Name: Black Cohosh - Natural Whole Herb
Scientific Name: Cimicifuga racemosa, Actaea racemosa L
Intro: Black cohosh is a tall, flowering plant found in rich, shady woods in eastern areas of North America. A member of the buttercup family, black cohosh is also known as black snakeroot, bugbane, bugwort, and squawroot. Its rhizomes and roots (both underground parts of the plant) are used for medicinal purposes. More than two centuries ago, Native Americans discovered that the root of the black cohosh plant (Cimicifuga racemosa) helped relieve menstrual cramps, and symptoms of menopause including hot flashes, irritability, mood swings, and sleep disturbances. Today, the roots of black cohosh are still often used for these purposes. In fact, the herb has been widely used for more than 40 years in Europe and is approved in Germany for premenstrual discomfort, painful menstruation, and menopausal symptoms.
Nutrient Content: Black cohosh contains glycosides (sugar compounds), isoferulic acids (substances with anti-inflammatory effects), and, possibly, phytoestrogens (plant based estrogens), among several other active substances.
Benefits:
Comments: There are no known scientific reports of interactions between black cohosh and conventional medications.
Caution: Should not be used in the presence of chronic disease
High doses of black cohosh can produces side effects including abdominal pain, diarrhea, dizziness, headaches, joint pains, nausea, slow heart rate, tremors, visual dimness, and vomiting.
Women with a history of breast cancer and those at a high risk for developing breast cancer (for example, a strong family history like a mother or sister with breast cancer) should not take black cohosh without talking to a healthcare provider.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid black cohosh as the herb may stimulate contractions and lead to premature labor.