Black Cohosh

(Also known as ACTAEA RACEMOSA AND CIMICIFUGA RACEMOSA)

Printable Version

Background

Black Cohosh (known as both Actaea racemosa and Cimicifuga racemosa), a member of the buttercup family, is a perennial plant that is native to North America. Other common names include black snakeroot, bugbane, bugwort, rattleroot, rattletop, rattleweed, and macrotys.

Historical Uses of Black Cohosh

Black Cohosh was used in North American Indian medicine for malaise, gynecological disorders, kidney disorders, malaria, rheumatism, and sore throat. It was also used for colds, cough, constipation, hives, and backache and to induce lactation. In 19th-century America, Black Cohosh was a home remedy used for rheumatism and fever, as a diuretic, and to bring on menstruation. It was extremely popular among a group of alternative practitioners who called Black Cohosh "macrotys" and prescribed it for rheumatism, lung conditions, neurological conditions, and conditions that affected women's reproductive organs (including menstrual problems, inflammation of the uterus or ovaries, infertility, threatened miscarriage, and relief of labor pains).

Health Benefits of Black Cohosh

Black Cohosh is used primarily for hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms. A number of studies have been conducted to determine Black Cohosh’s effects on menopausal symptoms. A compound recently identified in Black Cohosh (fukinolic acid) was shown to have estrogenic activity in vitro.
 
Because of the marked changes in hormone levels in women who have achieved menopause, numerous modifications occur in the structure and activity of vaginal and uterine tissues. Microscopically, vaginal cells look different after menopause because of decreased estrogen. Menopause is associated with a thinning of the uterine lining (the endometrium).
 
Black Cohosh can cause stomach discomfort and headaches [10]. Clinical trials comparing estrogens with Black Cohosh preparations have shown a low incidence of adverse effects associated with Black Cohosh; headaches, gastric complaints, heaviness in the legs, and weight problems were the main adverse effects noted.

The use of Black Cohosh during pregnancy has not been rigorously studied. Thus, it would be prudent for pregnant women not to 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.

Related Products

Featured Black Cohosh Products

 
100% Natural
Menopause Symptom Relief

Phytomed's 100% All-Natural
P.M.S. Relief