Black cohosh or Actaea Racemosa is native to North America. It is mainly the root and rhizome that is used for medicinal purposes. It has been used to treat anxiety, inflammation, malaria, rheumatism and is especially known among women because it has an excellent effect on menopausal women.
The plant was already used by the Indian population of North America. It gradually became known among the new population of the continent and then came over to Europe where it served mainly as a natural aid against numerous typical female disorders.
Main effects of Black cohosh
- Reduced inflammation
- Slightly anaesthetic
- Relaxing
- Antifungal
- Anti-bacterial
- Balancing effect on female hormones
Symptoms of menopause
As more and more negative news comes out about the risks of hormone replacement therapy in women. More and more women who are concerned with their health are beginning to look for alternatives. They are looking for safer ways to treat the symptoms of menopause.
Silver candle has some surprising effects that may help menopausal women treat important symptoms such as hot flashes. Black cohosh is also thought to have beneficial effects in menopausal women who suffer from mood swings, sleep problems or depression due to anxiety.
PMS
Women who suffer from premenstrual syndrome can also often be helped by using silver fern. For example, the herb can help avoid cramps. The plant also has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce any contractions of the muscles in the uterus. Which would result in less or no pain. This would also result in a marked improvement in mood in women who suffer from or premenstrual syndrome.
Related: Medicinal Properties and Contraindications of St. John’s Wort
Hot Flashes
One of the main benefits of the action of Black cohosh during menopause is the reduction of the so-called hot flashes. However, there are few studies that can demonstrate this effect. Yet it is honored everywhere because of this effect.
We see here mainly that the fluctuation of estrogen is taken care of. The fluctuations that cause the hot flashes. This is brought into balance so that the frequency of hot flashes is greatly reduced. Women clearly experience less discomfort after using silver sage.
Improves sleep quality
Another problem that women often suffer from during menopause is the problem of sleeping. Or at least to sleep soundly. Many of the symptoms during menopause can be made worse by this. It is important for the natural production of our hormones that we get enough sleep.
A study has shown that post-menopausal women were able to sleep significantly better by taking Black cohosh. It could therefore be used as a safer alternative to sleep medication.
Less Incidence of Osteoporosis
Although it cannot immediately be seen as a preventative against osteoporosis. Vitamin D and calcium are more important for that. Still, Black cohosh can help reduce the amount of bone mass lost due to osteoporosis.
Studies have shown that certain constituents in the plant can help reduce the amount of bones that weaken as a result of osteoporosis. This can immediately help combat many of the symptoms and pain caused by this condition.
How is black cohosh used?
The roots of black cohosh are dried and made into tea, liquid extracts and put into capsule form. Sometimes black cohosh is used as one ingredient in an herbal mixture.
Remifemin is one example. It is a compound that has been sold as a menopause tablet in Europe for 40 years. It contains 20 milligrams (mg) of black cohosh extract.
You can buy supplements with black cohosh as a concentrated liquid, in pill form or as part of an herbal combination formula. It is available in most drugstores or online.
There is no standardized dose for the herb. Extracts and blends can vary in the amount they contain. Generally, 20 to 40 mg is used to treat the symptoms of menopause.
What are the side effects of Black Cohosh?
Black cohosh is associated with generally mild side effects, although some are more severe than others. One of the most significant side effects is liver damage.
Do not use black cohosh if you have had liver disease in the past. Also avoid it if you experience symptoms that may indicate liver problems, such as abdominal pain, jaundice or dark-colored urine.
Other side effects of Black Cohosh include:
- The black cohosh plant is in the same family as the buttercup plant, so people who are allergic to buttercups should not try black cohosh.
- Black cohosh is not recommended for use during pregnancy or lactation. There is a risk of early labor for women who are pregnant. It is not yet known if the herb is safe for breastfeeding women. It is also not recommended for use in children.
Other considerations when using black cohosh
Herbs, vitamins, minerals and other plant extracts are considered dietary supplements. They do not have to be regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This means that these products do not have to meet FDA standards the way medicines and foods do.
It is possible for manufacturers to make misleading claims about the effectiveness of the product. Ingredients may also vary. In some cases, especially with blends, the supplement may not contain what it claims.
Before buying dietary supplements, check to see if the supplement maker has many negative reviews or open lawsuits. Buy only from good, reputable sources.
Herbs have the potential to interact with other medications, so you should always talk to your doctor about adding supplements to your treatment plan.
I am an official member of International Association of Therapists and research natural healing methods and herbs. The posts are my findings.
