Some of the health benefits of using black cohosh herbs include anxiety, rheumatism, fever, sore throat, and cough. It is one of the popular herb for treating women’s health problems.
What is black cohosh?
Black cohosh is a member of buttercup family, also known as both Actaea racemosa and Cimicifuga racemosa. Other common names include black snakeroot, bugbane, bugwort, rattleroot, rattletop, rattleweed, and macrotys. It is consumed as herb or dietary supplements throughout the world.
How to make herbal preparation of black cohosh herb ?
The roots and rhizome of black cohosh is commonly used for it’s herbal preparation. It is available in various forms like capsules, tablets, powder, liquid and tincture.
Traditional uses of black cohosh herb
In North American Indian folk medicine, it is used for
- Treating malaise, gynecological disorders, kidney disorders and malaria.
- It was also used for constipation, hives, and backache and to induce lactation.
- It was also used in decoction to address pain associated with sore throats (when used as a gargle) and rheumatism.
- It was also used as emergency medicine for snake bite, tropically and internally it’s juice was taken.
- It was often prescribed for lung conditions, neurological conditions, and conditions that affected women’s reproductive organs (including menstrual problems,menstrual pain with cramping, inflammation of the uterus or ovaries, infertility, threatened miscarriage, and relief of labor pains).
- The steam from hot decoction of the roots was used to relieve pain of rheumatic limbs.
- A tincture of the rhizome and root was used to treat inflammation of the nerves, rheumatism and old ulcers.
- It’s leaves were tropically applied as natural bug or insect repellent
Caution and side-effects of black cohosh
Black cohosh can cause stomach discomfort, headaches, gastric complaints, heaviness in the legs, and weight problems were the main adverse effects.
Who should avoid taking black cohosh?
- Pregnant women and lactation should not take black cohosh unless they do so under the supervision of their health care provider.
- Women with breast cancer may want to avoid black cohosh until its effects on breast tissue are understood.
- Individuals with liver disorders should avoid black cohosh.
- Individuals who develop symptoms of liver trouble such as abdominal pain, dark urine, or jaundice while taking the supplement should discontinue use and contact their doctor.
References: Effects of black cohosh
