Black Cohosh

Making waves in the world of treating women’s health issues is the herbal supplement, black cohosh, offering a wide-range of treatment options. If there is any dietary supplement that a woman should choose when menstrual cramps and painful periods arise, black cohosh should be first on the list. Adding to the allure of this supplement is the fact that there are plenty other medicinal uses attached to the root and rhizome of this effective herb.

What Is Black Cohosh?

Originally appearing in the northeastern part of the United States, the black cohosh plant is a tall perennial that reaches a height of up to 8 feet. Characterized by creamy white flower spikes, the plant is now grown in Canada, and throughout parts of Europe. Although possessing an unattractive odor and a bitter taste, the healing properties of this herb is attractively presented through a variety of effective characteristics. Black cohosh can be used as an anti-arthritic, anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, diuretic, and sedative.

Brief History

Black cohosh is native to the northeastern parts of the United States with a history of heavy Native American use. The herb was utilized as a treatment for snakebites, gynecological problems, kidney disorders, yellow fever, and rheumatism. When the early settlers discovered black cohosh, they used it to combat smallpox.

During the early 19th century, the herb was well known in many European health circles. In China, there are several species of black cohosh used within their medicinal practices, especially for the treatment of measles and colds. Today, the herb has found a place in effectively easing inflammatory arthritis, high blood pressure, and menstrual issues.

Parts Used

It is the fresh root or the dried rhizome of black cohosh that is used to created Western and Eastern medicines. The fresh root can be used to create decoctions, syrups, pills, capsules, and tinctures, while black cohosh rhizomes are used for decoctions and tinctures.

As a Dietary Supplement

When it comes to taking a black cohosh dietary supplement, there are various recommended doses to pay attention to. Carefully reading the directions of your chosen natural supplement will alert you to how many capsules or pills you should take. The most common dosage for administering black cohosh is 20 mg tablets (1 or 2) that are taken twice a day [1]. Currently, the use of black cohosh for a child is not recommended because adequate scientific research has not been completed [2].

Proposed Uses

There are many different uses that black cohosh is associated with, including treatment for rheumatism, osteoporosis, coughs, high cholesterol levels, as well as the hardening of the arteries [3].

a) Menstruation and Menopause Problems:

Black cohosh can be used to treat the irritating and painful symptoms of PMS, as well as menopause. Painful menstruation, also known as dysmenorrhea, can also be treated with black cohosh. Beyond taking natural supplements, you could also add 40 drops of tincture to 100ml of water to create a treatment for menstrual pains that should be taken three times per day.

Throughout the years, some women have regarded the herb as an effective dietary supplement for hot flashes. Also, soaking the fresh black cohosh root and an equal amount of St. John’s wort in vodka or rum will create a tincture for use on menopause symptoms, such as night sweats and emotional imbalance. The proper tincture dose is 20 drops.

b) Breathing Problems:

Whooping cough and bronchitis can be treated with black cohosh syrup (fresh root) mixed with licorice and elecampane.

c) Rheumatic Pains:

Back pains and rheumatic problems can be treated with one 200 mg supplement capsule made from the fresh root, taken 2-3 times per day. General muscle aches and pains, low back discomfort, can be treated with 20 drops of a black cohosh tincture. When creating the tincture, other anti-rheumatic herbs should be added. For rheumatism, a half cup of decoction should be taken twice per day, which means the black cohosh root was simmered in boiling water to create a remedy.

d) Estrogen Treatments:

There is evidence that black cohosh may act like estrogen in a variety of specific areas of the body, including the brain (aiding in reducing hot flashes); bones (fighting osteoporosis); and the vagina (lowering vaginal dryness). A few women suffering from breast cancer-induced hot flashes have reported success in using black cohosh supplements, but there is not enough evidence to prove that this is an effective treatment for all women.

e) Induce Labor:

For many years, black cohosh supplements have been regarded as a way to naturally induce labor during pregnancy [4]. When using the herb for this purpose, it is a tool to ensure the safety of the baby and not provide convenience for mothers.

Precautions

Depending on the form of black cohosh you are taking, there are certain precautions to follow. For starters, all pill forms should be taken with a full glass of water. When taking the liquid form of the herb, using the correct dose will ensure proper use. Some forms of black cohosh can be brewed to create a tea for drinking.

One of the most important things to remember when consuming black cohosh is that only one treatment approach should be taken at one time unless your doctor suggests otherwise. Before incorporating black cohosh into your diet, you should consult your physician regarding the proper method. Doctors can also suggest the best form of herb for your particular medical issues. They will also alert you to drug interactions, such as the reduced effectiveness of cisplatin.

When taking too much black cohosh, individuals may experience nausea or vomiting. Pregnant or breastfeeding mothers should also refrain from taking this herb. Some reports have connected black cohosh with liver damage, but there is no concrete evidence to indefinitely link this rare occurrence [5]. When using black cohosh, it is especially important not to confuse the herb with blue cohosh, which has the potential to cause damage to the heart [6].

Possible Side Effects

Black cohosh is rather popular as a dietary supplement because there are little to no side effects. Sometimes, the herb has been known to create mild gastrointestinal concerns, but overall, it is a safe supplement to add to a diet. When taking large doses of the herb, some individuals have reported nausea, dizziness, seizures, visual impairment, decreased pulse, and increased sweating.

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