Black cohosh with bee
This is an herb that is sold as a dietary supplement in the US and other countries.
It is a member of the buttercup family of plants. Scientifically, it is known as Actaea racemosa. Here, are some other names which it is known by:
It is mainly known and used as a treatment for hot flushes, a symptom of menopause.
There are several ways in which the herb is prepared. It is mainly prepared from the roots of the plant. The underground stems are also used in preparation. The preparation involves extracting and preparing a solution using ethanol. The extract is then used to make tablets. Normally, a tablet will contain 20 mg of the root extract.
The use of this herb as an alternative medicine dates back many centuries. It was used by the American Indian medicine men to treat malaise, gynecological disorders, rheumatism, lung diseases, back ache, constipation, and hives. It was also used to induce both lactation and menstruation. In modern medicine however, this herb is mainly used in controlling symptoms of menopause.
As said earlier, this herb is mainly used for the treatment of menopause related problems. Studies have indicated that it has an effect on hormones. The herb shows activity similar to that of the hormone estrogen. When a woman is undergoing menopause, the levels of estrogen lower. On the other hand she experiences a rise in luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone. This hormonal imbalance causes menopause symptoms. The herb works by lowering the levels of luteinizing and follicle stimulating hormones. As a result hormone production is balanced and the symptoms of menopause are controlled.
A study on the effectiveness of this herb was carried out. It involved women who were experiencing menopause like symptoms, and others who were post menopause. The results were as follows:
There are very few documented side effects of this supplement. However, there are users that complain of mild headaches and stomach discomfort. There is one documented case of a woman who got liver disease after using cohosh. It was however found that she may have used a large dosage of the supplement than directed by the doctor. Since the herb has estrogen like effects, it has been found to have an effect on the wall of the uterus and breast tissue. There have also been several complaints of having problems with newborns after using black cohosh to induce labor. Millions of people have used this herb without experiencing any adverse side effects. It is safe to assume that it is safe for human use. The most important thing to do is to ensure the medicine is not taken without medical supervision.
Although the herb has no adverse side effects, there are people who should be cautious about using it.
