BLACK COHOSH - The History and Applications of this Special Herb

One of about 1700 species of flowering plants in the large buttercup family, Black cohosh is also technically known as Actaea racemosa and Cimicifuga racemosa. It is native to North America and can grow up to nine feet tall, making it easily visible within  its inherent woodland regions. It enjoys a colorful variety of aliasas such as black snakeroot, rattleroot, rattletop, rattleweed, and macrotys. Due to the fact that insects avoid it, it has also been dubbed bugbane or bugwort.
 
According to legend, the Black cohosh root has been used to treat problems associated with the female physiology for centuries. It is said that Native American women depended on the plant for use in gynecological and childbirth practices. It was distinguished for its anti-inflammatory responses in relieving sharp, tight, spastic pains experienced during monthly menstrual cycles, as well as it’s ability to quell annoying hot flashes experienced by menopausal women. It was even believed to encourage breast lactation.
 
Not just limited to female applications, North American Indian medicine also incorporated Black Cohosh into their remedies for backaches, colds, constipation, cough, hives, malaise, malaria, rheumatism, and sore throat. By the 19th-century, use of Black cohosh as a home remedy became widespread throughout the population of the US. It was used as a diuretic and menstruation-inducer, as well as to treat rheumatism and fever. A group of alternative practitioners (the early form of medicinal “New Agers”) also prescribed it for rheumatism, as well as for lung and neurological conditions, and of course, as a remedy for a variety of issues specific to the needs of women.


To this day, the herb is still used for a variety of ailments, primarily menstrual and menopausal problems, and even as a cancer treatment supplement. It is used to relieve adverse reactions to certain breast cancer medications that cause hot flashes and sweating similar to that experienced during menopause. It has become a popular herbal dietary supplement in the US and is commonly sold to relieve other menopausal symptoms such as irritability, mood swings, and sleep disturbances. It’s estrogenic effects are also believed to relieve the discomfort of painful or heavy menstruation.
 
When used in combination with other herbs, Black cohosh even allegedly helps reduce the inflammatory effects of both osteo and rheumatoid arthritis. It is believed the herb’s estrogen-like compounds reduce the risk of osteoporosis-related bone loss. The estrogen-like properties may also stunt prostate tumor growth in men. Obviously, someone suffering from a serious illness or condition such as prostate cancer should always consult a doctor before modifying their diet.
 
The chemistry behind the apparent therapeutic effects of the dried rhizome of Black cohosh has been studied extensively. It was revealed that the compounds found in the plant (cimificifugamide, isoferulic acid, ferulic acid, cimigenol, and isocimicifugamide) could play a potential role in the regeneration treatment processes of many pathological and hormonal diseases.
 
Still, no concrete proof has yet been produced to confirm Black cohosh to be of absolute benefit to health. However, in 2001 the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists released a validating official statement. Based on their consensus and expert opinion, they ultimately confirmed that Black cohosh could provide relief to the symptoms of hot flashes and night sweats, thereby boosting the legitimacy of the herb that had so long been used in an alternative medicine capacity.
 
One of the most popular remedies to contain Black Cohosh is the Phyto PMS Formula. There, it is combined with other herbs to complement their individual effects, and to work together in synergy. Mexican Wild Yam, Red Clover, Soy Isoflavones, Dong Quai, Evening Primrose Oil, and Borage Oil all contain a wealth of phyto-nutrients and phyto-estrogens that will relieve PMS-related discomforts such as menstrual cramps, mood swings, irritability, and other psychological stressors.