensations of contractions and muscle pain due to nervous tension. Moreover, this herb is also used as an agent to promote menstruation, when cramps, uterine tension and congestion hinder the flow. This herb has been used by alternative practitioners to treat infertility, to prevent miscarriage and labor pain alleviation. Black Cohosh is capable of supplying hormones needed by the woman's body, thereby preventing estrogen loss, thus proving to be a good alternative for Hormone Replacement Therapy.

It also acts as a muscle anti-inflammatory and as an antispasmodic to nerves, muscles and blood vessels. The salicylic acid present in this plant contributes to its anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation caused by osteoarthritis, neuralgia and rheumatoid arthritis can be reduced by this herb. This medicinal herb exhibits antibacterial properties, which makes it capable of clearing the body's airways. Thus, it is also believed to treat bronchial infections, and can relieve spasms commonly seen in pertussis. They are also used to relieve headaches caused due to various reasons such as overexertion, stress, neuralgia, infections, nasal congestion and eye-strain. Black cohosh is also known to stimulate digestion and at times even improve elevated blood pressure.

Black Cohosh benefits have not been completely proved, and one can not say that, all the known and believed benefits actually exist. Though this herb is believed to prevent miscarriage, it is better for pregnant women to avoid taking black cohosh, as medical science has not determined its safety. Breast feeding women must also avoid this herb, as it can passed through the milk and cause harm to the baby. Black cohosh is known to cause certain side effects, when consumed in large doses. Side effects such as nausea, vomiting, headache, allergic reactions may be seen.

People on medication, who are planning to take black cohosh supplements must inform the doctors about it. Black cohosh has the tendency to react with other drugs; produce side effects and reduce the effectiveness of the drug as well as the herb. Women must consult the doctor before taking black cohosh supplements.