"Black Cohosh" Health Benefits
For Symptoms Of Menopause

Genus: Cimicifuga Racemosa
Also known as:  Black Snakeroot (most commonly) Squawroot, bugbane (sometimes)
Parts used:  Rhizomes and roots

Black Cohosh 
(Cimicifuga Racemosa)
Natural health benefits of black cohosh consist of lowering cholesterol levels and blood pressure, morning sickness, hot flashes, and menstrual cramps, and relieves sinusitis and asthma. Also helpful for poisonous bites, reducing mucus levels, and relieving pain.

Black Cohosh Root by Solaray
 Black
Cohosh
Black cohosh has estrogenic effects which may lend support to its traditional use for menstrual complaints.  Estrogenic herbs must be used with caution.  Estrogen is a key ingredient in birth control pills and any woman advised by her physician not to take the pill may have to avoid black cohosh as well.

The Indian women used black cohosh primarily for menstrual problems and childbirth; but herbalist prescribe it to relieve spasms, as a diuretic to treat water tension, as an expectorant to help clear mucus from the respiratory system, as an astringent, sedative, and menstruation promoter.

One study of black cohosh showed that it reduces blood pressure by opening the blood vessels in the limbs.  Another study showed black cohosh has anti-inflammatory activity, possibly explaining its Indian use for arthritis. 

And still another study showed it reduces animal blood sugar levels suggesting possible value in controlling diabetes.

As with all herbs, black cohosh should only be used in amounts typically recommended for medicinal purposes and you should always consult with your doctor first, especially if you are pregnant or nursing.

Black cohosh is a leafy perennial that can reach as much as nine feet.  Its compound toothed leaves are small, has a smooth stem and knotty black roots.  Its white flowers with long projections called racemes, develop in midsummer.  They have a distinctively sweet smell.

Black cohosh grows from seeds or root divisions taken and sown in spring or fall.  Harvest the roots in fall after the fruits have ripened and cut them length wise to dry.


SUGGESTIONS:
Other herbs with emmenagogue actions include angelica, blue cohosh, chamomile, dong quai, fennel, and rosemary.

 A 1:59 video describing the benefits of using black cohosh.