Stop Menstrual Cramps With Black Cohosh

Black cohosh grows in open woods and at the edges of dense forests from Ontario to Tennessee and west to Missouri. This perennial grows to 8 feet and is topped by a long plume of white flowers. The term “black” refers to the dark color of the rhizome. The name “cohosh” comes from an Algonquian word meaning “rough,” referring to the feel of the rhizome. Plants associated with the name include other Cimicifuga species, Macrotys actaeoides and Actaea racemosa.

The roots and rhizomes of this herb are used medicinally. Traditional uses include the treatment of dysmenorrhea, dyspepsia, and rheumatisms. A tea from the root has been recommended for sore throat. The Latin name cimicifuga means “bug-repellent” and the plant has been used for this purpose. American Indians used the plant to treat general malaise, kidney ailments, malaria, rheumatism, sore throat, gynecological disorders (eg, menstrual cramps, ease of labor), and snakebites.

North American colonists used the herb for treating amenorrhea, bronchitis, chorea, dropsy, fever, hysteria, itch, lumbago, nervous disorders, snakebite, yellow fever, and uttering disorders. In traditional Chinese medicine, the herb was valued for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and fever reducing properties.

Black Cohosh has been shown to alleviate menopausal discomforts. An important and widely studied plant component used to treat menopause is a standardized extract from the black cohosh plant, which is also known as Cimicu-fuga racemosa. This black cohosh extract is approved by the German Ministry of Health (The German Komission E) for the treatment of menopausal symptoms related to estrogen deficiency.

Standardized black cohosh has been trademarked under the name Remifemin for sale as a drug in countries throughout the world. More than 1.7 million women in Europe and Australia have used this natural herbal extract to treat menopausal symptoms. Clinical studies show that Remifemin alleviates not only hot flashes, but also depression, anxiety, vaginal atrophy, and a host of other menopause-related disorders (Liske 1998).

In a 2006 German trial of over 300 women, researchers found Black cohosh to be safe and effective in relieving complaints related to menopause when study participants took it with St. John’s wort. In 2005, researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago reviewed studies over the past 38 years of alternative therapies for menopause and found black cohosh to be safe and effective in relieving hot flashes and possibly mood disorders.

Black cohosh extract is available in capsule, tablet, and liquid extract forms. Look for name brands such as Solaray, Natures Plus and Enzymatic Therapy for Quality Standardized Black Cohosh. Quality brands like the ones must mention can be found at your local or internet health food store.

*Statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Black cohosh extract is not intended to diagnose, treat and cure or prevent disease. Always consult with your professional health care provider before changing any medication or adding Vitamins to medications.