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Home -> Shop By Store -> Black CohoshBlack CohoshOther Common Names:Black Snake Root, Squaw Root, Richweed, Bugbane and Rattle Root. Black Cohosh: Black cohosh is a member of the buttercup family that can grow up to eight feet tall. It has fluffy white flowers and dark, ensnarled roots which contain most of its curative properties. Black cohosh has long been used as a natural medicine by Native Americans for a variety of complaints, but it has recently been embraced by the baby boomer women as its main benefit is in treating symptoms of menopause, especially hot flashes. Studies have shown that black cohosh lowers levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), a rise in which contributes to hot flashes. This herb also contains phytoestrogens which can bind with hormone receptors in the breast and uterus to relieve other complaints of menopause, without the potential side effects of hormone replacement therapy. Black cohosh has been used to treat menstrual cramps and to ease contractions during and after childbirth as it increases blood flow to the uterus. It may also play a role in alleviating symptoms of PMS. An extract in the plant's rhizome seems to have anti-inflammatory properties, and so black cohosh may be effective in treating arthritis and neuralgia. The herb has also been used to soothe muscle aches, sciatica, coughs and ringing in the ears. There is some evidence to suggest it may reduce blood pressure. This root of this herb dried, ground and formed into tablets or capsules to be used as dietary supplements. Compresses of black cohosh tea may be applied topically to aching muscles or joints. Black cohosh, the root of a member of the buttercup family, is found in the rich woods of the eastern deciduous forest from southern Ontario to the Appalachian Mountains as far south as Georgia, west to Arkansas and north to Wisconsin. This herb also known as Black snakeroot, Bugbane and Squawroot, grows mostly on hillsides and open woods in moist rich soil. Cultivation is fairly easy in shady soil with good drainage. The plant grows to about 8 feet tall and bears a handsome long plumb of white flowers from June to August. These flowers have a strong aroma and can be effective as an insect repellant. The leaves are pinnate and compound with irregular tooth leaflets. The rootstock is knotty and scarred with old growth. The rhizome of the root is black and rough. Cohosh is a Native American word for rough, hence Black Cohosh. The root has a long history of use by Native Americans to treat snake bite and as a ceremonial herb to bring visions. Also among Native Americans and the early settlers in North America, black cohosh was an important folk remedy for menstrual irregularities and as an aid in childbirth. However, the root was thought by some early settlers to be the main ingredient in witches brew and any female caught with it in her possession was burned as a witch. Most of the root used medicinally is wild-harvested and not listed on the endangered species list. Gather the rootstock in the fall after the fruit has formed. In Europe, cohosh is grown commercially. Adopted in medical practice in the early nineteenth century, it had a great reputation as an anti-inflammatory for rheumatism and arthritis; for normalizing painful or suppressed menses; and for relieving pain after childbirth. Black cohosh Uses: Black cohosh is approved for use in Germany as an alternative medicine for the treatment of premenstrual symptoms and for menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and water retention A number of studies have confirmed its mild sedative and anti-inflammatory activity. An isoflavone in the root binds to estrogen receptors, producing estrogenlike activity. As ovarian function declines during menopause, estrogen production also declines and luteinizing hormone (LH) increases. In a large open study in the United States, involving 131 doctors and 629 female patients, black cohosh produced clear improvement in the physical and psychological symptoms of menopause in over 80 percent of patients within 6 to 8 weeks. In fact, most patients reported noticeable benefits within just 4 weeks of using black cohosh. Menopause is a normal part of the aging process. Beginning in the 1940s and becoming firmly established as accepted treatment by the 1970s, estrogen replacement therapy or hormone replacement therapy was the medical treatment of choice for women experiencing menopause. However, the consequences were not well understood. Taking a natural approach can be a more effective and safer way to cope with menopause. Women are advised to increase their intake of phytoestrogen-rich foods, like soy, flaxseed, whole grains, fennel, alfalfa and parsley. Phytoestrogens are naturally occurring compounds in plants that seem to exhibit a “balancing action” on estrogen effects. Unlike hormones, they are not associated with any side effects or health risks and may inhibit osteoporosis, and could result in a decreased frequency of breast and colon cancer. A standardized extract of Cimifuga racemosa is one of the most widely used and thoroughly tested natural alternatives to hormone replacement therapy available. In the American market, tablets, capsules and tinctures are generally available. It is called Remifemin and delivers a consistent amount of the compounds in black cohosh identified as most important for menopausal women. Unlike conventional therapies, Remifemin is safe to use and does not affect hormone levels in the body. No contraindications or drug interactions have been reported, though some women have experienced upset stomach from use of black cohosh preparations. Menopause is not an easy time in any woman’s life, but it is a natural one. Complement this natural change by using natural alternatives to risky commercial therapies. |
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