Black cohosh, a herb which was discovered more than two centuries ago by native Americans is very famous among women especially as it is a wonder herb that provides instant relief to those painful problems which a women faces during her menstrual cycle.
Black cohosh is believed to relieve menstrual cramps, avoid mood swings and prevent hot flashes.
Plant description
The black cohosh is a native to the shady woods that belong to the eastern parts of the northern America.
Black cohosh belongs to the family of buttercups and is also known as snakeroot, squawroot and bugwort. The roots and rhizomes, parts of the plant are used in medicines.
Medicinal properties
Menopausal symptoms:
Studies which have been conducted for years in Europe and in the US have re affirmed the fact that the herb indeed does improve pre menstrual discomfort.
Black cohosh is proven to improve physiological and physical symptoms of menopause. A study was conducted in which each set of women were given black cohosh and another set was given estrogen. The ones who consumed black cohosh reported lesser anxiety levels during their menstrual cycle than the others who consumed estrogen or diazepam. Black cohosh is also believed to reduce the symptom of hot flashes by more than a five percent. These studies also prove another thing. The fact that black cohosh can be used as an alternative to consuming estrogen for women who cannot or do want to consume it is asserted by these studies. Hence
black cohosh can be considered as an alternative to ERT or estrogen replacement therapy.
Breast cancer:
Though black cohosh cannot be directly used in the treatment of breast cancer, it is effective in healing the hot flashes that repeatedly occur as a side effect of the treatment.
Black cohosh contains natural plant estrogen which may induce breast cancer in those who already stand a chance of developing this problem due to heredity. This claim has not been proved by any scientific basis though. Hence it is however advisable to avoid the excessive use of
black cohosh.
Dosage
Black cohosh is available as tablets, tincture, pills and capsules.
Children:
There is no scientific evidence that supports the use of this herb for children. Hence it is no recommended for children
Adults:
4 ml of the tincture or 40 mg of the powder can be had thrice a day. A
black cohosh drink can also be made and consumed. However it is advisable to consult a specialist before consumption of the same.
