What is Black Cohosh for?

Actaea racemosa, better known as Black Cohosh or black snake root, is an herb native to Canada and the United States of America, which serves mainly to reduce the frequency with which hot flashes occur during menopause, in addition to other symptoms of This period is also used to treat premenstrual syndrome, uterine spasms and has even been indicated to reduce the risk of breast cancer.

Black Cohosh benefits

As we already mentioned before, this plant from North America has properties that are used to treat the discomfort caused by menstruation and menopause, but it is not only used for this, but also provides other benefits which we invite you to know:

• It has been mainly indicated to alleviate the natural symptoms of menopause.
• It can be a safe and effective option to ERT (Estrogen Replacement Therapy).
• Relieves the discomforts of menstruation, especially colic.
• It has been shown to help prevent breast cancer and to treat infertility.
• Soothes symptoms of asthma, sinusitis and / or mucous discharge.
• It controls blood pressure, preventing it from rising so high.
• Useful for cramps and dizziness.
• Effective as an anti-inflammatory in diseases such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or neuralgia, especially in the elderly.
• It acts as a sedative by calming the nerves.
• Relief of throat discomfort, as well as the effects caused by bronchitis.
• Used in the treatment to cleanse the kidneys.
• Reduces back pain.
• Studies have been conducted to determine its influence on heart conditions, as well as to treat migraine headaches and mental functionality.

How to take Black Cohosh?

You can find it in various presentations: tea infusion, tablets, tincture, liquid, capsules, extracts and others. Before starting to consume it, it is important that you consider not using different forms together at the same time as it could lead to an overdose. In addition, you must always follow the doctor’s instructions or, failing that, the instructions on the product label.

In the case of using it as an herbal supplement, it is best to follow the advice of your doctor or a person trained in the use of herbs or health supplements. If, on the other hand, you decide to ingest it in the form of tablets, take it preferably with a full glass of water. Liquid formulas should be measured with a teaspoon, dropper or measuring cup to ensure the correct dose. Another presentation is the tea which you can consume normally as a drink.

Properties of Black Cohosh

This herb is especially used for women when they go through the menopausal phase, significantly reducing the dangers of the hormonal phase, in addition to this, it has other important properties such as:

• Spasmodic agents
• It contains vitamins A and B5, important for a varied diet.
• Estrogenic properties, which allow reaching the estrogen receptors helping with their balance.
• Source of phyto-estrogens, ideal for maintaining high estrogens in menopause.
• Source of phosphorus that contributes to the proper functioning of the mind.
• Contains oleic and palmitic acid, plus triterpenes.
• Rich in cimifungin, tannins and actein.

Influence of Black Cohosh in menopause

The menopause period implies an imbalance of hormonal functioning, because the natural secretion of hormones ceases and the fertile phase ends and therefore the woman begins to experience a series of alterations such as: hot flashes, vertigo, sleep disturbance , palpitations, intimate dryness, irritability, dizziness, intrauterine spasms, sudden mood swings, headache and cycle disturbances.

In this sense, this plant works as a natural alternative therapy to deal with these discomforts, increasing estrogens and balancing hormones, it also allows the body to remain healthy and strengthened, thus avoiding the predisposition to suffer from cancer, especially breast cancer.

Black Cohosh adverse effects

The consumption of this herb is safe, at least for a short period of at least a year, but despite being a natural treatment for various conditions, we must consider that it can also trigger side effects that we must be aware of:

• Allergic reaction, with symptoms such as difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of the lips, tongue, throat or face.
• It could damage the liver with signs such as loss of appetite, pain in the upper stomach area, dark-colored urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice (yellow skin or eyes).
• Vaginal spotting or bleeding may occur.
• Sensation or weight gain.
• Headache.
• Stomach aches or pains.
• In large doses it can cause symptoms of poisoning, such as dizziness or nausea.
• It can cause miscarriage.

Black Cohosh Precautions and Contraindications

Before consuming it, it is vital to consider certain precautions to avoid subsequent risks:

• If you have liver disease or if you have a blood clotting disorder.
• If you have suffered from breast, uterine or ovarian cancer in the past.
• History of endometriosis or presence of uterine fibroids.
• If you have a kidney transplant.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Hypersensitivity or allergic reactions.
• It should not be ingested by children, unless indicated by a doctor.
• If you are planning to get pregnant, because it increases the risk of miscarriage.

Black Cohosh interactions

Here is a list of some of the drugs that interact with this plant: acetaminophen, cisplatin, donepezil, erythromycin, isoniazid, methotrexate, ondansetron, it also interacts negatively with antifungal drugs, antipsychotics, reducers cholesterol, anticonvulsants, those that control blood pressure or treat the heart.

Conclusion.

Black Cohosh is a plant that can be used as a natural treatment against the symptoms of the menopausal period, as well as for the control of many other discomforts experienced mainly by women. Originally from Canada and the United States, we can find it in presentations that are adjusted to the needs of those who want to consume it. Its use is supported by health professionals, even showing that it helps in the prevention of breast cancer.