Is PMS a major problem for you? Are stomach cramps preventing you from completing your day as planned? And are you reluctant to take drugs to forget the pain? Well, there is a natural remedy in the form of black cohosh, a time tested herb known to reduce menstrual pain.
Would you like to know more about this magical herb and the wonderful benefits it offers? Go ahead and read this post!
What is black cohosh? It is the Native Americans who first began enjoying the benefits of black cohosh hundreds of years ago. The plant’s dried roots are said to possess abilities to relieve menstrual pain and menopausal symptoms. Since you cannot ask the Native Americans directly for a piece of the root, modern medicine is offering the herb as tea, liquid or powder extracts. Black cohosh (Actaea racemosa) is also available as tablets and capsules.
Now let us have a look at the ten best black cohosh benefits.
Since ages, black cohosh has been found to relieve the symptoms of menopause, including night sweats, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, irritability, mood swings, and even a lack of sexual interest (1).
The herb was lauded for its positive outcome on both physical and psychological aspects of menopause.
Recently, considerable research has been done on the herb’s actual effectiveness. It is believed that black cohosh acts in the same manner as the female hormone estrogen. Further observation has been hinting at a possible involvement in signal transmission. This could explain why the supplement has a mood changing effect, relieving menopausal migraines and other painful sensations. Suggested dosage for this purpose is up to 200mg per day.
Any woman would love to have an easy fix for this. Many women around the world suffer from exceptionally painful menstruation, also called dysmenorrhea, wherein the menstrual cramps prevent them from functioning normally during their daily activities. Black cohosh is believed to ease the pain that radiates down the lower back. It works by reducing spasms in both the skeletal and smooth muscles that are linked to the cramps.
Black cohosh has properties that dilate blood vessels, thereby creating general sense of wellness. It also lowers high blood pressure and prevents the onset of headaches. Herbalists suggest taking the herb a few days before and during menstruation.
Another dreaded condition associated with the female reproductive system is polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). It is primarily associated with irregular menstrual cycles and abnormal weight changes. The endocrine disorder has tough symptoms, and black cohosh certainly helps them with its positive effect on ovulation. It can also be used to induce a menstrual period.
Women of child bearing age are advised to take black cohosh to improve their fertility. Couples, who consumed this supplement, including men, were observed to have increased levels of fertility. While the herb had a protective effect on sperm cells due to its antioxidant like property, it promoted ovulation in females due to the hormone like property.
Black cohosh has been used often to induce labor in women beyond term. However, this must be done only in the presence of an expert as there could be complications. All dosages being correct, the herb has the ability to ease the pain during child birth, while helping post term pain management.
Black cohosh intake by pregnant women accelerates the release of hormones in a body already prepared for labor. The herb also ensures the uterine wall and birth canals are well prepared for the process ahead. As a precaution, women before term are advised not to take the herb as it can cause a miscarriage. Women are also warned against taking black cohosh for any ill advised abortions.
Bloating is an uncomfortable feeling that many us would have experienced at one point or another. It could have a range of reasons, but water retention before and during menstruation is the major cause. To have a natural solution for the problem, one can opt for black cohosh as it has mild diuretic properties. This is why the herb is such an effective remedy for many other annoying menstrual symptoms.
Black cohosh is known to have anti-inflammatory properties. Daily intake of the supplement for two months was found to reduce pain associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis (2). Though bone functioning stays the same, pain surely gets reduced.
When the body is stressed, the mind is not far behind. One of the common starting points for depression is anxiety, and black cohosh has the ability to alleviate this very factor (3). Research has proven that the herb visibly reduced anxiety in women who took it. Other studies also suggested that the supplement can work better than the existing anti anxiety medications.
There are indications that black cohosh has beneficial effects on the heart. The herb helps to prevent the deposit of low density lipoproteins on the artery walls. It also helps reduce bad cholesterol levels, besides lowering blood pressure.
Black cohosh has multiple benefits, of which pain relief is a much needed remedy. Currently, the herb is most popularly applied in medically treating menopausal symptoms. Hence, women over the age of 50 are most benefited from it. Others can also gain relief from painful conditions like arthritis or headaches with this simple herb. However, before you take black cohosh, make sure to check for any counter indications as some groups are prone to side effects.
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