Black cohosh or actaea racemosa (in English black cohosh) offers many benefits especially for women. However, it is important to also know its contraindications and side effects. Let’s see these below:
It is an herbaceous perennial that forms long leaves up to three feet (1 m) in length and has a stout rhizome, or bulbous root, that can reach 24 inches (60 cm) deep.
Black cohosh is a member of the Ranunculaceae family, which contains around 1,700 species distributed worldwide in more than 60 genera. This large group often goes by the name buttercup or crow’s-tooth family, and contains predominantly flowering plants, including healing herbs such as goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) and liverwort (Hepatica americana).
Economic data The main economic importance of black cohosh is as an herbal medicine used to treat disorders related to menstruation and menopause. In 1998, black cohosh root consumption was about 700,000 lbs (317,515 kg), but in 1999, only 183,000 lbs (83,000 kg) were consumed worldwide, although the market increased again to 420,000 lbs (190,000 kg). in 2001. In that year alone, the black cohosh industry was worth around $2.25 million dollars, and it is projected to continue to rise.
Other uses Black cohosh has gained some popularity in recent years as an ornamental plant.
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Black Cohosh Health Benefits
Black cohosh has been used for centuries to treat a wide variety of conditions. However, modern scientific research suggests that the herb may be primarily useful for the following purposes:
Relieves menstrual problems. Research also shows that black cohosh may help alleviate some of the symptoms associated with PMS.
Treats the symptoms of menopause. There have been many research studies on whether black cohosh treats menopausal symptoms and black cohosh is the most popular natural medicine for treating these symptoms. However, the research is conflicting and it is recommended not to take black cohosh for more than six months due to the need for more long-term studies on the plant.
Additionally, black cohosh may be effective for:
Prevents osteoporosis. Black cohosh contains phytoestrogens, which can act like estrogen in a woman’s body. This compound may also prevent bone density loss and the onset of osteoporosis, however more research is needed.
Treat arthritis. Some research shows that black cohosh may help relieve inflammation caused by arthritis when used in combination with other herbs.
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How does it work
The main active ingredients in black cohosh are the phytoestrogenic lignans contained within, some of which (particularly acetaeactone) are unique to these plants. Black cohosh also contains isoferulic acids, polyphenols, and glycosides, as well as coumarin, caffeic acid, and fukinolic acid.
Phytoestrogenic lignans, which are chemically similar to human estrogen, have the ability to stimulate estrogen receptors throughout the body. For women experiencing symptoms related to estrogen deficiency, this means that they will help replace the estrogen they are not producing on their own.
Compounds found in black cohosh can cause some adverse effects, such as upset stomach, headaches, weight gain, or breast tenderness. It is important to note that black cohosh should only be taken short to medium term, as there is some evidence that long-term use of black cohosh may cause a slight increase in the chance of contracting diseases associated with the breasts and uterus. .
Women who are pregnant or nursing have a personal history of breast cancer, and people with liver disorders should not take black cohosh.
Other herbs with strong anti-inflammatory properties include turmeric and cat’s claw, while dong quai and soy are examples of estrogenic herbs that can benefit hormonal health when imbalances occur.
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Contraindications and side effects
Black cohosh has been known to occasionally cause headaches and weight problems. Reports show that black cohosh can also cause liver damage, yet millions of people use the herb without adverse side effects.
Because black cohosh has not been rigorously reviewed, it is recommended that the herb not be mixed with other medications, and it is recommended that people only take it for one year at a time.
Additionally, black cohosh has some important contraindications: Women who are pregnant or nursing, as well as those with a history of hormone-related cancers, should not take black cohosh.
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how to grow it
Black cohosh can be found growing naturally in rich forests as far north as Maine and Ontario, south to Georgia, and west to Missouri and Indiana. This herbaceous perennial can reach eight feet (2.4 m) in height when mature.
growth guidelines
Black coshoh can be reproduced by seed, but the germination rate is very low, so root divisions or rhizome cuttings are the preferred methods of propagation.
The optimal range of temperatures for growing black cohosh is 66 to 77°F (20 to 25°C).
Black cohosh grows best in heavy, rich, hydrated soil, which is preferably partially shaded, with a pH of 5.1 to 6.0.
This plant needs generous amounts of water to thrive. The soil must be maintained more at all times; however, overwatering should be avoided.
This is a slow growing plant. It can take more than a year for the first shoots to appear.
Black cohosh is susceptible to attack by cutworms, blister beetles, slugs, and snails.
The plant can also be affected by fungal diseases, such as damping off.
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