Benefits Of "Black Cohosh"
Benefits Of "Black Cohosh"
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| Benefits | Studies | Chemical & Nutrient Content |
Growing | Suggestions |
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Genus: Actaea
Species: Cimicifuga racemosa Also known as: Black Snakeroot (most commonly) Squawroot, bugbane (sometimes) Parts used: Rhizomes and roots |
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.
It is also used for lowering cholesterol levels and blood pressure, morning sickness, and relieves sinusitis and asthma, and is helpful for poisonous bites, reducing mucus levels and relieving pain.
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.
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.
STUDIES:
One study showed that black cohosh improved or eliminated menopausal symptoms; overall, women taking the herb felt better than women taking estrogen.
Another study showed that it reduces blood pressure by opening the blood vessels in the limbs, and another showed it has anti-inflammatory activity, possibly explaining its use by Indians for arthritis.
And still another study showed it reduces animal blood sugar levels suggesting possible value in controlling diabetes.
As with all herbal nutrition supplements, black cohosh supplements should only be used in amounts typically recommended for medicinal purposes and you should always consult with a health professional first, especially if you are pregnant, nursing or taking prescription medications.
CHEMICAL & NUTRIENT CONTENT:
Actaeine, cimicifungin, estrogenic substances, isoferulic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, phosphorus, racemosin, tannins, triterpenes and vitamins A and B5.
GROWING:
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.
It 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.
SUGGESTIONS:
Other herbs with emmenagogue actions include angelica, balm, blue cohosh, buckthorn, chamomile, dong quai, fennel, rosemary and valerian.
BLACK COHOSH
