Black cohosh is a powerful herbal plant used extensively in traditional medicine for healing several health issues. This perennial flowering plant, a member of the buttercup family goes with the scientific names Actaea raemosa and Cimicifuga racemosa. A native plant to North America, this herb is also known by other common names such as snakeroot, black bugbane, rattle weed, macrotys, baneberry, rheumatism weed and fairy candle. This healing herb has been used since ancient times for treating several maladies including musculoskeletal pain, arthritis, fever, cough, pneumonia and menstrual irregularities.

 A key plant compound fukinolic acid in black cohosh mimics the action of the hormone estrogen and functions as a phytoestrogen that helps to maintain hormonal balance and boost fertility in women. Black cohosh is now widely used as a health tonic to support women’s reproductive health and treat menopausal symptoms including hot flashes, vaginal dryness, palpitations, insomnia, nervousness and irritability.

Bioactive Compounds in Black Cohosh

The roots, rhizomes, flowers of the black cohosh plant are used to make supplements that are available as a powdered whole herb, concoction and pill form. A myriad of bioactive compounds present in black cohosh such as triterpene glycosides such as actein, 23-epi-26-deoxyactein, and cimicifugoside; resins, such as cimicifugin; and aromatic acid derivatives such as caffeic, isoferulic, and fukinolic acids. These plant compounds exhibit strong anti-inflammatory, analgesics and antioxidants traits.

Also Read: Ayurveda For Menopause: Healing Herbs To Help Manage Hormones And Ageing

Incredible Health Benefits Of Black Cohosh

Remedies Menopausal Symptoms

The richness of fukinolic acid in black cohosh exhibits strong estrogen properties, which works as a natural remedy for treating menopausal problems. Several pieces of research have strongly revealed that black cohosh supplement alleviated menopause symptoms such as headaches, hot flashes, mood swings, night sweats and vaginal dryness. Furthermore, black cohosh supplements are also helpful in easing PMS symptoms and induce labour.

Boosts Fertility

The holistic science of Ayurveda greatly values black cohosh as an effective herb in enhancing women’s reproductive well-being. The host of bioactive compounds in black cohosh supplement work amazingly well in regulating hormonal imbalance, improve fertility and pregnancy rates in women.

Also Read: Women’s Health: 7 Incredible Herbs For Managing PCOS Naturally

Manages PCOS

PCOS is a common problem affecting women in their reproductive age that leads to hormonal imbalance, weight gain and irregular menstrual cycle. Black cohosh is a potent ayurvedic supplement that helps to maintain hormone balance, regulate the cycle and blood flow. While it is also valuable in treating fibroids in the uterus and supplementing with black cohosh supports to reduce the size of uterine fibroids.

Uplifts Mental Well-being

This Ayurvedic formulation works incredibly well in boosting mental health and combat stress. Regular use of this herbal supplement eases anxiety and depression in menopausal women. Aside from this, black cohosh is also helpful in alleviating mood swings and stress associated with PMS.

Promotes Sleep

Black cohosh offers one-stop remedy in promoting sleep and may also lessen symptoms that are causing sleep disturbances due to hot flashes. Black cohosh when taken prior to bed-time nourish the cells of brain, improve sleep pattern that aids in restful night sleep.

Potent Anti-inflammatory Effects

The presence of salicylic acid in black cohosh is responsible for its strong anti-inflammatory traits. This herb works as natural painkillers and makes it beneficial for treating arthritis and eases muscle and joint pain. Moreover, it also functions as a vasodilator lowering stress on the heart muscles and optimises cardiac well-being.

Natural Pain Reliever

Black cohosh has been used since times immemorial for alleviating periods that have been attributed to its powerful anti-spasmodic characteristics. The potent analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties make Black Cohosh an amazing herb for easing aches and pains related to muscle strain or injury.

Dosage

Black cohosh supplement is available in the form of capsule, liquid extract or herbal. The recommended dosage of black cohosh is between 20-120 mg extract or powder form daily. Remember it is not advisable to take black cohosh for more than 6 months to 1 year, as it has high potential to damage the liver.

Side Effects

Black cohosh has some side effects, but they are mild which includes stomach upset, nausea, skin rashes, infection, breast enlargement and spotting. It has also been linked to liver problems, hence a person suffering from liver disease should avoid taking this supplement. It is always best to seek advice from a certified Ayurveda practitioner before taking any supplement.