The Medicinal Power of Black Cohosh!

black cohoshFor many generations, women in the United States have relied on a root known as black cohosh to relieve various problems associated with female health. From PMS issues and menstrual cramps to menopause, black cohosh has long been used to treat a variety of women�s issues.

As far back as 1900, the indigenous wildflower known as black cohosh provided the main ingredient for a popular tonic used to treat various female problems. Black cohosh is a member of the buttercup family, and its usefulness extends far beyond PMS and menopause. In addition to these traditional uses, black cohosh has been used to treat a large number of other conditions, including everything from eczema to insect bites.

What is black cohosh?
Black cohosh (known as both Actaea racemosa and Cimicifuga racemosa), a member of the buttercup family, is a perennial plant that is native to North America. Other common names include black snakeroot, bugbane, bugwort, rattleroot, rattletop, rattleweed, and macrotys. Insects avoid it, which accounts for some of these common names.

Key points about Blacl Cohosh:

  • Black cohosh is an herb sold as a dietary supplement in the United States.
  • Black cohosh is used for hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms.
  • Although preliminary evidence is encouraging, the currently available data are not sufficient to support a recommendation on the use of black cohosh for menopausal symptoms. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) at the National Institutes of Health is funding a rigorous scientific study to determine whether treatment with black cohosh reduces the frequency and intensity of hot flashes, and other menopausal symptoms.
  • In 2001, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists stated-primarily on the basis of consensus and expert opinion-that black cohosh may be helpful in the short term (6 months or less) for women with vasomotor symptoms of menopause.

Although few adverse events have been reported, long-term safety data are not available.