The Mechanics of Black Cohosh
Used since the 19th century in Native American medicine, black cohosh, a member of the buttercup family is a plant native to North America. It was also used to treat kidney disorders, malaria, constipation and hives. Grown mostly on hillsides and open woods in moist soil, cultivation of this herb has allowed black cohosh to be widely regarded as the gold standard in treating symptoms of menopause. Read on to learn more about black cohosh, its uses and side effects.
How Does Black Cohosh Work?
Thought to have an estrogenic effect because of its ability to bind to estrogen receptors; black choosy works to increase estrogen activity within body tissues. Black cohosh can improve many symptoms of menopause including uterine problems including poor uterine tone, menstrual cramps and postmenopausal vaginal dryness.
How Does Black Cohosh Treat My Symptoms?
Traditionally used as an herbal remedy for rheumatism, lower back pain, tinnitus and dysmenorrhoea (painful menstruation), black cohosh is commonly used today to treat menopause related symptoms. Preparations of the herb are made from its underground stems and roots which are either dried or used fresh. Treatments on menopausal women have shown that treatment with black cohosh extract selectively suppresses luteinizing hormone producing an estrogenic effect. As a result black cohosh is often prescribed as an alternative to hormone therapy as a suitable treatment of choice in improving estrogen levels in menopausal women.
Side Effects of Black Cohosh
Commonly used in combination with estrogen therapy, black cohosh has only been reported to produce mild gastrointestinal problems, headaches, dizziness and vomiting in a small percentage of female users. Pregnant and breast feeding women should avoid taking black choosy because studies remain inconclusive on its effects to hormone sensitivities. Generally black cohosh is a safe and effective treatment for symptoms of menopause and hot flashes. Be warned, do not confuse black cohosh with its dangerous cousin, blue cohosh. Blue cohosh has different properties, treatment uses and side effects, Both are used in conjunction to induce labor but this therapy has produced adverse effects in newborns due to use of blue cohosh. Always consult your doctor or experienced naturalist before starting any type of herbal treatment.
Click here to read more information about treatments for menopause using black cohosh.
Sources
• “Black Cohosh: Herbal Remedies.” Discovery Health. www.howstuffworks.com
• “Black Cohosh.” www.naturaldatabase.com
• “Black Cohosh for Menopause.” Women Living Nautrally. www.womenlivingnaturally.com
