To the typical layman not closely familiar with natural remedies and supplementation, the name “black cohosh” might sound like some sort of dark-ash residue spotting the ground near a black-smoke-billowing industrial chimney at an oil refinery or petrochemical plant. But that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Black cohosh is sourced from a perennial flowering plant that is a member of the buttercup family with sweet-scented white blossoms perched on a stem, constituting a spike-shaped growth that sprouts as high as five feet. Plus it’s been around for many centuries serving mankind as a multifaceted herbal supplement that, among other things, has a robust painkilling property of alleviating various muscle aches and body pains associated with conditions such as menopause and perimenopause (think hot flashes, moodiness, and excessive sweating), It can also provide calming relief to the nervous system.
Note, too, that in its present form as manufactured and sold here, black cohosh is a gluten-free product.
Black Cohosh Can Address Issues Related to the Female Hormone Estrogen
Native to eastern North America, black cohosh has been used by Native Americans dating back centuries for treating irregularities and symptoms associated with menopause as well as to lessen the pain and rigors of childbirth. Zeroing in a bit more on black cohosh’s use, contemporary research has pinpointed that the herb is most suitable for alleviating symptoms linked to deficiencies or imbalances in the hormone estrogen.
Black cohosh can be effective either used solo or in combination with other treatments, because it can act as a phytoestrogen, a plant-based compound that has the knack to simulate the properties of estrogen. Again, further discussion with a healthcare professional is advised. A 2018 study that involved 80 menopausal women experiencing hot flashes found that those who supplemented daily with 20 milligrams of black cohosh for a period of about two months had much fewer and less severe hot flashes than before starting the supplementation.
Even though black cohosh’s reputation as a natural remedy is for the most part focused on women’s health, specifically regulating symptoms of female hormone issues, it has also been shown to have applications aimed at men’s health in the areas of prostate health, general pain relief, and providing basic mood support.
It is also important to note that black cohosh is generally regarded as not suitable for long-term use, its role as a natural remedy better equipped for short-term use in treatment for any health-related issue as recommended at the discretion and guidance of a healthcare professional such as your personal physician. It might also interact/conflict with some medications, so you need to ask about that, too, as you would with most supplements as far as that goes. Proceed with optimism for how black cohosh can help you, but proceed with caution as well. In a nutshell, use only as directed.
Other Health Benefits Linked to Black Cohosh
Prostate Health Support. Although limited in scope, some research using in vitro and animal models has hinted that black cohosh could thwart the growth of harmful prostate cells. It accomplishes this by attaching itself to some receptors such as the aryl hydrocarbon receptor, thus limiting the effects of the enzyme 5-alpha reductase.
Pain Relief. This pertains to males as well as females. Because there are substances known as salicylic acid derivatives contained in black cohosh, the herb is bestowed with natural painkilling and anti-inflammatory characteristics. In this manner, black cohosh can act as a painkiller for symptoms such as muscle aches, joint pain (such as that related to arthritis), and nerve spasms.
Promote Mental Well-Being and Sleep. Also known as snakeroot, black bugbane, baneberry, rheumatism weed and fairy candle, among other names, the herb black cohosh has been classified as an ayurvedic supplement, referring to a long-held practice of traditional healthcare implementing ample use of healthful herbs. As such, it can not only relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression in menopausal woman, but also reduce mood swings and stress that accompany PMOS. Furthermore, thanks to its array of bioactive components, it can act as a sleep aid by reducing sleep-interrupting symptoms such as hot flashes.
Black cohosh has a long and illustrious history of bringing relief to menopausal women, although its beneficial effects cross gender lines as we have covered here. Keep in mind, though, that reports have shown that black cohosh should be used only on a short-term basis; long-term use can lead to diminishing returns and perhaps even detrimental effects to your health. In any event, use it wisely, and that’s after you have discussed your use of it with a healthcare professional.