Name: Common Name: Bugbane, Black snakeroot, Black cohosh, rattle
root Botanical Name: Cimicifuga racemosa (L.)
Family:Ranunculaceae
Parts Used: Fresh
root and rhizome
Sources
A New World plant that grows mostly
in the Eastern United States and Canada. Close relatives of the
same genus grow in Europe and Asia.
Use Recommendations
Black cohosh is used to treat dysmenorrhea,
perimenstrual syndrome, complains in pregnancy (such as nausea and
vomiting, sleeplessness), post delivery depression, menopause, and
tension headache.
Cimicifuga racemosa does not contain estrogen but from human studies
they found that this remedy can alleviate the menopausal or menstrual
discomforts. It can be used for women who have refused estrogen
replacement therapy or where estrogen replacement is contraindicated.
In human volunteers, long-term treatment caused reduced levels of
luteinizing hormone (LH), but levels of follicle stimulating hormone
(FSH) were not significantly altered.
Concerns
Black cohosh may relieve some menopausal
symptoms, but since it contains no estrogen, taking this herb will
not give any effect as estrogen treatment does.
Dosage
It has been suggested to use 40 mg.
per day of alcohol extracts. Usage should not exceed six months.
Summary
Black cohsh was used by Native Americans as a cure
for rattlesnake bites and for menstrual and labor pain. The root
also has a sedative effect and to alleviate depression. Although
the rhizome does not contain any estrogen hormone, controlled clinical
trials have shown black cohosh to be an effective remedy for treating
menopausal symptoms. Thus, for those who cannot take estrogen, black
cohosh may offer a viable alternative. Reports of toxicity are very
rare.
Interesting Facts
The name Cimicifuga derives from the
words cimex (a bug) and fugo (to drive away). It is told that a
tea made with the herb was sprinkled in rooms can prevent evil spirits
entering. The root may use as a diuretic, a cough suppressant, and
to reduce joint pains. Homeopathy Dr. Hughes (1836-1902) emphasized
Black cohosh effective treated headache caused by neck stiffness.
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