Do you want to know about the benefits and contraindications of black cohosh because you have heard of its healing properties, especially for menopause? Here we explain it to you, but first let’s see more about its botanical aspect.
Black cohosh is native to the United States and Canada and is found particularly in northern Oregon, Washington state, and Ontario. It is now cultivated in many European Mediterranean countries due to commercial demand.
It is a perennial plant of the Ranunculaceae (buttercup) family.
It has radical compound leaves with highly serrated margins and in summer produces a compound cluster of white staminate flowers. It grows to a height of 2 meters and is found particularly in shady woodland.
Parts of the plant used: the rhizome. The rhizomes are harvested in autumn from plants that are at least two years old, but preferably older.
The herb has a strong, bitter taste and slightly unpleasant odor and is usually taken as a standardized extract in tablet form, although it is also available as a dried root and tincture.
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Benefits of the cohosh racemosa
Active ingredient and substances: the main components of black cohosh are cimicifuga, triterpene glycosides, isoflavones, tannins, salicylic acid, alkaloids (only traces), fatty acids (ferulic acid, isoferulic acid, mucilage, resins, sugars and starch.
In addition, eight new triterpene glycosides, called cimiracemosides AH, have been identified.
Ferulic acid and iso-ferulic acid are the two substances believed to be responsible for the anti-inflammatory action of the herb.
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Traditional use of Black Cohosh in North America
In North America, Native Americans and early European settlers used the root (rhizome) of black cohosh as a remedy for irregular menstruation, to aid in childbirth, and for rattlesnake bites.
Other traditional uses of the herb include the treatment of malaria, rheumatism, back pain, abnormal kidney function, cough, sore throat, and fever. It was also used as a mild sedative.
Like other important medicinal plants native to North America, such as echinacea (Echinacea purpurea) and saw palmetto (Serenoa repens), the racemose black cohosh was introduced early to Europe.
The herb was imported into Germany in the late 19th century, where it was used primarily in a homeopathic form until the 1930s to treat gynecological disorders.
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A useful remedy for menopause
Modern use of the herb is most common for menopausal symptoms, but also for premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and irregular periods.
As women reach menopause, the signals between the ovaries and the pituitary gland begin to decrease, which in turn reduces estrogen production and increases the secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH). Hot flashes and other acute symptoms of menopause are thought to be related to these changes.
Early studies in rats suggested a hormonal effect of black cohosh. One of these studies found that components of black cohosh connected to estrogen receptors in utero.
Another study found that the herb caused a decrease in the concentration of LH in the blood. The conclusion at that time was that black cohosh had a slight estrogen and it also reduced the amount of LH, which is believed to help reduce hot flashes in menopausal women.
However, in recent years, animal and human studies indicate that these early findings of the estrogen effect of black cohosh are not necessarily accurate.
The conclusion was, therefore, despite previous findings that black cohosh does not contain phytoestrogens, and that women experiencing menopausal symptoms should not consider it as estrogen replacement.
Although it probably has no hormonal effects, this plant is still considered one of the best natural options for relieving hot flashes during menopause and does not cause serious side effects and potential health risks (for example, increased cancer risk) as estrogen.
An overview of eight German clinical trials on the effectiveness of black cohosh as a treatment for menopausal symptoms, published in the Journal of Women’s Health, concluded that the herb is safe and effective, and may be suitable as an alternative to estrogen replacement. therapy for women who do not wish to use estrogen substitutes or where the use of such substitutes may be harmful.
Some research has suggested that black cohosh in combination with black cohosh St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) it is useful for both hot flashes and mood swings caused by menopause.
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Other uses of the cohosh racemosa
Black cohosh has been used as a treatment for osteoporosis and is considered useful for some rheumatic disorders, such as arthritis. Wild yam (Dioscorea villosa) is often used in combination with black cohosh in that sense.
The resins present in the herb have been shown to expand peripheral blood vessels and, along with their calming effect, may be useful as a remedy for high blood pressure, reducing headaches and tinnitus.
It has antispasmodic properties and muscle relaxants and has been used as a reliever and treatment for coughs, asthma, and whooping cough.
Research has shown that the salicylates in the herb act as an anti-inflammatory, which could explain its traditional use among Native Americans for nerve and muscle pain.
It is often found in combination with other herbs that are considered beneficial for women’s health, e.g. menstrual cycle and menopause.
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Dosage and administration
Traditionally, black cohosh has been used as a tea where 1 teaspoon (5 g) of the dried root is added to a cup of hot water. Some literature recommends three cups a day. Cimicifuga racemosa benefits and contraindications
The herb is not believed to be particularly effective when used in tea form and is preferably used today as standardized liquid extracts, tablets, or capsules.
When using commercial products, the manufacturer’s instructions should be followed.
Contraindications and side effects of black cohosh racemosa
Side effects of black cohosh are generally mild and rare. They include upset stomach and nausea. Other side effects that have been observed are low blood pressure, headache, dizziness, and allergic reactions.
Some products of black cohosh have been associated with severe liver conditions, but this has not been confirmed and is probably due to poor quality products. Cimicifuga racemosa benefits and contraindications
There are no known interactions between this herb and conventional medicine, although it is suggested not to take it with high blood pressure medications. Pregnant and lactating women should not take this herb.
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Also know
Remedies for hormonal imbalance
Wild yam: Benefits and contraindications
Remedies for cervical cancer, cervix or womb (preventive)
Remedies for depression in menopause
essential oils to relieve the symptoms of menopause
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