Black Cohosh 101

Black cohosh was first known to be used for it's healing and medicinal purposes by Native American Indians, who introduced it to the European colonists medics. Black cohosh rise to fame as a treatment for women’s health issues started back in Europe in the mid 1950's Cimicifuga racemosa, black cohosh, has also been known as bugbane because it can be used as an insect repellent. Both the fresh and dried root are used. Never to be confused with blue cohosh or white cohosh. These are not the same plant. The blue and white cohosh plants do not have the same medicinal effects as black cohosh. General Usesr This black root has been used to treat the recurring symptoms of menopause, acne, painful menstruation, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), weakened bones (osteoporosis), and for starting labor for women who's babies were reluctant to arrive into the world. Scientific studies have found that black cohosh is useful in treating symptoms like: - Headaches - Night sweats - Vaginal dryness - Sleep problems - Heart palpitations - Hot flashes - Mood changes How Does It Work? Black cohosh root contains several chemicals that go to work on the immune increasing the body’s defenses against diseases. It can also help the body to reduce inflammation. Black cohosh also contains a natural compound, similar in structure to serotonin. This type of chemical is a neurotransmitter, helping the brain to send messages to other parts of the body. Black cohosh root also mimics some effects similar to the naturally occuring female hormone, estrogen. Black cohosh should not be thought of as an herbal estrogen replacement. It is more accurate to imagine it as a herb that acts similarly to estrogen in the body. For more detailed info, please refer here: https://nccih.nih.gov/health/blackcohosh/ataglance.htm