Uses And Side Effects Of Black Cohosh
Black Cohosh
The herb black cohosh has used in Native American medicine for many illnesses and became a part of many home remedies for most Americans in the 1800s.
Black Cohosh is a member of the buttercup family that is native to North America. The Native American and their medicine healers used this herb to treat arthritis, muscle pain and other health issues due to the herbs showing signs of an anti-inflammatory and as a mild sedative. Black Cohosh has been used to treat many female ailments including menstrual issues, hot flashes, mood swings and even problems associated with vaginal dryness. The herb has shown to be beneficial to women during times of pre-menstrual syndrome and other disruptions or hormonal imbalance.
Black Cohosh has been called many names due to insects avoid this plant giving it many of the names. The juice of the black cohosh plant has been used as an insect repellent. Native Americans made the juice of the plant into a salve to treat snake bites.
Common names include:
• Black snakeroot
• Bugbane
• Rattle weed
• Bugwort
This interesting plant can be used, roots, stems included, chopped and taken fresh or dried to make strong teas, capsules, extracts and tinctures for medicinal purposes. When taking black cohosh do not mix the different types, do not take liquid and capsule for at the same time as the combination could be more than is needed. Drink plenty of water when taking a more solid form of black cohosh. Black cohosh does not have a pleasant smell and those using the herb seek other alternatives to black cohosh tea.
Take black cohosh, especially the roots and add boiling water to make a medicinal tea. Allow the mixture to steep for 20 minutes as tea mixture cools. Strain the mixture and sip for an easy treatment for a cough or other inflammations. Once the tea is strained, drink cold in small amounts several times a day.
The same tea can be used to treat the symptoms of menopause including hot flashes and night sweats. The liquid form gets into the body quickly for faster relief. If using in a capsule form, take 40 mg a day as a supplement. If planning a long term use of black cohosh, it is best to stop the use for one week every month to eliminate some of the side effects that have been documented to occur. If using for longer than 6 months, more than a week may be necessary to avoid the possible side effects.
Black Cohosh since the 1800s has been used for ailments in women that were going through hormonal changes due to menopause. Black cohosh has been effective in treating the hormonal changes and the depression, hot flashes, irritability and mood swings associated with menopause and the decrease of estrogen in the body.
Side Effects of Using Black Cohosh
Black Cohosh has not been studied to be safe for use with pregnant women or those breast feeding. Check with a physician before using this herb during pregnancy as there has been documentation of miscarriage while taking this herb, as the herb has been used to induce labor. Home sensitive or those being treated for breast cancer, prostate cancer or ovarian cancer should avoid this herb as well due to the side effects and conflicts with traditional drug use.
Should any of these symptoms occur while using black cohosh, seek medical attention.
• Weight gain
• Blood pressure being lower than normal
• Headaches
• Stomach issues such as nausea or indigestion
• Seizures
• Irregular heartbeats
Avoid black cohosh if already having blood pressure issues and on medication as there has been documented reactions. Diabetics are advised to not use black cohosh for female issues if on insulin as the herb can cause erratic blood sugars. If one is already on hormone replacement therapy or HRT, seek medical advice before switching to black cohosh or any herbal remedies as there can be drug interference and reactions.
Black cohosh has had many claims to treat many ailments and symptoms. Since the 1950s, this herb has been used mostly for the treatment of female problems. Many have had wonderful results and rather use this natural plant than the alternative of hormone replacement therapies on the market.
Using an herbal remedy is a natural alternative to synthetic drugs, but every user is different and every user’s body can react differently. Just because the herb worked for one person, another person may have a different reaction. When starting an herbal remedy play, purchase from a green grocer or health food store to get the best quality product. Take as directed. Many herbs, especially in liquid form are potent, some having severe side effects. Take this into account with looking to a more natural alternative to synthetic produced drugs. Always include a healthy diet plan as part of the herbal remedy plan for overall good health.
Category: HERBS
