In the past several years, root of black cohosh became increasingly popular among the female population in America for its healing properties regarding symptoms of menopause and PMS. Black cohosh has been used for more than a century as a component of a popular tonic for treating female problems. Apart from relieving gynecological disorders, black cohosh is excellent herbal remedy for treating eczema and insect bites. The herb effectively alleviates hot flashes and it is often recommended instead of hormone replacement therapy since it entails far lesser side effects. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, black cohosh can also be used for relieving cough, congestion, rheumatoid arthritis and neuralgia. Being antispasmodic, it successfully reduces menstrual cramps while mild sedative property of black cohosh provides muscle ache relief. Black cohosh can be found on the market in different forms such as capsules, tinctures, tablets and dried herbs.
Black Cohosh Description
Black cohosh (Actaea racemosa) belongs to the buttercup family and it is native to North America. Black cohosh is also known as black bugbane, black snakeroot, fairy candle, bugwort, cimicifuga, squawroot and rattleweed. Medicinal properties of this herb are in its root and rhizome. Black cohosh has been used for hundreds of years in folk medicine, particularly among Native Americans for treating ailments of the reproductive system in women, such as infertility and miscarriage. Along with treating female-related problems; the herb was used for relieving indigestion, rheumatoid arthritis, menstrual cramps, bronchitis, fatigue, fever, sore throat and kidney ailments.
Black Cohosh BenefitsEven though, many health benefits were contributed to black cohosh, only several of these have been proven by scientific research. Today, it is known that the biggest benefit of black cohosh lies in relieving symptoms of menopause and PMS. It is most effective in treating hot flashes and vaginal dryness. The herb can also alleviate other associated symptoms such as headache, lightheadedness, palpitations, mood disturbances and difficulty sleeping. Tea prepared from black cohosh can be used for relieving bloating and cramps. Being a uterine stimulant, back cohosh is also beneficial for menstrual irregularities since it can stimulate the period. In alternative medicine the herb is used for treating infertility, to prevent miscarriage and induce labor. Black cohosh is phytoestrogen that effectively replaces declining amounts of estrogen in the body which makes it good substitute for conventional hormone replacement therapy and with fewer adverse effects.
Black cohosh contains salicylic acid that gives the herb anti-inflammatory properties. Because of this quality, black cohosh can be used for reducing inflammation associated rheumatoid arthritis, neuralgia and osteoporosis. Also, the herb has antibacterial properties and can be used in case of bronchial infections. Additionally, black cohosh can stimulate digestion and help in treating headaches caused by nasal congestion, stress and infections.
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