Womenhood is amazing, and in this journey, she goes through a rollercoaster of hormonal and physical changes. In her menopausal phase of life, she experiences a bunch of symptoms, which are again not easy to handle. One such flowering plant that can help you ease the symptoms of menopause is black cohosh.
This flowering herb has been part of traditional medicine. So, in this blog, you will explore the various black cohosh uses, benefits, side effects, and how it is commonly used today, especially for women’s health. Let’s begin!
What Is Black Cohosh?
Black bugbane or cohosh is a perennial flowering plant native to eastern North America. Scientifically, it is known as Actaea racemosa or Cimicifuga racemosa, but it is also known as black bugbane or black snakeroot.
The plants are 5 feet tall with slender stems, and you can easily recognize them by their long, white, feathery flower spikes. However, the plant’s medicinal properties lie in the roots, which have been traditionally used for centuries.
The key therapeutic effects of this herb come from its unique composition of bioactive compounds. It contains triterpene glycosides, particularly actein and cimicifugoides, which are responsible for its hormone-balancing effects. Additionally, it contains flavonoids, which act as antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties that promote better health.
This herb is known for its ability to reduce various women’s health issues. In the ancient days, it was a part of treatment for menstrual discomfort, arthritis, and even a remedy for snake bites. So, let’s understand its health benefits in detail!
8 Health Benefits Of Black Cohosh
Black bugbane has many health benefits, but it is particularly helpful for women’s wellness. Let’s have a look at its uses and benefits in detail:
1. Provide Relief From Menopausal Symptoms
The most popular use of black bugbane is to provide relief from menopausal symptoms. This is helpful, especially for those women who prefer natural remedies over hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
It helps reduce the frequency and intensity of:
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Mood swings
- Sleep disturbances
Studies show that this herb works by mimicking estrogen’s effects, which interact with estrogen receptors in certain tissues. This makes it useful for women to manage fluctuating hormone levels during menopause.
2. Supports Menstrual Health
Traditionally, it was also used to ease menstrual discomfort, such as:
- Cramps
- Heavy bleeding
- Mood swings
The herb also helps to regulate periods in women with irregular menstrual cycles. Moreover, it helps to balance the estrogen levels, which helps to reduce the severity of premenstrual syndrome symptoms.
3. Provide PMDD Relief
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder is a severe form of PMS that impacts mental health and daily functioning. black bugbane provides relief from extreme mood swings, irritability, and depression due to PMDD. It does so by regulating women’s emotional state by balancing hormone levels.
Additionally, it helps to reduce physical discomfort such as bloating, breast tenderness, and menstrual cramps.
4. Improves Bone Health
During menopause, the estrogen levels decrease. This increases the risk of osteoporosis because of the decrease in bone density.
As black bugbane has an estrogenic effect on the body, it helps to preserve bone density in postmenopausal women. Some studies say that this herb can inhibit the breakdown of bone tissue, which could potentially reduce the risk of fractures in postmenopausal women.
5. Stabilizes Mood And Mental Health
During menopause and PMS, women experience a high level of anxiety, mood swings, and sadness. The hormone-balancing effect of black bugbane helps to manage these mood instabilities.
It acts on neurotransmitters like serotonin and helps to reduce anxiety and depression symptoms, which happen because of hormonal imbalances. The herb also has a calming effect on the nervous system, and it is helpful for reducing stress and anxiety, especially during menopause and PMS.
6. Help Reduce Pain
This herb was traditionally used as a pain reliever because of its anti-inflammatory properties. These effects are also effective in the cases of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
It is also helpful for muscle pain and stiffness, particularly in the case of inflammation. These amazing effects of cohosh make it a better alternative for pain management.
7. Can Prevent Cancer
One of the studies on the antiestrogenic effect of black bugbane concludes that it has substantial anti-cancer properties. The herb has a protective effect on breast cancer as it modulates estrogen levels by acting as an antioxidant.
It is also effective for managing symptoms related to uterine fibroid. Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that develop in the uterus and cause symptoms such as heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, and bloating. So, this herb helps reduce pain, muscle relaxation, and hormone balance.
8. Helps In Menstrual Cycle Regulation In PCOS
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) leads to irregular menstrual cycles and hormonal imbalances. Black bugbane is not the cure for PCOS, but it can help reduce some PCOS symptoms, such as irregular periods and mood issues.
It can also support ovulation, which can help regulate menstrual cycles and increase the chances of conception in PCOS women.
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How To Consume Black Cohosh?
This herb is available in the market in various forms. The most common ways are as follows:
- Supplements: It is commonly found in the form of capsules and tablets. It is mixed with other herbs to promote women’s wellness.
- Tea: You can consume it in the form of tea, which is a more traditional and natural way to consume it.
- Extract: This herb is also available in the form of liquid extract and tincture. These are the concentrated doses of the herb, which get easily absorbed by the body.
The dosage of the herb is given by your healthcare provider. So, consult with them before using it, especially when you have any health conditions or are taking any medications.
How long should you use it? Studies have generally found that it is safe to use for up to 6 months for menopausal symptoms or menstrual irregularities. It is not advisable to use it for the long term because it can increase the risk of liver damage in some cases.
Black Cohosh Side Effects
Research from NIH says that it is generally safe to consume but does have some mild side effects. They are as follows:
- Nausea
- Upset stomach
- Bloating
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Low blood pressure
- Skin rashes
There have been few reports of liver damage because of black bugbane. The liver damage symptoms include yellowing of skin, dark urine, and fatigue. While it is a rare case, people with liver issues should avoid using it.
Precautions
Who should avoid black cohosh? Though it provides benefits for menopausal symptoms and PMS and PCOS symptoms, these are some precautions that you should be aware of:
- First of all, consult with your healthcare provider before using any herb. Especially if you are taking any medication, have a pre-existing condition, or are planning to use it for more than 6 months.
- Secondly, if you see any side effects, stop the consumption immediately and run to your doctor.
- Further, women who are pregnant and breastfeeding should not consume it because it can cause uterine contractions. However, women with a history of breast cancer, endometriosis, or fibroids should consult with a doctor before consuming it.
- Lastly, if your doctor advises you to take the herb, make sure you are buying the product from a verified seller. The medicine must have USP verification or NSF certification, which will make the product safe to use.
Bottomline
In conclusion, black bugbane is beneficial for menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings. It is also beneficial for PMS, as it helps to manage symptoms related to hormonal imbalances and supports female reproductive health.
You can take it as a tablet, capsule, tea, or extract, depending on your ease of consumption. However, like any other remedy, this herb also comes with side effects.
So, be cautious if you have any liver-related issues or you show symptoms of liver damage. Moreover, pregnant women and breastfeeding women should be aware of the ingredients they have in their herbal tea because some teas do include black bugbane as their ingredient.
Additionally, consult with your doctor before starting the herbal treatment to make sure it is safe for you and there will be no major side effects of using it.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Indian Herbal Medicines For Menopause?
In Indian herbal medicine, shatavari, aswagandha, moringa, and brahmi are used. Shatavari is commonly used for hot flashes, and Ashwagandha helps to reduce stress and improve mood during menopause.
How Soon Will I Notice The Effects Of Taking Black Cohosh?
Some women experience relief from menopausal symptoms within 2-4 weeks. Whereas, for others, it can be different because the effects also depend on the severity of your symptoms.
Can Black Cohosh Help With Sleep Issues?
Yes, the herb can help improve your sleep quality, especially for women who are experiencing night sweats or hot flashes during menopause.
What Is The Difference Between Blue And Black Cohosh?
Black and blue cohosh are distinct herbs with different effects. The black one is beneficial for relieving menopausal symptoms, whereas the blue one is used to stimulate labor and make the delivery process less painful for the mother.
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Disclaimer
This blog post will help you make healthier and better health choices. So be aware and take care. The most important thing to consider is your health before starting any specific diet or routine. Always seek advice from a doctor or dietitian if you have any concerns before starting.
Eat Healthy, Live Healthy. Enjoy a long, happy life.
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