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A
popular folk medicine for
gynecological complaints such as menstruation & menopause, providing a
beneficial estrogenic effect |
| Black cohosh consists of the
fresh or dried, blackish rhizomes and roots of Cimifuga racemosa (Actaea
racemosa), a plant of the North American woodlands which produces
showy spikes of white flowers, known as racemes (hence the species name
racemosa). The plant is leafy with double-pinnate, smooth leaves
and grows 1 to 1.5 meters tall. Black cohosh is also known by the folk
name black snakeroot and is a member of the Ranunculaceae family. It
should not to be confused with blue cohosh (Caulophyllum
thalictroides) which is a member of the Berberidaceae family. The
use of black cohosh root as a traditional medicine originated with the
Native American Indians, who revered it as a remedy for gynecological
ailments, as well as for rheumatism. The roots were prepared as a
decoction, boiling them in water, and the resulting brew was drunk,
particularly for uterine complaints and to stimulate menstrual flow. It
was valued as an emmenogoue, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, cough
suppressant, alterative, astringent, and antidiarrheal remedy. The plant
contains a resin, bitter glycosides, saponins, tannins, and ranunculin
(which is converted to anemonin during the drying process). Scientific
research has been conducted which has shown that an extract of black
cohosh root contains compounds that bind to estrogen receptors in rats
and also selectively reduce luteinizing hormone levels (LH). This
indicates that black cohosh root may possess estrogenic activity in
women. Black cohosh root contains steroidal triterpenoid compounds
including cimifugoside and actein, which have been shown to have
hypotensive, vasodilating, and antispasmodic properties, as well as
isoferulic acid. It enjoys popular use for a number of symptoms
associated with PMS (pre-menstrual syndrome), menopausal symptoms
including hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, depression and
nervousness, as well as dysmenorrhea. Black cohosh root has been used by
many women for its mild nervine action, allaying nervousness associated
with menopause. It has been used to benefit cases of painful or delayed
menstruation, ovarian cramps and uterine pain, and is though to have a
normalizing action on the balance of the female sex hormones. It has
been used traditionally to regain normal hormonal activity. It also has
enjoyed widespread use as a treatment for rheumatic pains, including
rheumatoid arthritis, osteo-arthritis, and for muscular and neurological
pain such as sciatica. Black cohosh has also been used by midwives to
aid uterine activity during labor. It has been used for bronchitis and
whooping cough as a cough suppressant due to its antispasmodic action.
No known health hazards or side effects are known. Very large doses may
cause vomiting, bradycardia, hypotension, headaches and dizziness. Do
not use if pregnant or lactating. |
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