Black cohosh has been used for several centuries as an herbal extract for its medicinal properties. The plant - also known as bugbane, bugwort, snakeroot and rattle root - is generally incorporated into teas, pills and liquid tinctures that are used for medical purposes. Two key parts of the plant that offer extremely beneficial health effects are its roots and stems. Here are some of the additional health advantages offered by black cohosh:
Reduction in symptoms related to menopause
Black cohosh root is beneficial in the reduction of symptoms related to menopause. Some of the symptoms that the root can help alleviate are mood swings, irritability and hot flashes. Insomnia, another symptom of menopause, can be reduced by consuming black cohosh.
Relief from symptoms associated with pre-menstrual syndrome
Another set of symptoms from which black cohosh can offer significant relief is pre-menstrual syndrome. The plant has anti-spasmodic properties and it also contains salicylates that allow it to alleviate the symptoms of the syndrome. Some of the symptoms from which the plant offers relief are muscle cramps, upset stomach, and backaches. In addition to this it also helps lower food cravings, irritability and anxiety related to the syndrome. It also helps reduce the possibility of headaches, as it contains compounds that allow it to constrict blood vessels.
Alleviation of inflammation caused due to arthritis
The anti-inflammatory properties of black cohosh have the ability to provide relief from pain associated with arthritis. Two types of arthritis from which the plant can provide pain relief are osteo-arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Black cohosh can be relatively effective when combined with other plants like willow bark, poplar bark, sarsaparilla and guaiacum raisin.
Prevention of bone loss and enhanced healing in osteoporosis
Black cohosh contains plant based estrogens called phytoestrogens that have the ability to prevent the loss of bone. This is a key symptom associated with osteoporosis. Hence, the activity of black cohosh in those with osteoporosis can help prevent bones from becoming fragile. It can also reduce the related risk of fractures. Another benefit of consuming black cohosh is that it can enhance bone healing when they are fractured due to osteoporosis. Its effects are most significant when consumed during the early stages of osteoporosis.
Lowered risk of breast cancer
Another benefit of black cohosh is its ability to lower the risk of breast cancer by almost 60%. The plant is capable of doing this, as it contains phytoestrogens that can reduce the negative effects of estrogen. One such effect is its tendency to encourage the development and growth of cancer that is hormone receptor positive. By using black cohosh, the phytoestrogens in it can reduce the risk of this type of cancer.
Additional health benefits of black cohosh
Black cohosh can be used to bring down the levels of bad cholesterol - low density lipoprotein - in the blood.
The plant can play an effective role in the reduction of symptoms related to dysmenorrhoa.
Black cohosh can be used to obtain relief from a range of other medical conditions like kidney disorders, cough, malaria, hives, sore throat and cold.
