Black Cohosh
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Black Cohosh is also known as Squaw Root, Black Snake Root, American Baneberry, Bugbane, Bugwort, Cimicifuga, Rattle Root, or Rattle Weed.
The name "Cohosh" comes from the Algonquin word for "rough", referring to the root of the plant.
History and Folklore
- Found primarily in North America, it was originally used by Native American women for easing childbirth pain and other gynecological problems.
- In addition, Native Americans found it useful for rheumatism, kidney ailments, malaria and sore throat.
- Native Americans also used it for treating snake bite and as a ceremonial herb to bring visions. The root was thought to be the main ingredient in witches brew, and any female caught with it in her possession was burned as a witch.
- In Victorian era, physicians used it for gynecological problems as well as fever, arthritis and insomnia.
- In traditional Chinese medicine, the Chinese variety of Black Cohosh was used for headaches, gingivitis, diarrhea and skin disorders.
- The popularity of the plant spread to Europe through the nineteenth century, where it is still used extensively for relieving menopause symptoms, especially hot flashes.
Modern Day Use
- It is a muscle anti-inflammatory; it contains the anti-inflammatory salicylic acid (the base for the active ingredient in aspirin). It can be used to treat arthritis and other painful rheumatic difficulties.
- It is particularly effective for uterine cramps.
- It relieves the muscle pain caused by nervous tension. Relaxant, antispasmodic and sedative, it is very effective for treating depression.
- It can improve many menopause symptoms, including hot flashes, vaginal dryness, as well as emotional menopausal symptoms like depression, anxiety, fatigue and insomnia.
Tip - If you have allergies to aspirin or salicylates, you should avoid Black Cohosh.
Researchers believe that this herb could be a safe alternative to traditional Hormone Replacement Therapy. Studies showed that women who took Black Cohosh have not demonstrated the side effects usually associated with Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).
Though it has never been approved as a natural treatment for menopause in the United States, the German government approved it for use as an alternative to Hormone Replacement Therapy. In a German study of more than 600 women, Black Cohosh improved the physical and psychological state of 80% of the participants in four weeks.
Black cohosh is considered by the Food and Drug Adminstration (FDA) to be a dietary supplement. As such, it is regulated as a food and not a drug.
It is available as tablets, tincture and tea.
My Home Remedies Solutions
Black Cohosh is probably the most studied of all the phytoestrogens and it is believed that it improves the menopausal hot flashes up to six months, because it has low side effects in short term use.We all you know the dangers of Hormone Replacement Therapy. If there are some natural herbal remedies out there, it is worth it to give it a try!
I used Black Cohosh in the first 3 months after my hysterectomy, as a daily ritual, a nice cup of tea.
Tip - The tea has a very strong taste and if you don't like it, you can use tablets
or tincture/extract.
By combining the Black Cohosh with a well balanced diet, enriched with yams and soy products, I can say that I did pretty good, I didn’t suffer too much, my hot flashes were acceptable and more and more rare.
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